Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi

After the success of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, we have this. If you already love that series before, or you just want to enjoy some of the animes in this Summer 2024 or want to find a new anime to watch, this is absolutely for you.

Art: 9.5/10

Art, one word, beautiful. Just beautiful. Especially for the fighting scenes, it's just so spectacular and so smooth. Moreover, the character's designs are colorful, especially when the anime adds some more spices to the main protagonist with his imaginary wings, or the colors in the fighting scenes to show how much he enjoys in the fight or in escaping from ... the death, even in his eyes are just beautifully aesthetic. But that doesn't mean other supporting characters are not well-done as well. They are just really beautiful too. With the mix of traditional art attributes and modern art attributes to the story, also some of the nature sceneries are just so realistic, I have to say it's just so good. I truthfully appreciate the hard work from CloverWorks, they just never lets us down, and it makes me feel so satisfied to watch.

Plot, storytelling: 8/10

The plot in this story from now (ep3) is rather quite simple and simply still don't have too much development like plot twists, characters' developments, or anything like that. I haven't read the original work yet, but from my little experience to the story right now, I can confirm to say that this story will be very good and promising. It's fresh, no (probably) fan services, and it's simple yet the storytelling makes me want to watch it more. Using every single benefits from the beautiful art, plus the interesting ability of the protagonist (which is hide-and-seek) and the guide Suwa Yorishige, the storytelling just went not so quickly, but it can be easily stick into one's head with the symbolic images and animations. Although the anime already gave us that he - the main Houjou Tokiyuki - will be the guy who changed Japan one day, it's still a little bit interesting to see how this can happen, and because the characters in this series and also all the upcoming plot and twists are very promising, I guess it's also worth a try for me (and maybe you) to continue following the series until now.

Characters: 8.5/10

Not bad. Currently the character's development that I like the most is definitely the main protagonist, Houjou Tokiyuki (of course since the first and second episode really focus on him, and the story itself did a very good job on that). He's not too serious, but also not too playful. He still doesn't have a real goal and still doesn't know what to do, but he knows he loves Kamakura and because of his love, one day he will become the guy who change the whole Japan. Gotta say, I do really like this way of developing the character, because it gives me the feeling that he's really special.

Also, we should talk about the guide Suwa Yorishige. A typical smart guy but extremely playful in most of kinds of stories. But unlike most other characters, he has special ability, which also makes him claim himself "A god". Also, he has the kind of face that makes me feel like Eiko in Dark Gathering *(ecchi), and honestly although I don't really like it, I think someone who has that face will be pretty dangerous, and therefore I assume he is, so that's why I has an unsure belief that he will be also the big man of the whole series (:))))

Overall, I think this is a worth choice to enjoy this season. For me, I do enjoy it. The story itself is just very interesting and promising, so that's why I don't get why this anime isn't that popular comparing to Roshidere and Oshi no Ko SS2, despite of the fact that this story is much more well-made and beautiful. For scoring, I would say it will be a solid 8.5/10.

"Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi" or "The Elusive Samurai" it's an anime peculiar in terms of visual art, comedy and the representation of that feudal time chaotic and centered by wars and dominations.


The history is about a young man who lives running away, his name is Tokiyuki Houjo. Tokiyuki Houjo, still as a child, had to witness the fall of his family(houjo) that after a betrayal of Ashikaga Takauji, brought death to the Houjo clan and persecution of survivors, in view of this shocking turn of events, Tokiyuki as a survivor plays the role of rebuilding his clan and taking revenge on Ashikaga Takauji.

Tokiyuki ... has a ability: to escape
In normal stories, this type of protagonist would have skills with the katana or bow and arrow, Not here, Tokiyuki will simply use escape, something used in children's games, as a "weapon" to get revenge on Ashikaga Takauji.

The characters are, to say the least, interesting. Tokiyuki as a child, and given his age, he still has an extroverted personality still present even before the end of his clan, usually revenge stories tend to make the characters automatically change moments before something horrible happens to the point where they try to get revenge on someone with an incessant thirst of revenge joined to hatred. Tokiyuki no, even though he has to seek revenge, his old personality before the event with his clan, yet remains. He seeks allies and tries through the union of other people, the long-awaited revenge, the story will show your personal development with other people at all times, highlighting his in struggles and emotional growth throughout the episodes. The other characters lack depth, but they are still interesting to follow, whether due to the comical interactions or the unique personality of each one, they still manage to be good characters for the overall plot of the anime.


