Golden Kamuy: an in-depth review
Have you ever read a manga or watched an anime that made you hungry and terrified at the same time? Well, Golden Kamuy does just that. It’s the kind of series where you’ll find yourself drooling over a hot pot of squirrel stew one moment and cringing at a brutal showdown the next. Crazy, right? But that’s exactly why we’re here talking about it. Golden Kamuy is one wild ride through history, survival, and some of the strangest humor I’ve ever seen. Buckle up!
Personal Connection
So, why did I pick up Golden Kamuy in the first place? Honestly, it all started because I stumbled upon a meme of this Ainu girl making the funniest disgusted face at a bowl of miso soup. I had no context, but I remember thinking, what is going on in this story? I just had to find out. I went in expecting a gritty historical drama – you know, a serious tale about war and treasure – but what I got blew my expectations out of the water. I was surprised by how fun and quirky it was, without ever losing its edge. One episode I’m laughing at a character literally calling miso “poop”, the next I’m on the edge of my seat during a sniper duel. Pretty soon, I was totally hooked.
Summary of the Story
Alright, let’s talk about what Golden Kamuy is actually about (spoiler-free, of course). The story is set in the early 1900s, right after the Russo-Japanese War. Our protagonist is Saichi Sugimoto, a battle-scarred veteran nicknamed “Sugimoto the Immortal” for surviving against impossible odds in the war. Now he’s out in Hokkaido (the wild northern frontier of Japan) panning for gold – and not just any gold, a hidden stash of Ainu gold with a crazy legend behind it.
How crazy? Well, the map to this treasure is tattooed on the skins of 24 escaped convicts. Yes, tattooed on their skin like a morbid jigsaw puzzle! To find the gold, Sugimoto has to track down these ex-prisoners, which is just as dangerous as it sounds. Early on, he crosses paths with Asirpa, a young Ainu girl. The gold originally belonged to her people, and she has her own reasons to join the hunt. Plus, she’s basically a wilderness survival expert – handy, since the Hokkaido wilds are no joke. So this unlikely duo teams up: the tough-as-nails soldier and the resourceful Ainu hunter.
They venture into the harsh wilderness, battling the elements (think freezing winters, hungry wolves, and massive bears) and racing against other ruthless factions who want the gold for themselves. You’ve got a troop of rogue Imperial soldiers led by an eccentric lieutenant, a band of cunning escaped convicts with their own agendas, and even a legendary samurai from the history books joining the fray. It’s part treasure hunt, part survival epic, and all adventure. And trust me, things get really intense as everyone converges on the prize. I’ll leave it at that – no major spoilers here – but expect plenty of twists, high-stakes standoffs, and “oh my gosh did that just happen?!” moments to keep you hooked.
Characters and Their Development
One of Golden Kamuy‘s biggest strengths is its cast of characters. There are a lot of players in this game, but let me highlight a few standouts who really carry the story:
Saichi Sugimoto – Our main guy, “Immortal Sugimoto” himself. At first glance, he’s the ultimate tough survivor – fearless in battle and willing to literally put his life on the line (and he does, frequently). But underneath that hardened exterior, Sugimoto has a heart. He’s doing all this to fulfill a promise to his best friend (to help his friend’s widow), so there’s a real sense of loyalty driving him. Throughout the series, you see how the war has scarred him (he has his quiet PTSD moments) and how his bond with Asirpa gives him a new purpose beyond just making money or surviving. Sugimoto grows from a lone wolf into a guy who cares deeply about his found family. And if you ever forget why he’s called “Immortal”, just watch him shrug off injuries that would kill any normal person – it’s equal parts insane and inspiring.
