Golden Kamuy Confessions

Got confessions or unpopular opinions on Golden Kamuy? Send them all here! Not spoiler-free

[ginkamuconfessions]

I have a feeling that the GK live action adaptation (especially the casting) is going to cause an uproar. There's already rumors floating around Twitter that Yamazaki Kento is going to be Sugimoto with Hirate Yurina as his costar.

[[If this is true, I find it confusing. Aren't you supposed to cast a tween for Asirpa's role?

Also, the possibility of Asirpa being played by an actress of non-Ainu descent. What do you guys think??]]

[ginkamuconfessions]

I’m really confused as to why people thought Koito would leave the army after Tsurumi’s death when the Tsurumi Theatre arc showed they share the exact same principles, political worldview and imperialist goals. He definitely had a lot of qualms and personal trauma with Tsurumi as a leader and with how he treated Tsukishima but he’s never even started to think the army is a bad thing on-page. I’d have liked him to have a more fleshed-out final confrontation with Tsurumi, but to me, him staying is totally in character.

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[ginkamuconfessions]

I'm amazed Asirpa still hasn't grown a head taller even after the three-year timeskip

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[ginkamuconfessions]

yes sorry, in places other than tumblr there were some very vocal anons getting reaaally worked up because the translator voiced a personal opinion in a chatroom while delivering good and timely translations even when he didn’t like how some things in the story went, acting as if it was a big deal or something. It was embarrassing to watch honestly you haven’t missed anything.

Don't be sorry, anon! I have to admit I'm not very active in the GK fandom except with some of my friends because honestly? Being in a fandom can get very tiring especially when big things happen like a series ending or other big announcements.

Can't say this enough but enjoying a work doesn't mean you can't point out its flaws or voice your opinions about what could've made it more enjoyable for you.

[ginkamuconfessions]

I think the end was fine, but I did not vibe with the timeskip and it could really use more pages! What I don’t like is how some fans are behaving, I always thought the gk fandom was pretty mature but some people really think this is some kind of competition and act weirdly hostile over it. If they are so satisfied with everything why are they seething this hard? also shitting on the translators for disliking your fave is embarrassing lol how dare someone have differing opinions on the internet

I feel like I'm missing out on the 'translators disliking your fave' part. Can anyone elaborate?

[ginkamuconfessions]

How was the grand finale? Tell me your thoughts because honestly, I was just happy that most of my ships sailed I don't have a lot, other than wanting to see it animated

Also, I wish we get a spin-off chapter that shows Sugimoto and co.'s adventure in Tokyo.

[ginkamuconfessions]

//TW: harassment, fetishization and mentions of r/ape and genocide of indiegenous people

this is not the post I'd ever want to make on this blog but I've been harassed to hell and back by this person on my main blog @arsnovacadenza . Read all about this here for context

BEWARE OF ANON AND NON-ANON FANFIC REQUESTS FETISHIZING ASIANS

This blog (sock puppet accounts include chagatai-kun, aladdinfuckersblog) slid into my dms and sent me this

I censored most of it but the original ask was something along the lines of asking me to write Emperor Qinzong conquering Japan and massa/cring and rap/ing Ainu women. Previously they've harrased other bloggers by demanding that they write noncon and fetishization of East Asian people (last time it was Mongolian people)

When you see them, please block and report them. I know this is a small blog with very few followers, but I'd be very grateful if you reblog this or let Golden Kamuy content creators know.

Tagging @goldenkamuyhunting because I don't know how else I can spread word about this in the GK fandom. Also be VERY CAREFUL if you write fanfics or anything related to Asian history.

[ginkamuconfessions]

Are we ready, kids?

[ginkamuconfessions]

Golden Kamuy live-action?

Yo what's this I heard about a live-action project for Golden Kamuy? Smash or Pass?

Personally, I don't want to see more ugly CGI bears so a solid no from me.

[dear-ao3]

[ link ]

[ginkamuconfessions]

I wish I could scream on this blog about the latest manga chapter. But it's such a HUGE-ass spoiler so no

[ginkamuconfessions]

No shade to Hijikata and his fans, but he just can't die, can he?

