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The Best Episodes of The Elusive Samurai

Every episode of The Elusive Samurai ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Elusive Samurai!

Binge this in 9h 36m•Peaking at 8.9/10

Set between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, during the Kenmu Restoration, the story follows the tale of Hojo Tokiyuki, a boy on the run after his family is overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji. With his only

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 12 - The Age
    8.9/10(50 votes)

    S2:E12

    With preparations for war complete, the Suwa forces are finally about to ignite the great conflict. Tokiyuki is appointed commander-in-chief, taking command of the “Kamakura Party,” a unit formed from surviving retainers of the Hojo clan—while keeping his true identity hidden. Can he prove himself worthy as a leader to those who feel uneasy about serving under a child?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 9 - My Buddha
    8.8/10(230 votes)

    S1:E9

    The Elusive Warriors engage in a fierce battle with the Seigi Party, a group spearheaded by Shokan himself. Stuck in a small chamber and faced with opponents wearing armor, Tokiyuki uses the “escape” technique he learned from Fubuki to face off against General Shokan.

    Director:Arifumi Imai
    Writer:Dai Katarayama

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  3. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 10 - The Night of the Assassination
    8.8/10(65 votes)

    S2:E10

    Through his dialogue with the warrior Masashige Kusunoki, known as a “god of war,” Tokiyuki is moved by Kusunoki's unwavering convictions and develops an even deeper sense of confidence in the possibilities of “fleeing.” Just as he is smiling over this fortunate encounter, everything suddenly changes when he hears news of his sworn enemy Takauji’s movements.

    Director:Yuichiro Komuro
    Writer:Yoriko Tomita

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  4. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 2 - Ayako's Heart-Pounding Operation!
    8.7/10(99 votes)

    S2:E2

    The Ashikaga forces keep a vigilant watch across the country, searching for remnants of the Hojo clan scattered throughout Japan. Sadamune, the governor of Shinano, has grown suspicious of “Chojumaru,” a young warrior who has repeatedly distinguished himself in battle—first during the dog-shooting competition, and later on the battlefield.

    Director:Yusuke Kawakami
    Writer:Dai Katarayama

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  5. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 9 - The Man Called Masashige Kusunoki
    8.6/10(70 votes)

    S2:E9

    Having grown closer over a game of dice, Mima invites Tokiyuki and his companions on a tour of Kyo. Even though they know she is the daughter of their enemy, the Elusive Warriors accept her kindness and spend a brief, youthful moment enjoying themselves as ordinary boys and girls. However, upon returning to the Saionji's residence, Tokiyuki and the others are informed of a plan for an uprising.

    Director:Yosuke Yamamoto
    Writer:Rino Yamazaki

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  6. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 5 - The Unyielding
    8.5/10(80 votes)

    S2:E5

    The central battlefield descends into total chaos. Just as victory seems within reach for the Hoshina–Shinomiya forces, a new obstacle suddenly appears before them: Kiyohara’s newly devised battle mikoshi. Originally intended as a palanquin for issuing commands from the rear, it is now reinforced with heavy armor.

    Director:Ai Sunadokei
    Writer:Yoriko Tomita

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  7. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 6 - The Boy Who Became a God
    8.5/10(88 votes)

    S2:E6

    The battle ends in defeat for the Suwa Sect. Although they manage to keep casualties to a minimum, the losses they suffer are significant. As they look toward the next great conflict, everyone in the Suwa Sect comes to share an even stronger resolve. The battle becomes another valuable lesson for Tokiyuki as well—one that helps him grow even further.

    Director:Qiu Chengrui
    Writer:Dai Hashiyama

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  8. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 7 - My Uncle
    8.4/10(76 votes)

    S2:E7

    Tokiyuki’s uncle, Yasuie Hojo, is still alive! Once a key figure at the heart of the Kamakura Shogunate, Yasuie survives the fall of Kamakura. Afterward, he travels throughout the Tohoku region, continuing to fight alongside the remaining Hojo loyalists. But after suffering defeat after defeat, he eventually finds his way to Suwa.

    Director:Yoshihiro Hiramine
    Writer:Rino Yamazaki

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  9. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 8 - Irreplaceable
    8.4/10(76 votes)

    S2:E8

    At the suggestion of Yorishige and Yasuie, Tokiyuki sets out for the capital, Kyo, together with the Elusive Warriors. Major Counselor Kinmune Saionji, an ally of Yasuie, awaits their arrival in Kyo. While Yasuie and Kinmune conduct a secret discussion, Tokiyuki and his companions venture out into the city.

    Director:Yusuke Kawakami
    Writer:Dai Hashiyama

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  10. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 2 - The Gentle Uncle
    8.3/10(297 votes)

    S1:E2

    Takauji Ashikaga, once considered the guardian of the Kamakura shogunate, stages a rebellion that led to its quick destruction. Tokiyuki’s older brother, Kunitoki, successfully evades the eyes of the warriors loyal to Takauji, and he is placed under the care of their uncle, Muneshige Godaiin.

    Director:Yusuke Kawakami
    Writer:Yoriko Tomita

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  11. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 3 - Tokiyuki and Three Great Generals
    8.3/10(90 votes)

    S2:E3

    Provincial official Kiyohara returns to Shinano after fleeing back to Kyo following the previous battle. Having grown even more ruthless, Kiyohara launches a large-scale invasion against pro-Hojo factions in northern Shinano. To oppose the combined forces of Kiyohara and Sadamune, the three great generals of the Suwa faith—Nezu, Mochizuki, and Unno, retainers directly serving Yorishige.