Asirpa – The heart of the series, in my opinion. Asirpa is a young Ainu huntress who’s wise beyond her years and has zero fear of calling Sugimoto out on his nonsense. She is brave, witty, and incredibly knowledgeable about the natural world. Over the course of the story, Asirpa becomes a bridge between her Ainu heritage and the modern world encroaching on Hokkaido. She teaches Sugimoto (and us) about living off the land – from setting rabbit snares to cooking wild animals – all while chanting “Hinna, hinna!” to show her appreciation for a good meal. (Fun fact: I caught myself saying hinna after dinner one night. This series rubs off on you!) Asirpa isn’t your typical cute sidekick; she’s fiercely driven to uncover the truth about her father’s connection to the gold, and she holds her own in this dangerous adventure. Her development is subtle – she maintains her values and cleverness, but becomes more worldly and determined. Also, her chemistry with Sugimoto is fantastic. Their banter can go from hilarious (she has no patience for his stupid ideas) to heartwarming, like a makeshift father-daughter duo forged in fire.
Lieutenant Tsurumi – Now this guy… If there were an award for “most memorable villain,” Tsurumi would be in the running. He’s the leader of the 7th Division soldiers chasing the gold, and he’s absolutely bonkers – in a terrifyingly brilliant way. Picture a military officer who lost a chunk of his forehead in the war (he literally wears a metal plate on his skull), which might explain his ahem unconventional behavior. Tsurumi is charismatic and manipulative; he’s got this almost cult-leader grip on his men. One moment he’s soft-spoken and oddly nurturing to his soldiers, and the next he’s cackling with maniacal laughter. You never quite know what he’s thinking, but you do know it’s probably devious. Throughout the series, we learn bits about what drives him (he has grand plans for that gold – hint: it involves rebellion). Love him or hate him, every scene with Tsurumi is a treat because he’s just so unpredictable and over-the-top. He manages to be both refined and utterly deranged at the same time, and that is fascinating to watch.
Hyakunosuke Ogata – The sniper with the chilling cat-like eyes and the moral code of… well, whatever suits him at the moment. Ogata is a former marksman from the 7th Division, and he’s one of those characters where you constantly ask, “Whose side is he really on?” He’s quiet, calculating, and has some serious family baggage that slowly comes to light. Ogata’s development is one of the most intriguing – he often oscillates between ally and enemy, keeping you guessing. Without spoiling anything, I’ll say he’s one of the more tragic figures in the story. War and personal betrayals have twisted him up inside. Yet, he stands out because he’s so damn competent and cool under pressure. Sniper duels involving Ogata are some of the tensest scenes in the series – every time he shows up, I find myself both cheering (because he’s awesome) and worrying (because, let’s be honest, he’s also kind of a sociopath). Ogata brings a very dark, intense energy to the cast that ups the stakes whenever he’s around.
I could go on for ages about the characters – from Shiraishi, the goofy escape artist who provides much of the comic relief (seriously, this guy can slip out of handcuffs and prisons like it’s a party trick), to Hijikata Toshizo, an elderly samurai revolutionary straight out of the history books. Golden Kamuy does a fantastic job of making even minor characters feel distinct. Many of the convicts our heroes encounter are basically one-arc villains, yet almost each one has some quirky trait or backstory that sticks with you (often equal parts horrifying and hilarious). It’s impressive (and a little scary) how the series can introduce a murderer or weirdo, make you cringe at their deeds, and then somehow get you to chuckle at their antics. By the end, you’ll have a whole roster of characters you care about (yes, even a few of the villains, disturbingly enough). The character development is woven organically through backstories and interactions, so you get attached without even realizing it.
Historical Accuracy and References
One thing I absolutely love about Golden Kamuy is how it doubles as a history lesson – the fun kind, I promise. Satoru Noda (the creator) clearly did his homework on the historical setting. The series is deeply rooted in the real world of early 20th-century Japan. For starters, it shines a spotlight on Ainu culture – the indigenous people of Hokkaido – in a way I’ve never seen in anime/manga before. Through Asirpa and other Ainu characters, we learn about their traditional food (prepare to crave some wild-game hot pot), clothing, hunting techniques, and spiritual beliefs. The Ainu language is used frequently; you’ll pick up words like “hinna, hinna” (a phrase to show gratitude for food, kind of like saying “mmm, delicious” and giving thanks at the same time) and “iyomante” (a bear spirit sending-off ritual). But it never feels like a lecture – it’s woven naturally into the story as our characters survive in the wild. I was genuinely fascinated. I caught myself thinking, “Is that really how you set a rabbit snare?” and then Googling it. That’s how immersive it gets with these cultural and survival details.
