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Golden Kamuy, Episode 1: Wenkamuy
Hijikata Toshizo's Role in the Episode
Hijikata Toshizo plays a brief but intriguing role in this episode, appearing only in a flashback cameo. However, his presence hints at larger future events. His contributions can be summarized as follows:
- A Mysterious Figure Among the Escaped Prisoners
- In Takechiyo’s recounting of the tattooed prisoners, Hijikata is shown as one of them, being transported under military watch.
- His smile and calm demeanor during transport imply that he was aware of the escape plan, or at the very least, had his own agenda.
- Establishing His Legacy and Future Importance
- While he does not speak or take any action, his brief appearance immediately signals that he is more than just another escapee.
- For viewers familiar with history or the series’ premise, his identity as a former Shinsengumi leader makes him a figure of authority, combat skill, and strategic intelligence.
- His cameo foreshadows that he will be a major player in the battle for the gold.
Impact Rating: 4.0/10
Hijikata’s direct impact in this episode is minimal, but his narrative weight and future importance are undeniable.
- Foreshadowing of a Major Character - His flashback appearance hints that he is still alive and active, suggesting he will play a larger role later. His past as a Shinsengumi commander makes him a highly dangerous and intelligent figure, setting up intrigue.
- Part of the Gold Conflict - As one of the escaped prisoners, he likely has a tattoo, making him part of the larger battle for the treasure. His calm, collected presence suggests he will be more than just another convict on the run.
- Limited Screen Time & No Direct Role in Present Events - His appearance is only in a flashback, meaning he does not affect the events of the current timeline. Unlike Takechiyo or Wilk, he does not provide key exposition or influence Saichi’s or Asirpa’s decisions in this episode.
Final Verdict: 4.0/10 - While his presence is very minor, it carries significant weight for the future of the story. His status as a legendary warrior and escaped prisoner makes him a ticking time bomb in the hunt for the gold. Although he does not yet impact the main characters, his potential as a formidable rival or ally ensures he will become more important later.
Golden Kamuy, Episode 2: Noppera-Bou
Hijikata Toshizo's Overall Role in the Episode
Hijikata Toshizo appears only in a flashback in this episode but leaves a significant impression through Shiraishi Yoshitake’s testimony about the escape of the tattooed prisoners. Despite his limited screen time, he is presented as an important historical figure and a major player in the gold hunt. His role includes:
- His Identity and Background Are Revealed:
- He is introduced as a survivor of the Hakodate War and a legendary Shinsengumi commander who was supposed to have died decades ago.
- His association with the escaped prisoners and leadership role suggest he is a formidable force.
- His Combat Abilities Are Displayed:
- In the flashback, he swiftly kills three armed soldiers in seconds, demonstrating exceptional swordsmanship and combat prowess.
- This cements his reputation as a dangerous and highly skilled opponent who should not be underestimated.
- Hints at His Larger Role in the Story:
- Shiraishi’s revelation that Hijikata is leading a faction of the escaped prisoners suggests he is a key rival to Sugimoto and others searching for the gold.
- His connection to Noppera-Bou’s plan implies that his motivations and long-term strategy will be a major plot point moving forward.
- Establishing Another Faction in the Conflict:
- The episode makes it clear that Hijikata is neither fully aligned with the other tattooed prisoners nor with the 7th Division.
- This suggests that multiple factions will be competing in the gold hunt, making the situation even more unpredictable.
Impact Rating: 6.5/10
Strengths:
- Establishes a major historical figure as a key antagonist.
- Demonstrates deadly combat skills in a short but powerful flashback.
- Introduces another major faction into the conflict, increasing the stakes.
- His survival and strategic leadership role make him a looming threat for future episodes.
Weaknesses:
- His role in this episode is purely backstory—he does not directly influence the present events.
- No new actions or decisions from Hijikata himself, only past events being recounted.
Final Verdict:
Hijikata Toshizo’s flashback appearance serves to establish his importance and foreshadow his role as a major antagonist. While he does not actively participate in the events of the episode, his legendary reputation and violent escape set the stage for future encounters. His presence adds depth to the gold hunt, making him a formidable wildcard in the unfolding battle for the Ainu treasure.
Golden Kamuy, Episode 3: Kamuy Mosir
Role in the Episode
Hijikata Toshizo plays a pivotal yet contained role in this episode. He appears in the latter part of the episode, where he confronts and recruits Ushiyama Tatsuuma, an escaped convict. His presence establishes him as a master strategist, seeking to build an alliance rather than resorting to brute force to collect the tattooed skins. The interaction reinforces his cunning nature, his alternative approach to the treasure hunt, and his long-term plan to challenge the 7th Division.
