Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai

Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai

Highlights

  • The Elusive Samurai merges action and humor in a historical setting, offering a unique twist on revenge and betrayal.
  • Check out Samurai Deeper Kyo, a supernatural samurai tale with a hidden persona, perfect for fans of exciting historical stories.
  • Dive into Peacemaker Kurogane, a gripping tale of revenge and honor set in the Shinsengumi era of Japan, ideal for history buffs.

As a seasoned manga and anime enthusiast who’s spent countless nights under the glow of neon streetlights in Akihabara, I must say that these three titles are nothing short of masterpieces that capture the essence of Japan’s rich history and culture.


As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel excited about diving into the world of “The Elusive Samurai,” a fresh anime creation from the prolific Shueisha studio. Known for his masterpiece, “Assassination Classroom,” author Yusei Matsui is at it again, weaving an intriguing tale. Set in the aftermath of the Kamakura Shogunate’s fall, this captivating story follows me, young Tokiyuki Hojo, on a personal mission for vengeance against the treacherous Takauji Ashikaga, who brought ruin to my family.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into the world of “The Elusive Samurai,” I must say this historical tale delivers an electrifying blend of pulse-pounding action and Matsui’s signature, side-splitting humor. Though the anime presents its story in a fresh, captivating way, it shares a setting that has been ventured into by many other shows. If you’re a fan of “The Elusive Samurai,” here are some top-tier anime adaptations from shonen manga that I reckon you’d find intriguing:

8 Samurai Deeper Kyo

A Shadowy Soul Hidden Within A Kindly Spirit

Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai
Studio Studio Deen
Based On Manga by Akimine Kamijyo
Where to Watch N/A

Yuya Shiina is a relentless bounty hunter across Japan in pursuit of the man responsible for her brother’s death. Along her journey, she encounters Kyoshiro Mibu, who appears to be a meek and compassionate peddler but conceals a more fearsome alter ego – Demon Eyes Kyo, a fierce samurai yearning to regain control of his own body.

“Samurai Deeper Kyo” is a captivating tale set in the aftermath of the Warring States era, brimming with fantastical elements that deviate from actual history. For enthusiasts of the samurai epoch, this story promises an engaging and entertaining read.

7 Orient

Fantasy Bushi On An Oni-Slaying Adventure

Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai
Studio A.C.G.T
Based On Manga by Shinobu Ohtaka
Where to Watch Crunchyroll

In Japan, the Oni have taken over, and their tyranny forbids the existence of Bushi, the warriors capable of vanquishing them. Amidst this oppressive regime, two young men, Musashi and Kojiro, harbor a secret dream – to become Bushi. Living under Oni rule, they must conceal their aspirations. Yet, when an opportunity arises for them to realize their dreams, they find themselves irresistibly drawn towards it.

The anime titled “Orient” is a more modern creation, stemming from the manga of the renowned fantasy series creator who’s also known for “Magi.” Despite its setting in a fantastical Japan, it abounds with allusions to Japan’s Warring States Era, as evidenced by characters like Musashi and Kojiro, who are nods to the historical figures Musashi Miyamoto and Kojiro Sasaki, legendary swordsmen.

6 Mushibugyo

A Monster-Infested Edo

Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai
Studio Seven Arcs Pictures
Based On Manga by Hiroshi Fukuda
Where to Watch Crunchyroll

For over a century, the city of Edo has been under attack by colossal insect-like creatures, referred to as Mushi. The sole line of defense against these monsters is the City Guard, an alliance of samurai who collaborate in their battle efforts. Stepping into his father’s role, Jinbei Tsukishima joins this guard and vows to shield the citizens with all his might.

Mushibugyo” is an animated series that revolves around monster hunting set in a fictional time period within ancient Japan. Despite its tenuous connection to actual history, it remains entertaining for viewers who enjoy high-energy samurai battles with a supernatural twist.

