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Golden Kamuy, Episode 5: Race

Ryu’s Role in the Episode

Ryu, Nihei Tetsuzo’s bear-hunting dog, plays a supporting yet important role in demonstrating Nihei’s dominance as a hunter. Though his direct impact is limited, his actions and behavior help frame Nihei’s skill and the Matagi hunting traditions.

Key Contributions:

  • Establishes Nihei’s Hunting Methods
    • Ryu is sent into the bear den to provoke the bear into coming out, a common Matagi hunting technique where a dog forces an animal into the open.
    • However, he quickly retreats, hinting that he understands the danger of the larger Hokkaido brown bear compared to what he’s used to.
    • His reaction helps emphasize how dangerous the situation is, making Nihei’s calm demeanor even more intimidating.
  • Foreshadows Nihei’s Ruthless Nature
    • Nihei instructs Ryu that if he finds a female bear, he should rape it—a disturbing yet revealing statement that highlights Nihei’s unapologetically brutal and predatory mindset.
    • This reinforces Nihei’s dominance over both animals and people, treating hunting as a merciless sport where survival of the fittest reigns.
  • Adds to the Realism of Hunting Practices
    • Ryu’s role showcases how hunting dogs assist in bear hunts, adding a touch of realism to Matagi and Ainu hunting traditions.
    • While he doesn’t directly affect the outcome of the battle, his initial barking and retreat serve as a realistic prelude to Nihei’s one-shot kill.

Impact Rating: 3.5/10

  • Plot Contribution (3/10): Ryu is mostly an accessory to Nihei’s hunt, playing a minor role in advancing the story.
  • Character Development (4/10): While Ryu himself isn’t developed much, his presence enhances Nihei’s character by highlighting his hunting style, ruthlessness, and mindset.
  • World-Building (4/10): The use of a hunting dog adds cultural depth, but it’s a small detail rather than a major focus.

Final Verdict: Ryu’s role is minor but effective in supporting Nihei’s introduction. He serves as a symbol of traditional hunting methods, while also emphasizing the overwhelming power of the Hokkaido brown bear compared to what Matagi hunters and their dogs are accustomed to. While not a game-changer in the plot, his presence adds authenticity to the hunting sequence.