The animation is beautiful. The scenario look like paintings from museum art, but in movement. The fights are aesthetic, with dynamic lines and mixed colors with light and dark tones they bring to life the feudal era that the anime tries to portray. The art itself is expressive, each anime character has a unique ability, and the anime's art exemplifies this, for example: a character has eye abilities, can see long distances, the art will reinforce this skill, highlighting lines and colors unique to that skill. The art also reinforces how each character feels, in fights when one character hates the other, the art highlights shading and darker colors to make the scene stand out in a more rustic way.

The opening song is great, and the soundtrack fits perfectly well with the atmosphere of the anime. The closing, is excellent in terms of information and visuals, it shows how kumakura it is today, with tourism and geographical beauty present in the closing animation.

Maybe the only thing that really bothers me about this anime is the comedy, it's not bad, I just think it's weird. During moments of fights or serious conversations, sometimes there is a slight comical tone in the characters' expressions, They're not funny, but I also don't see them as horrible for the experience, in my opinion, the comic moments try to soften scenes that would turn into something brutal(like fights),or show that Tokiyuki's childish mind still remains the same, not 100% intact,but he still hasn't lost his naivety and friendliness that every child should have. In other words,I see the comical moments being Tokiyuki's point of view, with mixed emotions between taking revenge, hating those who betrayed him, or remaining in his sweet and fun way of "escaping" the world. I see this comedy as something that shouldn't seem funny, but rather something to show how children think, idealizing what is evil, what is foolish, or what is good in people. Remembering that this is my opinion, perhaps strange, but I still think it is coherent. The comedic moments are not something to laugh at, they are something to thinking about how Tokiyuki sees all those people and that even after witnessing so many deaths, he still remains a child.

The anime as a whole is fun to watch. The story, art, comedic moments and characters are interesting to follow and you will hardly get bored. Just watch and and you won't regret it, I guarantee.

The Elusive Samurai currently has six episodes, so on the off chance that Studio Cloverworks massively shits the bed à la Promised Neverland, this review might be subject to change in the future. As it stands, The Elusive Samurai should be put next to Bocchi the Rock as an example on how much larger-than-life animation can elevate the source material.

To preface this review, if you want an extensive write-up about the plot and the characters, you're better off reading another review; only six episodes are out and, while the first episode has an effective hook, it's not something to write home about so far ... - at least, to me. All the more impressive that this anime inspired someone like me to write a review.

Out of most anime I've watched, there have been a scant few where the animators have done such a good job making the scenes come to life. When things on the screen are moving, you feel as though things are moving. When people are confused, you're shown exactly what would confuse them, etc. etc. Cloverworks have showcased a fundamental understanding of cinematography back when The Promised Neverland was still good, and they are once again delivering in spades; putting up a masterclass on camera angles, framing and especially scene transitions. If you think all that creative camera work is being used to hide mediocre animation or cut corners, you couldn't be further from the truth. The animators are constantly flexing their chops, even in the most inconsequential scenes, and you can tell that the they know exactly when not to sweat the small stuff, allowing you to go along with the anime's fast pace. It's not the veritable explosion of colors and abstract art like Science SARU or Studio Bones produces, but there's definitely something to be said about the fluidity of the movements and way these animators have such a masterful understanding of the fundamentals. I recommend it to any one who also has an appreciation for this kind of stuff.

I know that opining is kinda bad practice in a review, but still: Understand that my amazement partly comes from the fact that I randomly saw this on the trending page on [totally legal steaming site] and expected middle of the pack slop with the occasional flashes of brilliant animation, brought on by the higher ups chaining all their talent to a radiator and only letting them out when you can feel the boob-physics giving you whiplash. When you're watching The Elusive Samurai, you really feel like the creators had fun making this and going wild with the animation!

The elusive samurai should not be eluding anybody's watch list. This show has all the makings of something great. An amazing protagonist, quick, funny, and with a spirit that makes you want to root for him. A collection of side characters that each are likable and exciting in their own right. Built in a war torn world that acutllay has worldbuilding that puts most other anime to shame. Please watch just one episode of this show. It makes you feel shook, excited, and everything.

The title card might make the anime look a little odd but I assure you this show is going to be ... great, if you have the time, take a little break from the generic isekai experience and watch this series that has characters that feel real, tackling a problem and going on a journey that feels mythical.

If you are a climber, congratulations, because you've reached peak.

