Golden Kamuy, Episode 4: Grim Reaper
Nikaido Yohei’s Overall Role in the Episode
Nikaido Yohei debuts in this episode as a member of the 7th Division alongside his twin brother, Nikaido Kohei. Like his brother, he serves as an antagonist, taking part in the ambush, capture, and torture of Sugimoto. However, he plays a more aggressive and sadistic role compared to Kohei.
1. The Initial Ambush
- Yohei appears alongside Kohei when Sugimoto is ambushed at the brothel.
- He is one of the first to engage in physical violence, striking Sugimoto in the back of the knees with his rifle, causing him to fall.
- Once Sugimoto is on the ground, Yohei repeatedly smashes his rifle butt into his face, demonstrating his violent nature.
2. Participating in Sugimoto’s Interrogation
- Inside the 7th Division base, Yohei takes a more proactive role in the torture than Kohei.
- When discussing methods of extracting information, he suggests, "Let’s stop wasting time and just chop off fingers until he spits it out."
- This highlights his brutal and impatient personality, making him the more vicious of the two twins.
3. Underestimating Sugimoto
- While preparing to torture Sugimoto, Yohei lets his guard down, allowing Sugimoto to strike first.
- Sugimoto slams his head into Yohei’s face, knocking out one of his teeth and sending him falling backward.
- This turns the tide of the fight, giving Sugimoto the chance to break free and go on the offensive.
Impact Rating: 6.0/10
- More Aggressive than Kohei: He takes more initiative in the torture and violence, making him slightly more impactful than his brother.
- Sets Up Sugimoto’s Escape: By underestimating Sugimoto, he plays a direct role in allowing him to turn the tables.
- Fails as an Interrogator: Despite his brutality, he ultimately loses control of the situation.
Final Verdict: Yohei is a sadistic but reckless antagonist who contributes significantly to Sugimoto’s suffering but fails to achieve his goal, leading to Sugimoto’s dramatic retaliation.
Golden Kamuy, Episode 5: Race
Nikaido Yohei’s Role in the Episode:
Nikaido Yohei serves as one of the primary antagonists in Sugimoto’s captivity and subsequent escape, playing a crucial role in driving the tension and action within the 7th Division HQ. His brutality, sadistic tendencies, and personal vendetta against Sugimoto define his character in this episode. However, his overconfidence and recklessness lead to his downfall.
Key Contributions:
- Torturing Sugimoto:
- Along with his brother Nikaido Kohei, Yohei is one of Sugimoto’s captors.
- He physically assaults Sugimoto, even stabbing him in the chest, attempting to kill him while restrained.
- This attack showcases the ruthlessness of the Nikaido twins and their hatred toward Sugimoto.
- Brutal Fight with Sugimoto:
- Despite being handcuffed and wounded, Sugimoto fights back savagely.
- Sugimoto grabs Yohei’s throat and beats him repeatedly with a broken chair leg, bashing his face in.
- The fight is vicious and unrelenting, further reinforcing Sugimoto’s resilience and the raw brutality of combat in this series.
- Failed Murder Attempt (Second Encounter):
- After being separated from Sugimoto, Yohei later returns to finish him off under the guise of a staged escape attempt.
- He plans to kill Sugimoto with a bayonet to avoid making noise, but finds himself disarmed.
- Underestimating Sugimoto proves fatal—Sugimoto overpowers and kills him.
- Yohei’s Death and Its Impact:
- Sugimoto uses Yohei’s intestines as part of his escape plan, fooling the 7th Division into believing he is near death.
- His death triggers Tsurumi’s investigation, leading to the realization that Sugimoto staged his escape.
- Tsurumi’s deduction scene, analyzing Yohei’s corpse, adds a layer of psychological intrigue to the episode.
Impact Rating: 7.5/10
- Antagonistic Presence: His sadism, arrogance, and brutal tactics reinforce the threat of the 7th Division.
- Catalyst for Action: His actions push Sugimoto into a desperate struggle, driving much of the episode’s tension.
- Memorable Death: His gruesome demise and Sugimoto’s clever use of his body parts add to the grit and dark humor of the series.
- Tsurumi’s Investigation: His death sets up Tsurumi’s deductive brilliance, adding another layer of intelligence and intrigue.
While not a major strategic player, Yohei is a strong supporting antagonist whose brutality, rivalry with Sugimoto, and violent demise leave a lasting impact on the episode.