The portrayal of the era around the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) is also on point. Sugimoto is a veteran of that war, and the series shows glimpses of battlefield brutality and how it traumatized an entire generation. It references real historical elements – for example, the 7th Division (the army unit in the story) actually existed, and the overall lawlessness of post-war Hokkaido is grounded in truth. There’s even a character, Hijikata Toshizo, who is based on a real-life person (a famous Shinsengumi samurai from the late 1800s) imagined as an old outlaw still raising hell in the 1900s. How cool is that? The inclusion of a figure like Hijikata really gives history nerds a thrill. From the weapons they use, to the military tactics, to the attitudes of the Japanese soldiers towards the Ainu – a lot of it is drawn from history or at least inspired by it. Golden Kamuy definitely takes some creative liberties (it is historical fiction, after all, and a pulpy adventure at that), but the backdrop feels authentic. It’s the kind of show that might actually teach you a thing or two about Japan’s frontier era without you even noticing.
Key Themes
Beneath all the adventure and antics, Golden Kamuy packs some meaningful themes. The most obvious one is survival. This series is practically a how-to guide for surviving in the wilderness – you see characters deal with blizzards, find food in desperate conditions, and navigate treacherous terrain. But it also explores what it means to survive after war. Sugimoto and others carry the psychological scars of battle. They’ve been through hell, and now they’re figuring out how to keep going in a world that’s moved on. Survival isn’t just literal (not getting eaten by a bear); it’s also about enduring trauma and finding reasons to live.
Then there’s revenge and greed, intertwined with the treasure hunt. So many players in this story have hidden agendas. Some want the gold for wealth or power, others seek it out of revenge (there are definitely personal vendettas tied up in this hunt). The Ainu gold brings out the best in some characters and the absolute worst in others. It asks the question: how far will someone go for a fortune, or to settle a score? As the plot unfolds, you see characters wrestling with that, and it drives a lot of the conflict. Who’s willing to betray someone else for the gold? Who sees it as a means to a noble end? That moral grayness is everywhere.
War trauma is another undercurrent. We touched on this with Sugimoto and Ogata and Tsurumi – these people are products of a violent time. The series doesn’t turn into a therapy session or anything, but through flashbacks and small character moments, you get a sense of how the war and loss have affected them. It adds a layer of poignancy. Like, there were times I’d watch Sugimoto stare off seriously and think, man, this dude has seen some stuff. It grounds the more fantastical elements when you remember these characters have real emotional wounds.
A theme I really appreciated is cultural identity and cooperation. Asirpa’s pride in her Ainu heritage is a constant throughout the story. Golden Kamuy shows the clash and blend of Ainu and Japanese cultures. Sometimes there’s friction (like when someone dismisses Ainu traditions), but often there’s a beautiful exchange of knowledge – such as Sugimoto learning to respect the Ainu way of life. The unlikely friendship between a Japanese soldier and an Ainu girl symbolizes a hope for understanding between cultures. In a broader sense, you see former enemies working together (some of Sugimoto’s group includes ex-soldiers from opposing sides, even an ex-Shinsengumi samurai partnering with former enemies). It subtly highlights that people can bridge differences when they share a common goal or mutual respect. I found that theme of unity and learning from other cultures really wholesome amidst all the chaos.
Finally, there’s an ongoing exploration of morality and what people do in lawless times. Golden Kamuy lives in the gray area. Is Sugimoto a “good guy” for hunting down convicts if it’s ultimately for a noble cause? Are the convicts “evil” or just desperate products of harsh circumstances? Even the big villain Tsurumi has his reasons that almost make sense in a twisted way. The story lets us mull over these questions. It’s surprisingly thought-provoking, sandwiched between scenes of characters making ridiculous faces and geeking out over food. You’ll be laughing one moment and then thinking about the nature of revenge or loyalty the next. I love that mix – your brain gets a workout along with your funny bone.