There are three aspects of this show that I want highlight as what I feel makes it somewhat special-

1.) The visual presentation. The animation looks pretty good, and while not entirely consistent across the board, there are some breathtaking sequences with some excellent key frame work. What's more, the visual style of this show is gorgeous, with bold line work, and a vibrant, unique color palette, employing bright greens, yellows, reds and blues, mixed with more muted tones you might see in a 90s anime. This is particularly noticeable in the intro, which I love. The cinematography and scene framing ... also have standout moments. The show has both a great sense of style as well as a great sense of humor, and this comes across in its visuals. Speaking of-

2.) the sense of humor is pretty decent. It does take some getting used to at first, particularly from the fourth wall breaking priest who can see into the future. There is a freneticism to it that harkens back to shonen anime from the 80s and 90s, but the visual gags are often elevated just enough to put a smile on your face, even if you're not outright belly laughing. This also achieves an interesting effect when sharply contrasted against a more tragic or violent moment, which brings me to final and probably most controversial point

3.) the tone. The tone is a dual one, on one hand you have a typical shonen adventure with a wacky cast of youngster, the capricious yet sincere prince, the serene shrine maidens daughter, the mischevious ninja, the quirky mentor, the silly villains etc. Typical themes of togetherness, finding oneself, they're all here. Yet the show also can be brutal in a very matter of fact way, which is apt for the setting of a historical drama, with its more fanciful and playful aspects lending itself well to the clearly embelished and magical elements of the story. If the show was edgy or exploitative about it, I would not be praising this qualtiy. In execution the contrast feels very appropriate, and it is in this contrast that some of the shows themes diverge from the typcial shonen trappings. The prince embracing the natural perversions which allows him to thrive in his plight, the use of asymetrical stratagems and the honor of subterfuge, and how to reconcile the natural shame of suvivors guilt using the virtue of surviving for the sake of those around you. It creates a unique viewing experience where you feel extremely invested in what's happening. It is somewhat evocative of Demon Slayer, but as it sometimes vaciliates rapidly between playful and cruel, I'd say the watching experiences differ quite a bit. I would almost describe watching this as what I imagine children's stories were like generations ago, with the parents regailing children with semi-historical tales full of geunine tragedgy but also mirth and fantasy.

I could see some people being put off by this show's somewhat jarring tone, and also have some questioning who this show is even for. I think I respect it for that, and appreciate and enjoy what feels like a director's vision.

The Elusive Samurai, a samurai who can only run away and use a bow, brings a tense story between the Go-Daigo Empire and the Kamakura Shogunate, this anime style is similar to Kutsuriya no Hitorigoto (especially the shape of their eyes and their coloring)

This anime brings tension and funny jokes in it (I don't know but this pattern is like a famous anime pattern lol) such as Yorishige Holy Light, and don't forget cute characters like the main character (Sasuga Yasui Matsui Sensei), well designed cute male main character blushing make me more... ughh (artist gonna wild)

the fighting scenes are also exciting, good work for ... the animators who have made smooth animations while the characters move quickly, and made them look like in the manga such as adding fake wing animations in episode 1, i hope they can keep it like this until the anime end

Overall score is Nigero/10

Okay, so i'm writing this review partly because a bad one made me want to rip out my hair.
Apparently, the fact the main character is a child is a problem. Children grow. That's all. Somehow someone forgot time skips exist lol.

Anyway, this anime is the sleeper hit of the season for many reasons:
-a heavy dose of humor (hit or miss, but many jokes did land for me)
-a violent tragedy (seriously, contrary to war mangas like Kingdom, this adaptation doesn't fear showing blood and horror and it's better for it)
-a beautiful animation (maybe a touch too colorful honestly)
-a promise of epicness to come

Now for the bad:
-i ... would have prefered a story more grounded. There's no need for all that supernatural stuff. It makes the events somewhat cheap and I fear it could be used for some deux ex machina later on.
I mean, humans are capable of all these horrible things, turning anyone not on the side of the mc into twisted monsters just cheapen the tale imo. Is this the price of making this story a shonen?
-Yorishige Suwa is really annoying in the first few eps but get a little better after.

Anyway, it's by far the best first season anime this summer. Maybe the best anime, period, if Oshi No Ko don't do better in it's second half.
So yeah, go try it because it's worth it

If I were to describe this anime, I would say it's a mix of Science Saru's The Heike Story, ufotable's Demon Slayer, injected with some juicy historically accurate pederasty boys love.
I'll write a full review after it has fully aired, but this is one of the most unique anime I have ever seen. Mixing the shonen, jidaigeki, and boys love genres, with so many beautiful different types of animation, anyone from a shonenhead, to a historical nerd, or a fujoshi can have fun with this. Most people will rate this an 8/10 and maybe a 9/10 if they fit one of the demographics, but ... it's everything I love about anime I can't not give it a 10.
Also, the "I could have died" bedroom eyes stare 18 minutes and 32 seconds into episode 1 has kept me tweaking for 24 hours straight and irreversibly altered my brain chemistry.