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[ginkamuconfessions]

I am HYPED for the Koito vs Hijikata duel because face it I can't believe my Satsuma boi has come so far. but still I can't imagine if one of them dies :((( Noda-sensei they deserve to have more than one disjointed chapter dedicated to their fight pls I beg you

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[ginkamuconfessions]

When I first started watching gk I thought ogata was a piece of shit and I did not like him, I thought he was weird, but idk when on the course to the end of s3 it happened, but now he’s my favorite….. what the fuck

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[ginkamuconfessions]

People who draw all the 7th Division but elude Nikaidou or worse replace him with Ogata suck

Like what did my boy do to deserve this? 😭

I briefly thought that Ogata's also part of the 7th Division but then realized that he's in the same boat as Tanigaki now. So, he's no longer part of the division

[ginkamuconfessions]

I love how food carries such strong philosophy in GK, it's really so closely tied to everything. the first thing we see is Sugimoto eating an ant... he isn't well fed, it's bitter, he says he'll take a bite out of a Russian soldier if that's what it takes to survive, he's literally eating and breathing war.

one of the first uncomfortable things that Sugimoto and Asirpa have to feel out about each other is where the boundaries lie when it comes to violence on their shared quest. Asirpa doesn't want to kill people if possible, but Sugimoto hadn't really wanted to kill anyone either... war necessitated it of him if he wanted to survive, and on the journey to find the gold, it feels like violence will inevitably be part of the path. and we see why that'd be uncomfortable to Asirpa... she doesn't want Retar to kill a human because she doesn't want him to become a wenkamuy. to Asirpa, that does something to the soul, and Sugimoto says himself that he's probably going to hell someday.

but it's more complicated than that... he starts having PTSD flashbacks while hunting a deer. he's relating to the prey and feeling the animal's will to survive. people aren't innocent, but this animal wasn't trying to kill him first. it's done nothing to deserve this, and that's more troubling to Sugimoto. and Sugimoto is empathetically squeamish about other forms of hunting in the beginning too, like shuddering when Asirpa explains the squirrel traps, saying he likes squirrels. but Asirpa helps ease Sugimoto's mental suffering by explaining the value of the prey's life in sustaining their own. the idea of paying respect to the kamuy for the give and take of resources helps illustrate that they weren't killing the prey frivolously, or out of cruelty... it was simply necessary. and in that, Asirpa comes to understand Sugimoto a little better too. he also learned to kill as a necessity, and doesn't derive joy from it... it's just a matter of "them or me" for him. Sugimoto's goal was simply not to die.

as they go along on their journey, the development of the characters isn't a linear progression, by any means. Sugimoto in particular goes through some major ups and downs, like, prior to the raid on the Abashiri prison I think Sugimoto was doing really well compared to how he was in the very beginning. he's a lot less closed off, he smiles more, he's more playful as time goes on... after being separated from Asirpa, he gets way worse. it's been a roller coaster. but at Abashiri, we see Sugimoto solidify a certain idea... he doesn't want to drag Asirpa into the kind of violent conflict that damaged him to begin with. he doesn't want to force her into the kind of "them or me" scenario where killing people is required of her too, if it can be helped. Sugimoto has felt less ruined over time, because of Asirpa's influence... but he's aware that Asirpa could feel more ruined over time due to his influence, or the conditions of the conflict surrounding them, and he wants to resist that.

Asirpa has been the one to bring him out of his war mindset the most over the course of their journey, and that's something he values a lot. she can't erase what happened to him. the violence done to or by him, and the scars that it's left on his body and mind... that all still remains. but one of the things he picked up from Asirpa almost immediately was saying the phrase "hinna hinna" when eating good food. as long as he has the ability to do that... I think that is a tether. it's restorative to have a reason to say those words... it's a sign that you're living, not just surviving. you aren't spreading destruction, you're doing the opposite... you're sharing something good, which gives people their vitality back. you aren't eating ants in a trench surrounded by blood and fear. the food is an indication of how things are going for everyone... can they share a meal, and is that meal rejuvenating? that is a test of a person's condition.

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[ginkamuconfessions]

this is a bit of a query for the fandom... do we know if there's any intentional symbolism in GK in relation to kintsugi pottery? because I think it'd be really cool if true. for context, kintsugi is the art of repairing pottery with a mixture of lacquer/adhesive and gold dust. the symbolism could be very literal with Sugimoto healing via meeting Asirpa and helping her hunt for the gold... Sugimoto's prominent facial scars even bear a resemblance to the way kintsugi pottery looks. but even overall, a lot of GK goes with the idea behind kintsugi, which is to preserve and find beauty in something broken, giving it new life rather than just throwing it away. and Sugimoto isn't the only broken soldier, physically or mentally, that is invigorated and given purpose by the search for the gold.

idk, I'm a little new here and would love to know if the author intended this connection, or if it's just cool independently of that.

what do you think? @goldenkamuyhunting

[goldenkamuyhunting]

Sorry for the late reply and *blush* it’s kind of flattering to be asked for an opinion.