What Works Well?
So, what makes Golden Kamuy really shine? For me, it’s the balance and variety. This series somehow manages to be an action thriller, a buddy comedy, a historical drama, and a cooking show all at once – and it works! The storytelling is super engaging because you never know what you’ll get next. One minute you’re watching an intense knife fight on a speeding train, and the next the characters are sitting around a campfire, slurping miso soup and joking about farting (yes, that happens). That kind of genre-hopping might sound chaotic, but Golden Kamuy pulls it off with charm. It keeps you on your toes and never bored. In fact, I’d say boredom is not in this series’ vocabulary. If anything, it’s like, “Oh, you thought that was crazy? Here’s something even crazier.”
The humor deserves a special mention. Seriously, I did not expect Golden Kamuy to be this funny. It has a sly, sometimes absurd sense of humor that hits when you least expect it. A lot comes from character interactions – like Asirpa and Sugimoto’s odd couple routine, or Shiraishi’s endless knack for getting into trouble (and the ridiculous faces he makes when he’s scared or embarrassed). Even many of the villains have comedic quirks. There’s a prisoner who literally makes odd outfits out of people’s skin – which sounds super gross (and it is) – but the way the show presents it somehow turns the situation into dark comedy. I found myself laughing at the sheer audacity of some scenes. It’s that what-the-heck kind of laugh where you can’t believe it’s happening, but you’re entertained that it is. If you enjoy humor that can be juvenile one moment and morbidly funny the next, Golden Kamuy will be up your alley.
On the flip side, the action and adventure elements are top-notch too. The fight scenes are intense and creative, often taking advantage of the unique setting. You’ll see shootouts in snowy forests, a showdown in a crazy tattooed prison, bear attacks that feel like boss battles, and even a naval battle with a giant cannon at one point. The violence can be pretty graphic – the show doesn’t shy away from blood and gore – but it fits the gritty, lawless vibe. And it’s not just mindless action; there’s usually some clever strategy or emotional weight behind the confrontations. I remember one sniper duel that had me holding my breath because it was basically two geniuses trying to outsmart each other in the most nerve-wracking way. If you like edge-of-your-seat tension, Golden Kamuy has moments that deliver in spades.
Another strength is the depth of storytelling. Beneath the crazy hijinks, there’s an intelligently woven plot. Mysteries unravel gradually (like the truth about the gold and Asirpa’s father, or the hidden motives of characters). Alliances between characters shift in believable yet surprising ways. The narrative respects the audience – it doesn’t spoon-feed everything. Clues are dropped, and you get those satisfying “aha” moments when pieces come together. Also, I have to applaud how unique the whole premise and execution are. I honestly can’t think of another series quite like Golden Kamuy. It’s refreshing to have a show surprise you at every turn and also teach you something new. (I mean, I learned more about 1900s bolt-action rifles and Ainu recipes than I ever expected from a comic book, not gonna lie.)
Last but definitely not least, the characters and their relationships glue everything together. You can have all the cool plot twists and epic fights in the world, but if you don’t care about the characters, it falls flat. Golden Kamuy makes you care. I was genuinely rooting for this oddball team. I wanted Sugimoto and Asirpa to succeed, I wanted certain villains to get their comeuppance, and I even wanted a few troubled souls to find redemption. The emotional investment creeps up on you. One moment you’re laughing at these goofballs, and later you’re like, “Dang, I actually really care if these people make it out alive.” That is a huge win for the series – it gets you attached. And when something crazy or dramatic happens, you feel it because the characters matter to you.
Criticisms
Now, as much as I love Golden Kamuy, it’s not perfect. Let’s talk about a few drawbacks (because no series is without sin, right?).
