Golden Kamuy, Episode 3: Kamuy Mosir
Role in the Episode
Tanigaki Genjiro makes his debut as a 7th Division soldier hunting Sugimoto and Asirpa. His background as a Matagi hunter from Tohoku is highlighted through his tracking skills and calm demeanor when pursuing Asirpa. He plays a crucial role in confronting Asirpa and nearly capturing her but is ultimately outmatched by Retar, the Ezo wolf. His survival at the end suggests he will have a larger role in future events.
Key Contributions in the Episode:
- Tracking Asirpa with Skill & Experience
- Unlike the other soldiers, Genjiro quickly recognizes Asirpa’s strategy of backtracking and concealing footprints.
- He proves highly competent as a tracker, almost catching Asirpa.
- His internal monologue shows his respect for her cleverness, but also his predatory mindset.
- Capturing Asirpa & Discovering the Tattooed Skin
- He successfully corners Asirpa in a tree, making her surrender.
- When Asirpa accidentally drops the tattooed skin, he immediately realizes its importance and questions why a child possesses it.
- This moment confirms the skin’s significance to the 7th Division, advancing the overall plot.
- Facing Retar & Losing the Fight
- Retar, the legendary Ezo wolf, intervenes and overpowers Genjiro in a brutal struggle.
- Despite his combat experience, Genjiro is outmatched, thrown around, and left incapacitated with a broken leg.
- Asirpa’s mercy and intervention prevent Retar from killing him.
- His final scene shows him recovering near a fire, with a newfound obsession: hunting and killing Retar.
Impact Rating: 6.5/10
Strengths:
- A strong first impression as a skilled, intelligent soldier.
- Adds tension to Asirpa’s escape and brings her close to capture.
- Introduces his Matagi background, which distinguishes him from other 7th Division members.
- His survival and obsession with Retar set up future conflicts.
Weaknesses:
- Despite his skill, he ultimately fails in his objective.
- His injury leaves him out of action for now, limiting immediate consequences.
Final Verdict:
Tanigaki Genjiro is a notable supporting antagonist in this episode, demonstrating impressive tracking skills, experience, and resilience. His loss to Retar humbles him, and his survival hints at an ongoing arc. His obsession with the wolf could lead to future developments, making his role significant but not central to the episode’s immediate resolution.
Golden Kamuy, Episode 5: Race
Tanigaki Genjiro’s Role in the Episode
Tanigaki Genjiro has a supporting but significant presence in this episode, primarily following Nihei Tetsuzo, a renowned bear hunter, while also dealing with his own injuries. His role mainly involves tracking, observing Nihei's skills, and confirming his own motivations in the pursuit of Retar (the white wolf).
Key Contributions:
- Tracking and Survival Skills:
- Tanigaki appears in the latter part of the episode, injured but still moving forward, using snowshoes made of sarunashi vines.
- His tracking skills are evident as he follows Nihei and observes his methods.
- His presence hints at potential future conflict, as he is also searching for Retar.
- Observing Nihei Tetsuzo:
- Tanigaki watches as Nihei boldly challenges a brown bear and successfully kills it.
- He acknowledges Nihei’s reputation, reinforcing that Nihei is not an ordinary hunter, but a legend in Hokkaido.
- The contrast between Tanigaki’s more calculated, methodical approach and Nihei’s bold and aggressive hunting is highlighted.
- His Personal Motivation Becomes Clearer:
- He expresses his continued pursuit of Retar, suggesting that his arc will intersect with Asirpa and Sugimoto’s group.
- His respect for Nihei suggests he may be considering learning from him or aligning with him, but his ultimate motives remain ambiguous.
Impact Rating: 4.5/10
- Plot Contribution (4/10): While he does not directly drive the episode’s major events, he helps build anticipation for future conflicts with Retar and Nihei.
- Character Development (5/10): His determination, despite his injuries, reinforces his resilience and skill.
- World-Building (5/10): His tracking skills and commentary on Nihei’s abilities give additional context about hunting culture in Hokkaido.
Final Verdict:
Tanigaki does not dominate the episode, but his tracking, survival skills, and motivations add depth to his character. His interactions with Nihei set up potential future conflicts and alliances, making him an important supporting presence rather than a central figure in this episode.