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Japan Anime News Edit by Satoru Shoji

The Elusive Samurai Episode 2 Summary & Scene Cuts Released

Scene cuts and the synopsis for Episode 2 of the anime "The Elusive Samurai (Nigewaka),", set to air on Saturday, July 13, have been released. Hojo Tokiyuki, who fled Kamakura due to Ashikaga Takauji's rebellion, was being sheltered by Suwa Yorishige. Who will Tokiyuki, who is devastated by the chain of betrayals, meet in Suwa?


Yorishige Suwa viaThe Elusive Samurai

Yorishige Suwa viaThe Elusive Samurai(C) Yusei Matsui/Shueisha, The Elusive Samurai Production Committee


"The Elusive Samurai" is based on the manga of the same name, which started serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in January 2021. Created by Yusei Matsui, known for "Neuro: Supernatural Detective" and "Assassination Classroom," the story is set in 1333 Kamakura. It follows the life of Tokiyuki Hojo, the last successor of the Kamakura shogunate, a young warlord renowned for his exceptional escape skills. The manga has surpassed 2 million copies in circulation.


Tokiyuki Hojo viaThe Elusive Samurai

Tokiyuki Hojo viaThe Elusive Samurai(C) Yusei Matsui/Shueisha, The Elusive Samurai Production Committee


The story focuses on Tokiyuki Hojo, a historical figure rarely chosen as a story's subject, highlighting his tumultuous life through Matsui's interpretation and artistry. The narrative begins with the sudden rebellion of Takauji Ashikaga, leading to the fall of the Kamakura shogunate. Tokiyuki, who was supposed to live as the shogunate's successor, loses everything at the age of eight due to this rebellion.


Shizuku, Tokiyuki, Yorishige

Shizuku, Tokiyuki, Yorishige viaThe Elusive Samurai(C) Yusei Matsui/Shueisha, The Elusive Samurai Production Committee


Amid the transition from the Kamakura period to the Muromachi period, the boy became a hero through his elusiveness and a legend through his survival. The story focuses on a lesser-known historical figure, depicting the turbulent life of Hojo Tokiyuki, the elusive hero, based on historical facts, interpreted and illustrated by Matsui.


Ayako, Kojiro

Ayako, Kojiro viaThe Elusive Samurai(C) Yusei Matsui/Shueisha, The Elusive Samurai Production Committee


The story begins with the sudden rebellion of Ashikaga Takauji and the fall of the Kamakura Shogunate. The boy, Hojo Tokiyuki, who was supposed to live as the shogunate's successor, loses everything—his family and status—at the age of eight due to this rebellion.


Scene cut viaThe Elusive Samurai

Scene cut viaThe Elusive Samurai(C) Yusei Matsui/Shueisha, The Elusive Samurai Production Committee


However, Tokiyuki was more adept at escaping and surviving than anyone else. Recognizing this talent, Suwa Yorishige, a priest from Shinano Province, guides him, and the boy embarks on a path to become a hero through his elusiveness. This Southern and Northern Court-era spectacle "fugitive tale" depicts the history of the most elusive young warlord’s wanderings, hiding, and revenge.