    Director:Yuichiro Komuro
    Writer:Rino Yamazaki

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  12. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 4 - The Warrior of Love: Shinano Mask!
    8.3/10(82 votes)

    S2:E4

    Tokiyuki and his companions race across the battlefield, sparing even the slightest moments of rest in order to relay information to their allies. However, when they arrive at the northern front where Mochizuki and Tokoiwa are fighting, what they witness is a fortress engulfed in flames, falliing into ruin... Ayako collapses in grief as she thinks of her father, Shigenobu Mochizuki.

    Director:Akari Kiyuna
    Writer:Rino Yamazaki

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  13. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 11 - My Buddha, Part Two
    8.3/10(54 votes)

    S2:E11

    Although the attempt to assassinate Takauji ends in failure, Tokiyuki has grown significantly as a warrior through his experiences in Kyo. Upon his return to Suwa, Yorishige tells him that the time has finally come. The attempted assassinations of both the Emperor and Takauji plunged Kyo into chaos, where warriors from the Kanto area were summoned and the city's defenses were reinforced.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 1 - May 22nd
    8.1/10(351 votes)

    S1:E1

    The year is 1333, Kamakura. Tokiyuki Hojo, the rightful heir to the regent who rules the Kamakura shogunate, is a kind boy with a heart of gold who dislikes conflict – even though he’s the son of a warrior.

    Director:Yuta Yamazaki
    Writer:Yoriko Tomita

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  15. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Episode 1 - Longing for Sea Bream!
    8.1/10(113 votes)

    S2:E1

    It is the first year of the Kenmu era (1334), in Suwa, Shinano province. Tokiyuki, now fully accustomed to life in Suwa, is reminded of meals from his days in Kamakura during a casual conversation. He recalls how much he loved eating freshly caught sea bream from Yuigahama, seasoned with wasabi and soy sauce from Izu.

    Director:Yuta Yamazaki
    Writer:Yoriko Tomita

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  16. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 8 - A War of Hide and Seek
    8.0/10(178 votes)

    S1:E8

    The Elusive Warriors make their way to Nakayama Manor in the northern extremities of Suwa. There, Tokiyuki meets a young boy named Fubuki. In a village where Ogasawara and his forces killed all the grown-ups, Fubuki took charge and continually looked after all the children who were left in the aftermath. The warriors join forces with Fubuki, who’s familiar with military strategies, and go on a mission to meet the enemy.

    Director:Yusuke Kawakami
    Writer:Dai Katarayama

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  17. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 6 - Steal the Imperial Command from Ogasawara's Residence at Night
    7.9/10(207 votes)

    S1:E6

    Tokiyuki and Genba sneak into the Ogasawara's residence and successfully infiltrate the warehouse where the Emperor’s Imperial Command is kept. However, Sadamune’s subordinate, Sukefusa Ichikawa, catches on and hears what these two are doing…

    Director:Youko Kikuchi
    Writer:Rino Yamazaki

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  18. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 12 - Hang in There, Tokiyuki, Until the Day You Retake Kamakura
    7.9/10(171 votes)

    S1:E12

    Hoshina and his army decide to retreat from Kawanakajima after hearing what Tokiyuki and Saemontaro Shinomiya, a Suwa Sect warrior, had to say. But Kiyohara is evil and crafty – he won’t let this slide without a fight.

    Director:Midori Yui
    Writer:Rino Yamazaki

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  19. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 3 - A Forest Inhabited by a God
    7.6/10(234 votes)

    S1:E3

    Tokiyuki risks his life and wins a game of tag, defeating the enemy who betrayed his brother. As soon as he arrives in Suwa, Yorishige urges him to begin his lessons and training to take back Kamakura.

    Director:Nanase Tomii
    Writer:Yoriko Tomita

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  20. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 4 - Sadamune Appears!
    7.6/10(216 votes)

    S1:E4

    Tokiyuki spends his days undergoing strenuous training to perfect his sword techniques – something he’s told to do to take back Kamakura for himself. However, everyone was surprised by how weak his swordsmanship was. It turns out that Tokiyuki was much better with another weapon: the bow.

    Director:Yuichiro Komuro
    Writer:Dai Katarayama

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  21. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 7 - Children in Winter
    7.5/10(184 votes)

    S1:E7

    Tokiyuki reigns in the new year for the first time in Suwa. As the chaos from the downfall lulls throughout the country, skirmishes still break out here and there, and another crisis knocks on Suwa’s doors.

    Director:Yasushi Tomoda
    Writer:Yoriko Tomita

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  22. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 5 - Settling the Score! A Dog-Shooting Competition, and Then…
    7.3/10(202 votes)

    S1:E5

    Tokiyuki faces off against Sadamune in a dog-shooting competition, even though his opponent excels with the bow and possesses an almost prodigy-like eye for detail. With a large lead in points, Tokiyuki faces defeat as he gets hit.

    Director:Ayako Kurata
    Writer:Rino Yamazaki

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  23. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 11 - Samurais Who Are Eager to Die & An Elusive Samurai
    7.3/10(165 votes)

    S1:E11

    The imperial court assigns a new provincial official for Shinano: Shinanonokami Kiyohara. Kiyohara did not hesitate to wield his power over people. He was considered a corrupt provincial official who made the people living in his territory suffer.

    Director:Yoshihiro Hiramine
    Writer:Rino Yamazaki

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  24. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 10 - A Perverted Kid and Disturbances of Holy Power
    7.2/10(170 votes)

    S1:E10

    Yorishige tells Tokiyuki there are times when he cannot see the future; as some people have come to rely on Yorishige's reputation and power as a god, he cannot reveal this shortcoming to anyone.

    Director:Nanase Tomii
    Writer:Yoriko Tomita

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Best Episodes Summary

"The Age" is the best rated episode of "The Elusive Samurai". It scored 8.9/10 based on 50 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/2/2026. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "My Buddha".