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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 4h 48m•Peaking at 8.8/10

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 1 Episode 9 - My Buddha
    8.8/10(165 votes)

    #1 - My Buddha

    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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  2. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 2 - The Gentle Uncle
    8.2/10(234 votes)

    #2 - The Gentle Uncle

    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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  3. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 1 - May 22nd
    8.0/10(280 votes)

    #3 - May 22nd

    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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  4. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 8 - A War of Hide and Seek
    7.9/10(126 votes)

    #4 - A War of Hide and Seek

    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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  5. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 12 - Hang in There, Tokiyuki, Until the Day You Retake Kamakura
    7.9/10(115 votes)

    #5 - Hang in There, Tokiyuki, Until the Day You Retake Kamakura

    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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  6. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 6 - Steal the Imperial Command from Ogasawara's Residence at Night
    7.8/10(151 votes)

    #6 - Steal the Imperial Command from Ogasawara's Residence at Night

    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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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Elusive Samurai

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  7. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 3 - A Forest Inhabited by a God
    7.6/10(175 votes)

    #7 - A Forest Inhabited by a God

    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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  8. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 4 - Sadamune Appears!
    7.6/10(161 votes)

    #8 - Sadamune Appears!

    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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  9. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 7 - Children in Winter
    7.4/10(130 votes)

    #9 - Children in Winter

    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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  10. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 5 - Settling the Score! A Dog-Shooting Competition, and Then…
    7.3/10(146 votes)

    #10 - Settling the Score! A Dog-Shooting Competition, and Then…

    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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  11. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 11 - Samurais Who Are Eager to Die & An Elusive Samurai
    7.3/10(110 votes)

    #11 - Samurais Who Are Eager to Die & An Elusive Samurai

    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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  12. The Elusive Samurai Season 1 Episode 10 - A Perverted Kid and Disturbances of Holy Power
    7.1/10(115 votes)

    #12 - A Perverted Kid and Disturbances of Holy Power

    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

"My Buddha" is the best rated episode of "The Elusive Samurai". It scored 8.8/10 based on 165 votes. Directed by Arifumi Imai and written by Dai Katarayama, it aired on 8/31/2024. This episode scored 0.6 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Gentle Uncle".