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Golden Kamuy, Episode 1: Wenkamuy

Kenmochi Toraji's Role in the Episode

Kenmochi Toraji appears in a flashback and serves as a tragic catalyst for Saichi’s motivation. His role is primarily emotional, reinforcing Sugimoto's deep personal reasons for seeking wealth. His contributions include:

  • Establishing Sugimoto’s Personal Motivation
    • Toraji speaks about his blind wife, Umeko, and their child, Torataro, emphasizing his desperation to earn money for her eye surgery in America.
    • He pleads with Saichi to take care of Umeko if anything happens to him, foreshadowing his fate.
  • Symbolizing the Harsh Realities of War
    • Toraji is brutally killed during battle, with Saichi witnessing his limbless, bloodied body in a nightmarish sequence.
    • This traumatic moment solidifies Sugimoto’s resolve, making it clear that he seeks gold not out of greed, but out of loyalty to his best friend.
  • Haunting Saichi Through a Nightmare Sequence
    • Toraji’s death is shown through a surreal and horrific dream, where he tells Saichi, “I can’t go back to Japan.”
    • This further cements Sugimoto’s guilt and duty toward Toraji’s family, making his mission more personal.

Impact Rating: 7.5/10

  • Major Emotional Catalyst - Toraji’s desperation, sacrifice, and death directly motivate Saichi’s quest for wealth, making him a key driver of the protagonist’s goal.
  • Tragic Backstory Adds Depth to Sugimoto’s Character - Without Toraji, Saichi might not have been as determined to search for the gold. The scene humanizes Sugimoto, showing that his quest isn’t purely self-serving.
  • Limited Screen Time - Since Toraji only appears in flashbacks, he doesn’t directly impact the current events of the episode. His role is entirely in the past, meaning his influence is indirect rather than active.

Final Verdict: 7.5/10 - While he does not appear in the present timeline, his emotional significance is immense. His tragic fate and final wish drive Sugimoto’s pursuit of wealth, making him one of the most important figures in shaping the protagonist’s mission.