Fans of “The Elusive Samurai” anime can mark their calendars, as the highly anticipated second season is officially slated to premiere in July 2026. The announcement came during the Jump Festa ’26 event, where CloverWorks confirmed the release window and unveiled a new key visual featuring Prince Tokiyuki and his companions.
Return of the Elusive Prince: What to Expect from Season 2
The continuation of the anime adaptation of Yūsei Matsui’s popular manga, “The Elusive Samurai” (Nigejōzu no Wakagimi), will pick up after the dramatic events of the first season. The series follows the young Hōjō Tokiyuki, a real historical figure, as he flees after the betrayal and massacre of his family by Ashikaga Takauji. Aided by a loyal group of retainers, including the clairvoyant Suwa Yorishige, Tokiyuki embarks on a journey to evade his enemies and one day reclaim his birthright and avenge his clan.
The first season, which aired from July to September 2024, captivated audiences with its unique blend of historical drama, action, and compelling characters, garnering attention for its distinctive animation style from studio CloverWorks. Crunchyroll streamed the initial season and also offered an English dub.
Key Visual and Production Details
While specific plot details for Season 2 remain under wraps, the newly released key visual offers a glimpse into Tokiyuki’s continued struggle and the unwavering support of his friends. The production staff is expected to largely remain the same, ensuring a consistent artistic vision and storytelling approach that resonated with fans in the first season.
Catch Up Before the Premiere: Season 1 Rerun Announced
For those eager to refresh their memories or new viewers looking to dive into Tokiyuki’s saga, the first season of “The Elusive Samurai” is scheduled for a rerun. It will re-air on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block starting in April 2026, just a few months ahead of the Season 2 debut. This provides an excellent opportunity for fans to relive the adventures and for newcomers to get acquainted with the elusive prince before the new episodes arrive.
The original manga, penned by Yūsei Matsui (known for “Assassination Classroom”), began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in January 2021 and is still ongoing. The manga has also received critical acclaim, winning the 69th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2024.
