On the surface, The Elusive Samurai looks like a kids’ show, like Nintama Rantarō. With samurai! But if you spend more time with the anime, you’ll discover a deep story of betrayal and revenge. However, The Elusive Samurai goes far deeper. Let’s peel away some of those layers and see why you should be watching Tokiyuki’s story.
The Plot Happens after the Plot
The Elusive Samurai (or Nige Jōzu no Wakagimi, “The Young Lord Who Is Skilled at Escaping”) is based on the manga of the same name by writer and illustrator Yusei Matsui. Unlike Matsui’s more famous sci-fi work, Assassination Classroom,* The Elusive Samurai takes inspiration from history, retelling the life of Hōjō Tokiyuki and his quest for revenge.
And oh boy, is it one heck of a story.
Weakness. Or Strength
What is your greatest weakness? Do you sweat buckets in crowded spaces? Are you incapable of intelligible conversation around women? Whatever it is, there’s hope. A wise lady once told me that our greatest weaknesses can become our greatest strengths. James Earl Jones had a stutter. Beethoven composed his Fifth Symphony — that top of the classic pops chart-topper — while losing his hearing.
Tokiyuki’s weakness is that he’s a top-tier shirker. He can — and does — avoid any responsibility. That’s not great when you’re destined for leadership (at least the beneficial kind). But The Elusive Samurai is not a slice-of-life anime where the main character sits around all day. When a traitor destroys his family and town, Tokiyuki has to man up and take control of his destiny.
I did not expect such a deep and meaningful life lesson from this anime. The Elusive Samurai has even more to offer.
Death. Or Life
When I reviewed Ninja Kamui, I said the story followed a familiar pattern of loss and revenge. We like revenge fantasies because they resonate with the dark part of ourselves that has an axe to grind. Or bury it in some jackass’s face. Of course, we know revenge fantasies should stay fantasies. Stories like Ninja Kamui and The Elusive Samurai let us vicariously live out those fantasies through anime.
The Elusive Samurai’s strength is in going deeper than revenge alone. How do you rebuild your life after a disaster? How do you move on? Tokiyuki finds a new family among his suspicious priest guide, Suwa Yorishige, and his new retainers, shrine maiden Shizuku, sword prodigy Kojirō, muscle girl Ayako, thief Kazama Genba, and Fubuki. They show him that there’s life after tragedy and give him a purpose more meaningful than personal revenge.
The Elusive Samurai — Should You Be Watching?
Yes. What more can I say?
The Elusive Samurai is a surprisingly meaningful anime with expert production values, quality voice acting, and a story worth investing in. Some things you might not expect, especially if you’re new to anime, are the heaps of dead bodies, buckets of blood, violence against kids, and seemingly irreverent jokes following the bleak tragedy that develops on screen. You might also find the breaking of the fourth wall and references to modern video games jarring. However, these elements have their place in the storytelling. If you’re still intrigued, give the show some eyeball time.
There is one exception worth mentioning if you’re a parent. This isn’t a kids’ show. I watched the first few minutes with mine, thinking it was. I’m eternally grateful they missed the treacherous turning point. I have young, impressionable kids, and they wouldn’t have slept after watching the gruesome conclusion of episode 1. You might decide older kids are mature enough to understand the anime’s context. Like anything blasting out of a screen, give The Elusive Samurai a watch and decide for yourself.
CloverWorks produces The Elusive Samurai, with Yuta Yamazaki directing and Yoriko Tomita writing scripts. You can watch The Elusive Samurai on Crunchyroll in English or Japanese. The first three episodes are free to watch on the site.
I give The Elusive Samurai a solid five out of five Chibi Megumis. I fully invested in the story midway through the first episode, the second episode gave me goosebumps, and the third was an adventure with new friends.
The Elusive Nendoroid
Here’s excellent news for this anime’s fans. We have it on good authority that Tokiyuki has a Goodsmile Nendoroid in the works. Don’t let him evade your collection. Ha!
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Are you watching The Elusive Samurai? Did the plot surprise you? Did you read the manga (no spoilers, please)? Are you enjoying the adaptation? Tell us in the comments below or on social media.
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* The Assassination Classroom manga has 25 million copies in circulation, while The Elusive Samurai has 3 million.
