Wednesday, 9 September 2026
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The Elusive Samurai

Facts

Noted
Episode 8 is titled 'Irreplaceable' · 2026-09-08
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Episode 8 introduces Mima Sasaki · 2026-09-08
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Episode 8 is called one of the best of the season · 2026-09-08
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Episode 8 receives praise for its animation and direction · 2026-09-08
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Shizuku gets a rare spotlight in the episode · 2026-09-08
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The larger plot still moves slowly · 2026-09-08
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Takauji's plans remain unclear · 2026-09-08
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Received a community score of 3.8 from Anime News Network's review · 2026-09-01
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Episode introduces Tokiyuki's scheming uncle Yasuie Hojo · 2026-09-01
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Season has lost the balance between comedy and stakes that defined season 1 · 2026-09-01
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Recent multi-episode battle ended with little consequence · 2026-09-01
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Story needs to start securing victories · 2026-09-01
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The episode introduces Yoritsugu, the grandson of Yorishige, as a chaotic child who brings comedy after weeks of war strategizing. · 2026-08-23
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The episode holds a community score of 3.8 and streams on Crunchyroll. · 2026-08-23
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recruits a wicked retainer · 2026-08-19
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introduces a warlord · 2026-08-19
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features an Imperial Court order threatening death or exile · 2026-08-19
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features a feared thief with a kitsune mask · 2026-08-19
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tests a heroic ideal · 2026-08-19
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Season 2 episode 4 opens with the kids reuniting with the Mochizuki warriors. · 2026-08-08
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The scene transforms into a live-action puppet show. · 2026-08-08
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The episode spends much of its runtime on maps, charts, and battle meetings. · 2026-08-08
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The highlight is the arrival of the Shinano Mask. · 2026-08-08
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The Shinano Mask is clearly Yorishige in a bright pink disguise. · 2026-08-08
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Tokiyuki asks his mentor for a more proactive role. · 2026-08-08
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The episode doubles down on the season's pattern of abrupt modal switches. · 2026-08-08
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The battle exposition drags. · 2026-08-08
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The Shinano Mask climax lands as a funny but low-stakes bit. · 2026-08-08
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The pop-up shop will run at Yurakucho Marui from August 15 to August 23, 2026 · 2026-08-04
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The pop-up shop will run at Namba Marui from August 28 to September 6, 2026 · 2026-08-04
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The event centers on a newly drawn illustration of Hojo Tokiyuki in seasonal attire, with four versions themed around spring, summer, autumn, and winter · 2026-08-04
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The shop will sell goods using these illustrations, including acrylic stands, trading washi-style can badges, omamori-style charms, polaroid shot collections, mini hanging scrolls, and bath towels · 2026-08-04
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A lottery will be held at the venue, with entry for purchases of 3,000 yen or more, and an extra entry for Epos Card users · 2026-08-04
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Prizes include a big acrylic stand and mini cards · 2026-08-04
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The Yurakucho venue is on the 8th floor, Space 6, and will be closed on August 19 · 2026-08-04
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Business hours are 11:00 to 19:00 at both locations · 2026-08-04
Release
tv · July 17 · JP · 2026-09-04
Release
tv · 2026-07-18 · 2026-07-18
Licensed by
Crunchyroll (global) · 2026-09-04
Announced
pop-up shop dates · 2026-08-04

Connections

Music by
kento nakajima
Writes of
yusei matsui
Voice cast of
niina hanamiya

Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/the-elusive-samurai. CC BY 4.0.

Claim activity

When a claim about the elusive samurai was confirmed, debunked, or disputed against open-web sources. The record stays even after a claim drops off the facts list.

  • Debunked tv 2026-07-27 4d ago · source
  • Confirmed yusei matsui writes The Elusive Samurai 6d ago · source
  • Disputed tv 2026-07-13 Japan 6d ago · source

All coverage

1d ago

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 8 Adds Schemer Mima Sasaki

Episode 8 of The Elusive Samurai Season 2, titled "Irreplaceable," introduces Mima Sasaki, a scheming gambler with magic powers who fleeces Genba and then plays a dice game against Shizuku. The episode is called one of the best of the season, with praise for its animation and direction. Shizuku gets a rare spotlight, using her spiritual connections and kissing Tokiyuki to cheat. The larger plot still moves slowly, and Takauji's plans remain unclear.

