The Elusive Samurai Looks Too Good to Be True

Highlights

The Elusive Samurai is a stunning anime with a captivating narrative that expertly balances humor and historical drama.
The protagonist, Tokiyuki, challenges traditional views of heroism by using his survival skills as a form of strength.
Episode 2 maintains the high-quality animation and introduces new characters, promising an exciting journey ahead for Tokiyuki.

As a huge fan of anime and someone who has been following Japanese culture for years, I was immediately drawn to The Elusive Samurai when I heard about its unique premise. Tokiyuki, our protagonist, is not your typical samurai hero. He’s quick-witted, resourceful, and most importantly, alive. Title	The Elusive Samurai
Director	Yuuta Yamazaki
Studio	CloverWorks
Premiere Date	7/6/2024

Caution: This section unveils secrets from The Elusive Samurai’s Episode 1, titled “May 22nd,” which is currently available for viewing on Crunchyroll.

When the thought “This is the most beautiful anime I’ve come across in years” brings a familiar sensation, like I’ve had this thought before, it suggests that there have been many impressive anime productions in recent times. Last Winter, “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” left viewers in awe with its stunning animation. More recently, “The Elusive Samurai” by CloverWorks has done the same, leaving audiences once again amazed.

As a gamer immersed in the world of “The Elusive Samurai,” I can tell you that this historical shōnen is set in Japan during the turbulent year of 1333, following the downfall of the Kamakura shogunate. Loosely inspired by the life of Hojo Tokiyuki, the surviving heir, I find myself in his shoes as I elude my pursuers and avoid certain execution. With a newfound resolve to restore the once-great Kamakura shogunate, I embark on an adventure filled with challenges, forming alliances with fresh companions along the way.

A Jaw-Dropping Premiere

The Enigmatic Samurai

Instead of “No, the true protagonist is an eight-year-old Hojo Tokiyuki, and over the next five minutes, you’ll find it hard not to be charmed by this kid,” we could say:

A Peaceful Start to a Wild Adventure

I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing a captivating tale unfold before my very eyes as I strolled through the castle grounds. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the lush greenery, and the gentle breeze carried the sounds of laughter and merriment from within the castle walls.

Without inviting disaster, our protagonist stumbles upon an intriguing figure: Yorishige Suwa, a Shinto priest who alleges to have the ability to predict the future. He warns Tokiyuki that in just two years, he will hold significant influence over Japan’s destiny. Skeptical of this claim, Tokiyuki distances himself from Yorishige, dismissing him as a fraud, and resumes his peaceful existence. However, in what seems like the blink of an eye, the road to that prophesied future materializes abruptly and forcefully.

The Biggest Hurdles to Loving The Elusive Samurai

In the middle of the first episode, the mood changes significantly as the narrative jumps forward to depict Takauji’s deceit towards the Kamakura shogunate. This type of historical fiction assumes a certain level of Japanese history awareness from its audience, making it challenging for some Western viewers to keep up. Consequently, this assumption fuels the brisk tempo of this premiere.

In the initial act, several seemingly permanent secondary characters are surprisingly among the deceased, leaving only Tokiyuki alive. The ensuing occurrences, though gory, are portrayed with equal, if not greater, vividness compared to the earlier, more joyful suspenseful elements.

In contrasting ways, the first part of the show may initially confuse or unsettle viewers due to its striking contrast with its warm and humorous appearance. Yet, the second half becomes even more impactful as a result, eliciting profound emotions through its relatable characters. This unexpected contrast is what makes the climax of the premiere and the underlying message of this series so gripping and unforgettable.

Become A Hero By Living

Right from the start of “The Elusive Samurai,” the narrative deviates from the typical conceptions of heroism and honor prevalent during that time. In a world where valor is determined by one’s readiness to take lives, this tale explores the possibility of becoming a hero despite having an inherent ability to escape. Moreover, it dispels any notion of cowardice associated with this portrayal and instead presents this survival instinct as something enchanting and deserving of appreciation.

Takauji becomes a hero by killing, you become a hero by living.

After the thrilling climax of Episode 1, where Tokiyuki manages to elude the relentless samurai seeking his demise, Yorishige speaks these words to him: “I will help you transform your shogunate and provide you with valuable allies for this endeavor.” This passage occurs post-climax and serves as a testament to the animation and choreography expertise, creating a chaotic yet visually engaging scene that flawlessly concludes the episode.

Episode 2 Keeps the Thrills Coming

After being thoroughly impressed by Episode 1’s exceptional quality, there was apprehension that the series might not be able to sustain such a high level of brilliance. However, with Episode 2, any doubts are starting to fade. The episode showcases stunning visuals once again and presents intriguing new characters. Tokiyuki’s portrayal as a hero continues to develop, revealing a hint of insanity in his gaze during battles – as if he thrives on the thrill of brushing against the boundary between life and death.

His strategy is evasion and wearing down enemies through attrition and the aid of his friends. He doesn’t have the strongest sword arm, but he’s not powerless, and his evasive skill removes the pressure for his allies to guard him quite as fiercely. The most exciting thing about watching this series is seeing just how Tokiyuki will fight back against the men hunting him and just what kind of hero he will become.

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this series so far, but there have been moments that threw me off a bit. For instance, the unexpected shifts in tone during somber scenes, like when Yorishige appears, can be quite jarring. In Episode 2, for example, the focus is on Tokiyuki dealing with the aftermath of a brutal death. These heavy themes make it challenging to keep up with the show’s overall tone. Balancing these elements will be crucial if the series intends to fully explore its themes in the long run. Despite this minor concern, I’m impressed by the strong start to the season.