Key Contributions in the Episode:
- Confronting Ushiyama Tatsuuma
- Hijikata tracks down Ushiyama, catching him in a brothel, which demonstrates his reach and resourcefulness.
- Challenges Ushiyama’s brute strength by stopping his katana just before striking his head, proving he’s not someone to underestimate.
- Ushiyama retaliates aggressively, but Hijikata’s cool demeanor shows his dominance and composure, making it clear he is in control of the situation.
- Introducing a Non-Violent Strategy for Gathering Tattooed Skins
- Instead of killing convicts for their tattoos, Hijikata presents an oiled-paper technique to copy the tattoos without murder.
- This marks a major shift in strategy, contrasting with the more ruthless methods of others (Sugimoto, 7th Division).
- His tactical mind sets him apart as someone who plays the long game rather than relying on brute force.
- Recruitment and Building an Anti-7th Division Faction
- He invites Ushiyama to join his side, stating his eventual plan to face the 7th Division head-on.
- This is an early step in assembling a faction that can challenge Tsurumi’s military-backed forces.
- His calculated leadership skills become evident, showing that he isn’t just a rogue samurai—he is a legitimate power player in the race for the gold.
Impact Rating: 7.5/10
- Highlights his tactical genius—Hijikata is shown as a planner, not just a fighter, emphasizing his strategic mind.
- Introduces a new approach to the treasure hunt—his tattoo-copying method sets him apart from others pursuing the gold.
- Foreshadows future conflicts—his opposition to the 7th Division is confirmed, setting up a power struggle down the line.
- Expands the factional war—his recruitment of Ushiyama signals the start of a new power bloc, increasing the stakes.
- Limited screen time—Hijikata’s direct involvement in the episode is brief, and he doesn’t interact with the main characters (Sugimoto, Asirpa).
- No immediate action taken—his role is more about setup than immediate consequence, meaning his impact is felt more in the long run rather than in this particular episode.
Final Verdict:
Hijikata makes a significant impression despite limited screen time. His tactical approach and leadership are reinforced, and his long-term goals against the 7th Division become clearer. While his immediate impact is small, the episode cements his role as a major power player in the unfolding war over the Ainu gold.
Golden Kamuy, Episode 5: Race
Hijikata Toshizo’s Role in the Episode:
Hijikata Toshizo plays a major role in this episode, making significant moves to consolidate power and demonstrating his brutal leadership, strategic cunning, and long-term ambitions. His dominant presence is felt throughout the gang recruitment subplot, where he forcefully expands his influence.
Key Contributions:
- Forming Alliances & Expanding Influence:
- Hijikata meets Nagakura Shinpachi, an old comrade from the Shinsengumi, and receives his support in acquiring weapons.
- He then targets Shibukawa Zenjiro, the leader of a bandit gang, to either force him into an alliance or eliminate him.
- This highlights his ruthless and pragmatic leadership, as he understands the importance of manpower and firepower in the race for the gold.
- Slaughtering Zenjiro’s Men & Establishing Authority:
- When Zenjiro refuses to cooperate, Hijikata immediately kills him with a well-placed shot through the cheek.
- He slaughters several more bandits with his katana and revolver, cementing his reputation as a deadly swordsman and tactician.
- His fearless charge and cold execution of his enemies showcase that he is still a warrior at heart, even at his age.
- Declaring His Vision for Hokkaido’s Independence:
- Toshizo tells Tatsuuma that his true goal is more than just gold—he seeks Ezo’s independence.
- This moment serves as a declaration of his long-term ambitions, portraying him as a revolutionary figure rather than a mere warlord.
- His comparison of loyal warriors to those willing to die for a cause reflects his Shinsengumi ideals, making it clear he sees this as another war for Japan’s future.
- Foreshadowing of Conflict with Other Groups:
- Toshizo’s aggressive expansion of power suggests an inevitable conflict with other factions, including Tsurumi’s 7th Division and Sugimoto’s group.
- His ideological stance on independence sets him apart, making him a wild card in the race for the Ainu gold.
Impact Rating: 9.5/10
- Directly Influences the Plot: His actions eliminate an entire gang, strengthen his position, and set up future confrontations.
- Character Development: His ruthless yet calculated nature is on full display, reinforcing why he is a formidable leader.
- Drives a Major Subplot: His Shinsengumi revival & Ezo independence angle adds a layer of depth to the larger conflict over the gold.
Hijikata dominates his scenes, showcasing why he remains one of the most dangerous and influential figures in the series. His presence looms large over the episode, and his merciless efficiency makes him a true contender in the battle for power.
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