So kintsugi pottery and “Golden Kamuy”.

As far as I know Noda never mentioned a connection... and despite thinking it would be very, very cool if there were to be one but... let’s dig into it more.

I’m not an expert in kintsugi pottery but once I read an article of someone who was and it said it’s generally used to symbolize that love, care and time can heal and make broken people whole and beautiful again.

This works if you’re the one pouring care on yourself or if someone else is.

So the key is not so much the gold that’s poured in the cup to make it whole again, but the care with whom it was poured for the purpose of making it whole and even more beautiful than before.

Another part of the symbolism used is that the breaking in itself (and the overcoming of it) become accepted part of the person and it’s not because the person was once broken it’s less beautiful.

Kintsugi is also tied to the zen phylosophy of embracing your imperfections, of acceptance of changes.

Other compares it to the concept of resilience.

Now... it’s true, “Golden Kamuy” has a cast that’s basically made of seriously psychologically damaged people. The problem here is that none of them get pieced together, actually the story usually breaks them further.

We see it very clearly with Tsurumi, who very much apprecciate broken people because they’re easier to manipulate and even encourages them to break further... however he does so in such a way they feel accepted and loved so they cling to him as they’re fraying to pieces, sometimes unaware of this, sometimes even aware of this.

The best example is Tanigaki, who opens his soul to Tsurumi, telling him of what happened in his home and of how he is supposed to go back home but can’t find the guts to do so... and Tsurumi encourages him to stay in Hokkaido, taking a paternal role, apprecciating the mochi Tanigaki’s father would supposedly criticize and telling him how he needs him.

On the opposite side we’ve Nihei, who tries to heal Tanigaki by trying to help him to find the courage to go back home by involving him in a wolf hunt.

Nihei helps Tanigaki and deliberately pours love and care on him to help him heal.

Does it work? Nope, Nihei dies, Tanigaki ends up in Huci’s care and she tries to provide for him but doesn’t know how to mend him.

We’re at Vol 31, Tanigaki just got shot and might never find the guts to go back home and bring his father the truth about his sister’s death and apologize to him.

After ruining his life trying to murder Kenkichi out of misplaced revenge he goes and murders Kiro out of misplaced revenge.

Tanigaki hadn’t changed. He wasn’t healed. He just went on with his life despite the breaks in his soul, and keeping all his own original problems.

But Sugimoto? What about Sugimoto?

On Friday, 19 April 2019, news from a talk event held by Golden Kamuy staff at Shinjuku LOFT PLUS ONE, Tokyo, spurred quite a lot of discussion.

To quote what Kamuycentral reported: “Noda-sensei told Geno Studio that Sugimoto was already a completed character, so they didn’t need to think too much about his growth.”

Back then chap 196 had just been released.

The cast had just retrieved Asirpa but Ogata hadn’t escaped yet and was being carried by a doctor.

People were worried by this comment because, it was feared if Sugimoto weren’t to grow he wouldn’t change. We theorized we shouldn’t take it in a too litteral manner, but ultimately Noda stood true to his words.

Sugimoto hasn’t changed in a significative way.

But let’s clear up some things. Sugimoto isn’t helping Asirpa to hunt for the gold, the story start with Sugimoto asking Asirpa TO HELP HIM hunt for the gold. For a long time Asirpa held no interest in the gold and promised it to whoever wanted it.

Asirpa was dragged into this story by Sugimoto, he told her if the gold were to be found her father’s murderer, at that time supposed to be Nopperabou, would be executed. In short Asirpa was in this for revenge while Sugimoto was in this for the gold.

Now being with Asirpa and Shiraishi was overall good for Sugimoto as they provided him companionship and care.

I wouldn’t call it actively trying to heal him, they viewed him as a friend and handled him as such. Interacting positively with friends is psychologically good but it’s a tad different from the idea behind kintsugi pottery, in which you actively try to restore a broken cup.

What’s more, Sugimoto isn’t healed, if anything he’s getting worse.

Sugimoto is a man traumatized by war, by having to murder in order to survive, by feeling as if other men were hunting him like one would do with a deer.