5d ago

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Adds Niina Hanamiya as Mima

The Elusive Samurai season 2 has added Niina Hanamiya to its cast as Mima. The season began airing July 17 on Fuji TV's Noitamina block and on AT-X, with Crunchyroll streaming it as it airs. Yuta Yamazaki returns to direct at CloverWorks, and Yasushi Nishiya returns as character designer and chief animation director. Kento Nakajima performs the opening theme, and Bocchiboromaru performs the ending with three guest vocalists from Hinatazaka46.

Sep 1

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Comedy Outweighs Stakes

Anime News Network's review of The Elusive Samurai Season 2 episode 7 gives it a community score of 3.8. The episode introduces Tokiyuki's scheming uncle Yasuie Hojo. The reviewer argues the season has lost the balance between comedy and stakes that defined season 1, and that the recent multi-episode battle ended with little consequence.

Aug 23

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 6 Review: A Comic Break

Anime News Network reviews episode 6 of The Elusive Samurai Season 2, "The Boy Who Became a God." The episode introduces Yoritsugu, the grandson of Yorishige, as a chaotic child who brings comedy after weeks of war strategizing. The review praises CloverWorks' animation and notes the episode is lighter on drama. The episode holds a community score of 3.8 and streams on Crunchyroll.

Aug 19

The Elusive Samurai Recruits a Wicked Retainer in Genba Kazama Arc

The Elusive Samurai introduces warlord Ogasawara Sadamune, who brings an Imperial Court order threatening death or exile for Tokiyuki's protectors. To steal the decree, Yorishige advises seeking wicked retainers, leading to Genba Kazama, a feared thief with a kitsune mask. Genba's backstory reveals a broken bond: his father, a loyal vassal, was scapegoated for his thieving skills and disgraced.

Aug 18

The Elusive Samurai Pop Up Shop Opens With Four Seasons Goods

The Elusive Samurai Marui POP UP SHOP opens at Yurakucho Marui on August 15 and Namba Marui on August 28. New goods use freshly drawn illustrations with a four seasons theme. Items include acrylic stands, trading washi-style can badges, trading omamori-style charms, polaroid shot collections, mini hanging scrolls, and bath towels. A purchase lottery offers BIG acrylic stands and mini cards. Web sales start August 15 on Marui no Anime ONLINE SHOP.

Aug 17

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 5 Review

Anime News Network reviews episode 5 of The Elusive Samurai Season 2, titled "The Unyielding." The episode sees Tokiyuki face a real failure on the battlefield, as his troops achieve small victories but miss the larger enemy strategy. The review notes the arc's impact is diluted by being spread across a month of episodes.

Aug 8

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 4 Goes Full Puppet Show

Episode 4 of The Elusive Samurai season 2 opens with the kids reuniting with the Mochizuki warriors, and the scene suddenly transforms into a live-action puppet show for no in-story reason. The episode then spends much of its runtime on maps, charts, and battle meetings, which the reviewer found slower than usual. The highlight is the arrival of the Shinano Mask, clearly Yorishige in a bright pink disguise, which prompts Tokiyuki to ask his mentor for a more proactive role.

Aug 4

The Elusive Samurai Pop-Up Shop Dates Set for August 15

A pop-up shop for the TV anime The Elusive Samurai will run at Yurakucho Marui from August 15 to August 23, 2026, and at Namba Marui from August 28 to September 6, 2026. The event centers on a newly drawn illustration of Hojo Tokiyuki in seasonal attire, with four versions themed around spring, summer, autumn, and winter: spring with cherry blossoms, a cool summer, autumn with leaves and a Japanese umbrella, and winter with snow. The shop will sell goods using these illustrations, including acrylic stands, trading washi-style can badges, omamori-style charms, polaroid shot collections, mini hanging scrolls, and bath towels. A lottery will be held at the venue, with entry for purchases of 3,000 yen or more, and an extra entry for Epos Card users. Prizes include a big acrylic stand and mini cards. The Yurakucho venue is on the 8th floor, Space 6, and will be closed on August 19. Business hours are 11:00 to 19:00 at both locations.

Jul 27

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 2 Pairs Tokiyuki With Ayako

Episode 2 of The Elusive Samurai Season 2 sends Tokiyuki into enemy territory with Ayako as his sole vassal. The episode gives Ayako rare solo time with the young lord, includes a tense conversation with Sadamune, and shows Tokiyuki developing feelings for Ayako through her musical performance.

