Summary
The Elusive Samuraihas exploded onto Crunchyroll as the latestWeekly Shonen Jumpanime adaptation, generating plenty of buzz. Thanks to CloverWorks' elegant execution of Yusei Matsui’s series, viewers worldwide can now enjoy the breathtaking visuals inspired by nostalgic stylish anime from a bygone era. With the upcoming release ofThe Elusive Samuraiepisode #2, viewers and new fans can follow Tokiyuki Hojo’s journey as an unlikely hero against the brutal insurrection of Takauji Ashikaga.
Yusei Matsui’sThe Elusive Samuraiis the latest project from the veteran mangaka, previously known forstellar series with fantastic characters likeAssassination Classroom.The series follows Tokiyuki Hojo of the Hojo Clan, whose family lives in relative peace until a formerly trusted ally, Takauji Ashikaga, stages a violent coup against the Kamakura Shogunate, with Tokiyuki initially forced into hiding while he plans to avenge his slaughtered family.
Despite not being a gifted fighter, Tokiyuki has the godly ability to avoid harm inThe Elusive Samurai, which will come into play with the release of episode #2.
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When Does Episode #2 of The Elusive Samurai Release?
Produced by CloverWorks Studio, Based on the Manga by Yusei Matsui
New English-subbed episodes ofThe Elusive Samuraiare released weekly on Crunchyroll for international streaming audiences.Episode #2 will be released on Saturday, July 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM PDT (12:00 PM EDT).For English dub fans, Crunchyroll has yet to confirm plans for one, although any updates can be found onthe Crunchyroll Summer 2024 lineup portal.
If Crunchyroll doesn’t show the episode at the exact release time, check the episode list on the most recently released installment, as it can occasionally show there first.
The Elusive Samuraibegan as part of the Summer 2024 anime lineup, debuting on Crunchyroll on Saturday, July 01, 2025. The series quickly garnered attention for an immensely impressive opening theme and prologue,a surprising array of visual storytelling elements,and a gorgeous, colorful, vibrant style reminiscent of anime from the late 1990s and early 2000s.The Elusive Samuraimay be Shonen Jump’s latest sleeper hit, especially withsome of the year’s best visuals. However, withBlue Boxin the Fall season, Netflix may have some Shonen Jump-related competition brewing.
What Happened in The Elusive Samurai Episode #1?
The Young Hojo Heir Loses Everything in an Instant
The beginning of The Elusive Samurai teases viewers with a history lesson about Takauji Ashikaga, the Nanboku-chō period, and the Kenmu Restoration beginning in 1333,cheekily reminding viewers that Takauji’s not the protagonist of the anime. The story opens with a young Tokiyuki demonstrating his talents as he lightheartedly evades his retainers while running about town, being a playful child. Here, this momentary peace shows the Hojo clan’s relationship with Takauji Ashikaga, and Tokiyuki meets the eccentric priest, Suwa Yorishige, who foretells a great future for him as a hero.
But as the episode reaches its halfway point, the other shoe drops as Takauji makes his play to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate, led by Tokiyuki’s Hojo clan. It’s here that the true plot ofThe Elusive Samuraiis set in motion, with Takauji needing his forces to wipe out any survivors of the Hojo clan, only to find out Tokiyuki is an exceedingly difficult life to snuff out. This is demonstrated masterfully inThe Elusive Samurai’sinstantly iconic scene where Yorishige, as a test,pushes Tokiyuki off a cliff into enemy hands, only for him to avoid any harm whatsoever deftly.
The scene demonstrates the impressive visual fidelity inThe Elusive Samurai, Yorishige’s absurd predictions coming perfectly true, giving him perfect confidence in the young prince and Tokiyuki’s talents saving his life. What would be a certain death scenario for any other human is the proving ground forTokiyuki’s divine talent for running away and hiding, resulting in a perfectly choreographed sequence where innumerable soldiers can’t land a single blow on the prince. Tokiyuki leaves the scene in Yorishige’s arms, trusting the priest with his life.
The Elusive Samurai Episode #2 Introduces Tokiyuki’s Retainers
The Hojo Scion Is Not Without Hope
While young,Tokiyuki’s retainers are introduced in greater detail inThe Elusive Samurai, forming an early basis for his most trusted allies, the Elusive Warriors. These include Kojiro Nezu, Ayako Mochizuki, and Yorishige’s young priestess, Shizuku, with more to be introduced later.Each of the characters will soon bond with Tokiyukiand realize that his talents to avoid harm give him a unique tactical edge in battle, which is essential as a former Kamakura retainer turns rogue, leading to the first major first inThe Elusive Samuraiepisode #2.
Tokiyuki being betrayed by formerly loyal Kamakura officers is not an isolated incident, either, as the young prince will see multiple instances of banners that once swore allegiance to the Kamakura Shogunate would turn on it immediately, given the opportunity. It also gives Tokiyuki a chance to meditate on how Takauji must have plotted his coup for years, being a beloved public figure while concealing these dark motives the whole time. InThe Elusive Samuraiepisode #2, though, Tokiyuki will get his first true chance to fight back against the enemies who took everything from him.