In order to survive and keep his mental sanity he has developed a series of maladaptative copying systems.

I’ll brush them quickly as I’ve discussed them many times in previous posts and I don’t want to bore anyone.

The most obvious is he has learnt in order not to get killed he has to be the one who murders, which makes him view murdering opponents as an easy and convenient solution but, at the same time, psychologically damages him by adding to his trauma of having killed people more kills.

Then there’s that, in order to cope with all those murders, he told himself his enemies weren’t human and didn’t feel pain, which dehumanized them and kept his guilt at bay... allowing him to continue with the above mentioned maladaptive copying system.

The system above though, isn’t perfect. Ultimately Sugimoto views himself as someone who has a VIP seat on the train heading to hell, someone Umeko couldn’t accept anymore. This keeps him from interacting with her.

In order to overcome all this Sugimoto’s plan is to find the gold so he could become rich and cure Umeko as if acceptance for him can only come from something external as money and, in order to do so, for his own admission he’s willing to do everything, which will only worsen the above problems.

Sugimoto is basically trapped in a vicious cycle and taking part to this gold hunt is the most psychologically damaging things he could do and probably he would be much worse for wear if it wasn’t for Asirpa and Shiraishi. As things are, they aren’t healing him in the slightest but they’re slowing down his slipping... and Sugimoto is slipping.

In the first chapter, when Gotou attacked him, he didn’t immediately attempt to murder him.

He beats him and scares him off, he didn’t jump on him trying to finish him, nor tries to shoot him.

He had spent 2 years not killing anyone from when the war ended. Although his social interactions were poor, for two years he hadn’t been a ‘Kishin’ (鬼神 “Demon god”/“Ogre god” or, as the English translation put it “possessed by the devil”) and this has helped.

It changes fast, as when Ogata attacks him he tries to resist but ultimately tries to kill him despite Ogata having a broken arm and having been rendered helpless, and it’s only because Asirpa stopped him that Ogata survived.

Note that prior to this Sugimoto had promised Asirpa he wouldn’t kill anyone and that, after this, he still defends his attempted murder. It was more convenient to murder Ogata and it’s good he supposedly die when falling into the river.

The more the golden hunt progresses, the more people Sugimoto kills and the more it get easier for him to return to do so.

Asirpa herself is troubled when she sees how many fake Ainu he slaughtered.

And Noda doesn’t let the whole thing go, later this is discussed again.

And Sugimoto keeps sliding. When Ogata escapes Sugimoto hopes he’ll recover and come back so he can kill him personally. The most convenient thing for Sugimoto was for Ogata to die in the wilderness due to his wound or the cold or whatever or, at least, not come back. But Sugimoto now actively wants to murder him.

And he slides even more with Boutarou. When the latter betrays him, Sugimoto tries to kill him even if Boutarou has surrendered, is too wounded to be a threat and killing him would stop them from getting info on how to find Asirpa.

And it can get even worse.

Q9: If Shiraishi were to betray Sugimoto, would Sugimoto be able to kill him without hesitation, like the other prisoners? Noda: If he tried to kill Sugimoto, or circumstances justified betrayal at the expense of being killed, Sugimoto would kill him first. [ Q&A section from the Golden Kamuy fanbook  translation courtesi of @piduai​]

We saw how Asirpa hesitated in killing Ostrog even when threatened because the idea of taking a life pains her.

We saw how Sofia would hesitate shooting Tsurumi because she could still see Hasegawa in him.

Sugimoto won’t hesitate killing Shiraishi despite all the time they had spent together.

Sugimoto wasn’t healed by Asirpa, he’s getting worse. The hunt for the gold is nothing else but another war, in which he’s hunted by men and has to kill lot of them to survive. It’s psychologically damaging him.

In this setting, even if Noda wanted Asirpa to attempt healing, it would be like constantly trying to piece together a poor cup that keeps on being smashed to the ground.

So yes, it would be really cool if in Golden Kamuy there were any intentional symbolism in relation to kintsugi pottery but the truth is there’s none of it because there’s no healing, there’s no mending together of those poor, broken men.

And this is probably the biggest drama of Golden Kamuy.

At least, that’s how I see it. Of course others are free to see it differently.

I hope it helps!

[ginkamuconfessions]

Thank you for the response! It's such a great read.

And there you have it, anon! Feel free to send more of your theories and speculations!