Nine days from now, the most gifted runner in Japanese history makes his comeback. The Elusive Samurai Season 2 premieres on 17 July 2026 on Crunchyroll, and with a new main trailer and opening theme now revealed, we finally know what to expect when CloverWorks returns to feudal Kamakura.
What Is The Elusive Samurai?
Based on the manga by Yusei Matsui — the creator behind Assassination Classroom — The Elusive Samurai (逃げ上手の若君) follows Hojo Tokiyuki, the young heir to the Kamakura shogunate who survives the brutal downfall of his clan through one extraordinary, embarrassing talent: running away at superhuman speed. Set during the historical Kenmu Restoration in 14th-century Japan, the series transforms real political upheaval into something wildly funny and, quietly, a little moving.
Season 1 from CloverWorks aired in 2024 and built a strong following on Crunchyroll — particularly among fans who like their history served with exaggerated comedy faces and genuinely well-animated action. The whole first season remains on Crunchyroll if you need to catch up before 17 July.
Season 2 Trailer and Opening Theme
Aniplex dropped the main trailer at Anime Expo 2026 earlier this month, confirming the 17 July premiere alongside the opening theme: “Onigoto” (鬼ごと), performed by Japanese singer and actor Kento Nakajima. Nakajima, who has spoken about his lifelong love of history, expressed genuine enthusiasm for the role — and the track itself sounds like a fittingly propulsive way to open an episode about a boy whose survival strategy is very fast feet.
CloverWorks returns with the core production team from Season 1, and based on the trailer the animation has lost none of its expressive energy — expect more of those gleefully exaggerated comedy cuts alongside the show’s sharper dramatic moments. Season 2 continues Tokiyuki’s campaign to reclaim Kamakura, with the political stakes rising as he gathers allies across a fractured Japan.
How to Watch from Singapore
Crunchyroll carries The Elusive Samurai in Singapore, and Season 2 streams from 17 July — same day as the Japanese broadcast on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block (Fridays, 11:30 PM JST). Both subtitled and dubbed versions will be available. If you have been sleeping on this one, the 24-episode Season 1 run is an easy weekend binge to get ready in time.
The Elusive Samurai is one of the more distinct anime running right now — a period piece that neither romanticises nor bores you with history, created by someone who clearly knows how to make a reader (or viewer) care about a surprisingly unconventional protagonist. Singapore fans on Crunchyroll, 17 July is the date to save. Browse more upcoming anime in our Manga & Anime section.