Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi

Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi, translated as The Elusive Samurai, is a historical manga series authored by Yusei Matsui, which began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in early 2021. The narrative is set during the 14th-century Kamakura period and focuses on Hojo Tokiyuki, a young boy forced into hiding following the sudden collapse of the Kamakura Shogunate. Matsui, previously recognized for his work on Assassination Classroom, created the series to explore an unconventional protagonist whose primary strength is evasion rather than combat, providing a fresh perspective on the transition between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods.

The design of the series balances rigorous historical research with Matsui's distinct, expressive art style. By highlighting the political turbulence of the Nanboku-cho period, the work has been noted for its ability to bring obscure historical figures into a contemporary light through dynamic character designs and deliberate pacing. It has been well received by critics and readers alike, leading to its adaptation into an animated television series and earning acclaim for its unique blend of educational historical context and traditional shonen narrative structures.