Tonal Whiplash – Remember how I praised the crazy genre-mixing? Well, that can be a double-edged sword. The shift from a silly gag to a deadly serious scene can give you whiplash if you’re not ready for it. One minute you’re giggling at a fart joke, and the next someone’s getting their finger chopped off. Most of the time I felt the balance worked, but I know some viewers might find the sudden switches jarring. If you’re expecting a consistently serious, gritty experience, the frequent comedy might throw you off (or if you come for the comedy, the sudden gore might shock you). Personally, I grew to love this wild rollercoaster tone, but it does require you to be flexible as a viewer.
Pacing & Sidequests – The story can sometimes meander. Because there are so many characters and mini-arcs, the main plot (the search for the gold) occasionally takes a backseat. You might get an episode focusing on, say, hunting a whale or a random adventure helping out villagers that doesn’t immediately push the treasure hunt forward. These detours are often fun (and they flesh out the world or characters), but if you’re the type who likes a super tight narrative, you might feel the pacing slow down in those moments. There were a couple of times I caught myself thinking, “Alright, this was cool and all, but when are we getting back to the gold hunt?” It’s a minor gripe, and honestly I enjoyed most of the side stories because of how much character or cultural detail they gave. Just be aware that the plot isn’t 100% straight-line from Point A to B; it likes to take scenic routes.
Huge Cast & Complex Factions – Golden Kamuy has a ton of characters to keep track of. By the midpoint, you’re juggling multiple factions: Sugimoto’s crew, Tsurumi’s 7th Division soldiers, Hijikata’s group of convicts, various Ainu villagers, random bounty hunters… it can be a lot. The good news is everyone is pretty memorable once you get to know them, but I admit I sometimes had to pause and recall, “Wait, which side is this guy on again?” or “Have we met this character before?” Especially if you watch the anime week-to-week or take breaks, you might find yourself forgetting names or faces. Binge-watching or reading helps mitigate that, as the story often reminds you who is who. Still, the sheer number of players and shifting alliances can be a bit overwhelming. It’s not a simplistic story by any means – which is great, but also means you need to pay attention.
Visual Quirks (Anime) – This one’s more about the anime adaptation quality. Overall I think the anime did a solid job, but I have to mention the infamous CGI bear in season 1. (If you’ve seen it, you know… if not, well, you’ll know it when you do.) The show sometimes uses CGI for animals and it can look a bit jarring compared to the 2D animation. It’s a minor nitpick, and it honestly gets better in later seasons, but that first bear encounter was unintentionally funny-looking. Aside from that, the animation is decent but not jaw-dropping – it’s a character/story-driven show more than a visual spectacle, so don’t expect Demon Slayer-level polish. For manga readers, none of this is an issue because the art in the manga is detailed and expressive. But anime-only viewers should know there are a few quirky visual moments. They never ruined my enjoyment, but they’re noticeable.
And of course, a small content warning: if you’re squeamish or easily offended by crude humor, Golden Kamuy might test your limits. The violence is often graphic (there are severed limbs, animal butchery scenes, etc.), and the comedy can get very weird or raunchy (at one point, a guy basically has an ecstatic moment eating a bowl of miso… it’s played for laughs, but yeah, it’s bizarre!). For me, these outrageous bits made the series stand out and feel unique, but I get that they might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Just know what you’re getting into: Golden Kamuy will show you grotesque things and then make a poop joke about it. If you’re cool with that, great! If not, consider yourself warned.
Comparisons
Now, to give you an idea of Golden Kamuy‘s flavor, let me throw out a few comparisons to other series you might know:
If you’re a fan of Vinland Saga, you’ll probably vibe with Golden Kamuy‘s mix of historical setting and intense, character-driven storytelling. Both series deal with the aftermath of violent eras and have protagonists on epic, often personal quests (plus a healthy dose of revenge and redemption themes). Golden Kamuy is like Vinland Saga’s quirkier cousin – it has the gritty battles and deep character moments, but it also isn’t afraid to lighten the mood with a joke about eating eyeballs or something. So if you liked the serious Viking drama of Vinland Saga and wouldn’t mind a bit more humor thrown in, give Golden Kamuy a shot.