Jul 18

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Premiere Delivers Quirky Return and New Threats

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 premiered on July 18, 2026, with an episode that balances recap and new story. The premiere opens with a live-action rakugo-style recap of the first season, then sends the Elusive Gang on a mission to catch sea bream for Tokiyuki, a task complicated by war and logistics. The episode also introduces a new group of antagonists, the Kanto Hisashiban, assembled by Tadayoishi, featuring characters with striking designs including a vampire-like figure and a giant blade wielder. Animation studio CloverWorks handles the production, with the episode streaming on Crunchyroll. A Nijimen survey of 699 respondents ranked The Elusive Samurai Season 2 as the most anticipated anime of the summer 2026 season, gathering 67 votes ahead of sequels like Bungo Stray Dogs Wan! 2 and You and I Are Polar Opposites Season 2. The episode establishes the season's tone with a mix of historical detail, comedic character dynamics, and flashy action sequences.

Jul 15

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Gets Prime Video Early Streaming

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 will premiere on July 17, 2026 on Fuji TV's Noitamina block. Amazon Prime Video will stream episodes the same day, making it the fastest streaming option. Other services including DMM TV and U-NEXT will follow on July 21. The article from Anime Anime details the streaming schedule and recommends Prime Video for early access and DMM TV for a cheaper subscription with a free trial.

Jul 13

Bocchiboromaru to Perform The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Ending Theme

Bocchiboromaru will perform the ending theme for The Elusive Samurai season 2, with three guest vocalists from idol group Hinatazaka46. The song is titled "Romantic ga Hoshii nara." The season premieres July 17 on Fuji TV and streams on Prime Video. Returning staff include director Yuta Yamazaki and character designer Yasushi Nishiya at CloverWorks.

Jul 3

The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Reveals Opening Song, Cast, Staff, July 13 Premiere

The second season of the anime adaptation of Yūsei Matsui's The Elusive Samurai manga will premiere on July 13 on Fuji TV. The main promotional video previews the opening theme song "Onigoto" by Kento Nakajima. Returning staff include director Yuta Yamazaki and character designer Yasushi Nishiya at CloverWorks. Prime Video will stream the series.

Jun 24

The Elusive Samurai NAMJATOWN Collaboration Event Set for July 2026

The indoor theme park NAMJATOWN in Tokyo will host a collaboration event with the TV anime "The Elusive Samurai" from July 3 to July 26, 2026, featuring seven characters. Activities include a quiz rally, a ninja training ground, fortune latte sales, and a resale of original goods from 2024. The event commemorates the second season of the anime.

Jun 22

The Elusive Samurai Teams With Gokurakuyu Raku Spa for July 2026 Collaboration

The anime The Elusive Samurai will collaborate with Gokurakuyu RAKU SPA from July 9, 2026, at two locations in Saitama and Kanagawa. The event features four character-themed baths on rotating schedules, newly drawn goods, collaboration menu items, a digital stamp rally, and an X campaign. Original merchandise includes locker-style keychains, acrylic stands, and can badges.

Jun 16

The Elusive Samurai Cafe Collaboration Opens July 15 With Waiter Attire Art

The Elusive Samurai TV anime will hold a collaboration cafe with and GALLERY from July 15 to July 29, 2026, at four locations. Newly drawn illustrations of Tokiyuki, Shizuku, Fubuki, and Mima in waiter attire will appear on menu items, goods, and novelties. The menu includes five character-inspired food items and eight drinks.

May 31

CloverWorks POP UP SHOP 2026 Tour Announced for Three Cities

CloverWorks announced a regional tour of its POP UP SHOP 2026 event, starting January 16 in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, followed by Nagoya in February and Kochi in March. The pop-up shops will sell merchandise for series including My Dress-Up Darling, Wind Breaker, Bocchi the Rock!, Spy × Family, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, and others. Limited quantities of past release goods and books will also be available. Each venue will display reproduction artwork and production materials, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the studio's animation process. The tour begins at Ebetsu Tsutaya Books (January 16 to February 4), moves to TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Noritake in Nagoya (February 13 to March 2), and ends at Kochi Tsutaya Books (March 27 to April 13). Stock and exhibits may vary by location. The announcement was made on January 9, 2026.

May 17

The Elusive Samurai Finds Its Moral Center in Kojirō and Ayako

A new review of The Elusive Samurai focuses on the second episode's betrayal of Kunitoki and the introduction of retainers Kojirō and Ayako, who restore the protagonist Tokiyuki's faith in others. The piece contrasts the betrayal scene with the Gospel account of Judas, framing the retainers as models of faithful heroism.