A major announcement for Yusei Matsui’sThe Elusive Samuraiwas made in the 16th issue of Shueisha’sWeekly Shonen Jump,revealing that the series will be getting an anime adaptation. A teaser and a key visual for the upcoming anime were also revealed. A stage presentation for the series was held at Aniplex’s booth during AnimeJapan, revealing the series' main cast.
Newcomer Asaki Yukiawa is set to voice Hojo Tokiyuki, with Yuichi Nakamura (Jujutsu Kaisen’sSatoru Gojou,Fairy Tail’sGray) voicing Suwa Yorishige. The anime is being produced by CloverWorks(Spy x Family, Bocchi The Rock!, The Promised Neverland).
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Yuta Yamazaki (Love Rice, Wonder Egg Priority) is directing the anime, and Yasushi Nishiya, who has previously worked as chief animation director forPokemon the Movie: The Power of Us, Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You!is designing the characters.
The Elusive Samurai manga has been written by Yusei Matsui. He also createdAssassination Classroom, an extremely popular manga series. Yusei Matsui launchedThe Elusive Samuraiin theWeekly Shonen Jump in January 2021. All the chapters of the manga are translated byViz MediaandMANGA Plus.The Elusive Samuraiwas nominated for the Best Printed Manga category at the seventh Next Manga Award in 2021. The series managed to secure an impressive sixth position.
Yusei Matsui’sAssassination Classroombegan serializing in July 2012, and it continued until March 2016. It has sold over 25 million copies, making it one of the most popular manga series. The anime adaptation of the popular manga started to air in January 2015. It has a total of 47 episodes, along with two live-action adaptations, and three video game titles. The series also received a spin-off titledKoro Sensei Quest. It is written by Kizuku Watanabe and illustrated by Jo Aoto. The spin-off inspired a net anime series and an anime movie.
The Elusive Samuraiis set between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. The story follows Hojo Tokiyuki, a young boy who is forced to go on the run after his family is overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji. Due to the circumstances, Hojo Tokiyuki is left with a shady priest and his followers as his allies. Hojo Tokiyuki is motivated by revenge and to reclaim his glory. Hojo Tokiyuki’s superhuman ability to flee and hide also proves to be a big help in his endeavors.