5 Peacemaker Kurogane

A Revenge Story In The Shinsengumi

Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai
Studio Gonzo
Based On Manga by Nanae Chrono
Where to Watch Crunchyroll

Tetsunosuke and Tatsunosuke Ichimura lose their parents at a young age, leaving them on their own. Determined to find justice for his family, Tetsunosuke decides to pursue the killer relentlessly. In order to do so, he endeavors to join the Shinsengumi, an elite police unit made up of highly skilled samurai.

The anime titled “Peacemaker Kurogane” unfolds during a time in Japanese history that lies beyond the scope of many discussions here. Yet, this period brims with captivating happenings, making it an enticing watch for enthusiasts of historical anime.

4 Hell’s Paradise

A Search For The Elixir Of Immortality

Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai
Japanese Title Jigokuraku
Studio MAPPA
Based On Manga by Yuji Kaku
Where to Watch Crunchyroll

On the verge of execution due to a failed assassination mission, the seemingly indestructible ninja Gabimaru is unexpectedly spared. Recognizing his exceptional abilities and desire to stay alive, authorities opt instead to enlist him for a mission: investigating a puzzling island alongside several other captives. If they can locate the legendary potion of eternal life, their sentences will be commuted.

Hell’s Paradise is an animated series set in an undefined era of Japanese history, with occasional nods to historical facts for those familiar with the subject. However, don’t expect a historically accurate portrayal. Instead, prepare yourself for an engaging and intense action-packed anime, though be warned it’s significantly more brutal than The Elusive Samurai.

3 Dororo

The Demon-Hunting Body Restorer

Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai
Studio MAPPA, Tezuka Productions
Based On Manga by Osamu Tezuka
Where to Watch Amazon Prime Video

A nobleman offers sacrifices to twelve deity-like beings in order to ensure wealth for his territories. However, this decision brings about an unfortunate consequence: his newborn son is born without limbs and vital organs, causing him to be abandoned. The boy is later discovered by a physician who equips him with prosthetic limbs. Now called Hyakkimaru, the boy embarks on a journey across the land to reclaim his stolen body parts, accompanied by only one friend, a young thief named Dororo.

Dororo is a captivating action series by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the father of manga. Although its narrative strays from Japanese history, it is set during the Warring States Era in Japan and showcases the aesthetic and cultural aspects of that period.

2 Rurouni Kenshin

The Former Assassin Seeking Redemption

Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai
Studio Studio Gallop/Studio Deen (1996); Liden Films (2023)
Based On Manga by Nobuhiro Watsuki
Where to Watch Crunchyroll (2023 version)

In the Bakumatsu era, I was known as Battosai, a relentless assassin capable of felling numerous enemies with a single stroke of my blade. Yet, today, I roam Japan as a rurouni, wielding a reverse-edged sword that can’t claim lives. Having vowed to forsake taking life once and for all, I now fight to safeguard lives as penance for my past atrocities.

Rurouni Kenshin, originally from 1996, is an enduring samurai franchise that stands out as one of the most memorable. Despite a remake series launched last year, the initial anime remains enjoyable even today due to its top-notch animation for its time, engaging characters, and captivating mix of fact and fantasy. The fight scenes are thrilling, and there’s even a fair amount of humor scattered throughout (especially in the ’90s version).

1 Gintama

Futuristic Aliens In Samurai Country

Best Shonen Anime Like The Elusive Samurai
Studio Sunrise, Bandai Namco Pictures
Based On Manga by Hideaki Sorachi
Where to Watch Crunchyroll

In the aftermath of an alien invasion by beings known as Amanto, Japan undergoes dramatic changes. Despite these drastic alterations, traditional samurais find themselves obsolete and marginalized in this new society. Gintoki Sakata, once a samurai, now takes up various jobs around Edo to assist people bit by bit.

In my gaming world, I’ve found myself immersed in the unique universe of Gintama, a place where post-Bakumatsu Japan is turned on its head, blending traditional history with contemporary elements. This series is a treasure trove of historical references and is renowned for its genius blend of side-splitting humor, pulse-pounding action, and heartrending drama. As a fan of The Elusive Samurai, I can’t help but see the parallels between these two shows – both excel at juxtaposing the serious with the absurd, making them a perfect match for any adventurous gamer like myself.

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2024-07-31 02:34