Enjoyed Attack on Titan? While Golden Kamuy doesn’t have giant monsters or world-altering mysteries, it does deliver on the intense action and unpredictable plot twists. Both series keep you guessing who might bite the dust next and feature a wide ensemble of characters with clashing motives. Golden Kamuy similarly creates that feeling of “no one is truly safe.” And like AoT, it has moments where you think one thing is happening, and then bam – a big reveal changes your perspective. Also, if you liked how AoT sometimes breaks tension with a bit of dark humor (Sasha and her love of food, for example), Golden Kamuy has that in spades, just in a different flavor.
Weirdly enough, I also compare Golden Kamuy to Prison Break in one very specific way: tattoo puzzles. (Hear me out on this!) In Prison Break, the protagonist has the prison’s blueprint tattooed on his body as a hidden map. In Golden Kamuy, the map to the Ainu gold is tattooed on a bunch of escaped prisoners. It’s a very similar concept of literally piecing together a puzzle from tattoos – except in Golden Kamuy, our heroes sometimes have to… uh… remove the “maps” from less-than-cooperative people. (Yikes.) So if you enjoyed that puzzle element of Prison Break, Golden Kamuy has a crazy twist on it that you might find intriguing.
And for the foodies out there: if you love anime like Food Wars! (Shokugeki no Soma) or basically any show that makes you hungry, Golden Kamuy might secretly be your jam. I know, I know – how does a show about ex-soldiers and criminals in the wilderness relate to a high school cooking anime? It’s the passion for food! Golden Kamuy dedicates surprising amounts of time to showing how a meal is prepared in the wild and how amazing it tastes. There are genuinely wholesome scenes of Asirpa teaching Sugimoto to cook rabbit or fish, and the pure joy on their faces when they eat could rival the ecstatic reactions in Food Wars (minus the… uh… clothes-ripping theatrics). I’ve seen episodes of Golden Kamuy that made me seriously crave some Hokkaido style salmon hotpot. So yeah, be prepared for some salivating alongside the shooting.
In short, Golden Kamuy blends elements from a bunch of genres. It’s got the survival and revenge grit of Vinland Saga, the fast-paced suspense of an Attack on Titan (on a smaller, more realistic scale), the clever tattoo-map plot device that might remind you of Prison Break, and even a dash of Food Wars with its love of cooking. Yet, despite these comparisons, it stands out as completely its own thing. There really is nothing quite like Golden Kamuy, and that’s its greatest strength.
Final Verdict
So, what’s my final verdict on Golden Kamuy? Honestly, it’s one of the most refreshing and entertaining series I’ve come across. It’s bold, it’s different, and it kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. I would highly recommend Golden Kamuy to anyone who enjoys adventure stories with a twist. If you’re into historical settings, you’ll love the rich detail and cultural depth. If you crave action, there’s plenty of heart-pounding combat. If you appreciate dark humor and quirky characters, this is exactly your cup of tea (or should I say, your bowl of miso soup?).
That said, I know it might not be everyone’s thing. If you prefer your stories to stick to one tone (either super serious or totally comedic), Golden Kamuy’s genre-bending nature might feel odd. And if you’re very squeamish about violence or you just don’t find crude humor funny, you might struggle with parts of it. But in my opinion, the series’ unique blend is precisely what makes it so special. It takes risks and trusts the audience to come along for the ride.
Who would love this series the most? I’d say adventure enthusiasts, history buffs (you’ll geek out over the Ainu lore and historical context, trust me), action/comedy fans who don’t mind some blood with their laughs, and anyone craving a truly unique story. Also, if you liked any of the shows I compared it to (Vinland Saga, AoT, etc.), and you’re open to a mix of tones, Golden Kamuy should be next on your list. It’s especially great for those of us who watch a lot of anime and think “ugh, everything feels the same” – because this one doesn’t.
In short, I give Golden Kamuy a big thumbs up. 👍 It’s a rare gem that had me laughing, gasping, and even learning a thing or two, all at once. By the end of it, I was genuinely attached to these characters and their journey. And honestly, isn’t that one of the best compliments you can give any story?
