The Elusive Samurai (2024)
A young lord on the run turns survival into an art form in this vibrant historical anime from CloverWorks.
The Elusive Samurai - Series Information
- Original Title: 逃げ上手の若君
- First Air Year: 2024
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 6, 2024 (United States - TV-14), July 6, 2024 (Australia - M), July 6, 2024 (Brazil - 16)
- Networks: Fuji TV, Gunma TV, Tokyo MX, BS11, Tochigi TV
- Alternative Titles: 擅长逃跑的少主殿下 (CN), Nige Jōzu no Wakagimi (JP), The Young Lord Who Is Skilled at Escaping (US)
- Production Companies: CloverWorks, Aniplex, Shueisha, Tokyo MX, BS11
- Production Countries: Japan
The Elusive Samurai - Plot
Set between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, during the Kenmu Restoration, the story follows the tale of Hojo Tokiyuki, a boy on the run after his family is overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji. With his only allies being a shady priest and his followers, the young lord must seek revenge and regain his glory, with his only weapon: a superhuman ability to flee and hide.
The Elusive Samurai - Trailer
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The Elusive Samurai - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Asaki Yuikawa as Tokiyuki Hojo (voice)
- Yuichi Nakamura as Yorishige Suwa (voice)
- Hinaki Yano as Shizuku (voice)
- Mari Hino as Kojiro (voice)
- Sayumi Suzushiro as Ayako (voice)
- Aoi Yuuki as Kazama Genba (voice)
- Kikunosuke Toya as Fubuki (voice)
Writers
- Yoriko Tomita
- Rino Yamazaki
- Dai Katarayama
Executive Producers
- Akifumi Fujio
- Masanori Miyake
- Nobuhiro Nakayama
The Elusive Samurai - FAQs
Where can you stream The Elusive Samurai?
The Elusive Samurai is available to stream on Crunchyroll and through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, both offering flat-rate subscription access. Episodes can also be purchased individually via the Apple TV Store for viewers who prefer to own the content digitally.
Is The Elusive Samurai based on a manga?
Yes, The Elusive Samurai is adapted from the manga series of the same name by Yusei Matsui, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. The manga blends real historical figures from Japan's Kamakura and Muromachi periods with action-comedy storytelling, and has been praised for its inventive take on the era.
Who voices the main characters in The Elusive Samurai?
Asaki Yuikawa voices the protagonist Tokiyuki Hojo, while Yuichi Nakamura plays the cunning priest Yorishige Suwa. The supporting cast includes Hinaki Yano as Shizuku, Mari Hino as Kojiro, Sayumi Suzushiro as Ayako, Aoi Yuuki as Kazama Genba, and Kikunosuke Toya as Fubuki.
Is The Elusive Samurai based on real history?
Partially. Hojo Tokiyuki was a real historical figure who survived the fall of the Kamakura shogunate in 1333 and later led a brief counter-coup. The series dramatizes his story with anime-style action and humor, incorporating real figures like Ashikaga Takauji while taking significant creative liberties.
When did The Elusive Samurai first air?
The Elusive Samurai premiered on July 6, 2024, airing in Japan on networks including Tokyo MX, Fuji TV, BS11, Gunma TV, and Tochigi TV. The series became available internationally on the same date through Crunchyroll, making it accessible to global audiences simultaneously.
How many episodes does Season 1 have?
Season 1 of The Elusive Samurai consists of 12 episodes. The series is produced by CloverWorks and each episode runs approximately 24 minutes. A second season has been confirmed, and the show currently holds a status of Returning Series with production ongoing.
Is The Elusive Samurai worth watching for anime fans?
The Elusive Samurai has earned strong praise for its vibrant animation by CloverWorks, inventive action choreography, and its fresh spin on feudal Japanese history. Fans of shounen anime and historical settings have responded enthusiastically, and critics have highlighted its energetic pacing and distinctive visual style.
What are similar anime shows to The Elusive Samurai?
Viewers who enjoy The Elusive Samurai may also appreciate Kingdom, a historical war anime set in ancient China, and Laughing Under the Clouds, another series rooted in Japanese history. For broader anime recommendations, 【OSHI NO KO】 and House of Ninjas offer similarly compelling genre storytelling.
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