A Beloved Manga Concludes Its Run
The pages have turned on a major series in Weekly Shounen Jump. The magazine’s latest issue has published the final chapter of Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi (also known as The Elusive Samurai), bringing Matsui Yuusei’s historical adventure to a close after a memorable five-year serialization.
Manga Publication Details
Matsui Yuusei first launched this tale of a fleeing shogun in January 2021. The story, which has captivated readers with its unique premise, now boasts a total of 4.5 million copies of its volumes in circulation. The final chapter was shared by the official Shounen Jump X (formerly Twitter) account.
In Japan, publisher Shueisha is preparing to release several more collected volumes. The schedule is as follows:
- Volume 24: March 4
- Volume 25: May 1
- Volume 26: August 4
- Volume 27: October 2
International Release & Anime Adaptation
For English-speaking fans, VIZ Media has been simul-publishing the series digitally on their Shonen Jump platform. The 19th English volume is scheduled to hit shelves on March 3.
The manga’s popularity led to a successful anime adaptation by studio CloverWorks, which aired in the Summer 2024 season. The anime was simulcast globally by Crunchyroll, complete with multiple subtitle and dub options. Excitingly, a second season has already been announced and is slated for broadcast in Summer 2026.
Accolades and Legacy
The series’ quality was formally recognized when it became one of the winners of the prestigious 69th Shougakukan Manga Awards in 2024, cementing its place as a standout title in recent shounen history.
What is ‘Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi’ About?
The story is set during the tumultuous Nanboku-chou period of Japan. It follows Houjou Tokiyuki, the eight-year-old successor to the Kamakura shogunate, whose greatest skill is, ironically, running away. When the traitorous Ashikaga Takauji stages a violent coup, Tokiyuki’s life is shattered. Saved by a mysterious priest, the young lord escapes with his life. Now, he must master the art of evasion to survive, all while gathering loyal allies to help him reclaim his birthright and restore his family’s shogunate. It’s a unique historical tale of a hero who changed destiny not by standing and fighting, but by living to fight another day.
Source: Comic Natalie
