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Golden Kamuy, Episode 3: Kamuy Mosir

Role in the Episode

Ushiyama Tatsuuma, also known as "Ushiyama the Undefeated," makes his debut in this episode as one of the escaped tattooed convicts. His presence primarily serves to introduce him as a potential key player in the conflict surrounding the treasure hunt. Hijikata Toshizo seeks to recruit him into his faction, offering an alternative to simply collecting the tattoos through murder. Ushiyama's role is limited but significant, as his immense physical strength and reputation make him a valuable asset in the unfolding power struggle.

Key Contributions in the Episode:

  • Introduces Ushiyama as a Formidable Character
    • Ushiyama is first seen in a brothel, emphasizing his strong libido and carefree attitude.
    • His dominance over the woman and his casual nature set the stage for his physical prowess and lack of concern for societal norms.
  • Engages in a Confrontation with Hijikata Toshizo
    • Hijikata tracks down Ushiyama and confronts him, immediately establishing the old samurai’s tactical cunning.
    • Ushiyama reacts aggressively, threatening the woman and throwing her at Hijikata, showing his brute strength and lack of restraint.
    • He underestimates Hijikata, who stops his katana just short of Ushiyama’s head—a clear sign that Hijikata is not to be trifled with.
    • This scene serves to gauge Ushiyama’s fighting abilities, as his massive strength contrasts with Hijikata’s precise swordsmanship.
  • Hijikata’s Proposal & the Tattooed Skin Strategy
    • Hijikata proposes an alternative to killing the tattooed convicts, showing him a method of copying the tattoos using oiled paper.
    • This marks a strategic shift—Hijikata is building alliances rather than just collecting skins through murder.
    • Ushiyama does not immediately refuse the offer, suggesting he may be open to working with Hijikata in the future.
  • Foreshadowing His Future Role in the Conflict
    • Ushiyama’s inclusion in the episode teases his future importance in the battle between the various factions seeking the gold.
    • His raw power and possible alliance with Hijikata suggest he may become a major fighter against the 7th Division or other interested parties.

Impact Rating: 5.5/10

Strengths:

  • Establishes Ushiyama as a powerful and unpredictable character with brute strength and an intimidating presence.
  • Highlights Hijikata’s intelligence and alternative tattoo-copying strategy, which could change the way the treasure hunt plays out.
  • Sets up future conflicts—Ushiyama’s decision to work with or against Hijikata remains uncertain, making him a wildcard in the story.

Weaknesses:

  • Minimal direct impact on the current events—he does not influence the main conflict involving Sugimoto, Asirpa, or the 7th Division.
  • His role is mostly setup rather than immediate action—his future importance is teased, but he does little in the present episode.

Final Verdict: Ushiyama Tatsuuma’s introduction adds a powerful new player to the unfolding treasure hunt, and his confrontation with Hijikata sets up a possible alliance or rivalry. While his impact on this specific episode is minor, his physicality, aggressive nature, and potential role in future battles make him an intriguing addition.

Golden Kamuy, Episode 4: Grim Reaper

Ushiyama Tatsuuma’s Overall Role in the Episode

Ushiyama Tatsuuma appears only briefly in this episode, serving as a plot device rather than an active participant. His role is limited to a cameo appearance in a flashback, where his tattooed skin is referenced, indirectly pushing the plot forward by linking Sugimoto’s inquiry about tattooed prisoners to his eventual confrontation with the 7th Division.

1. Connecting the Tattooed Prisoner Plotline

  • The mention of a man with strange tattoos being involved in a violent incident in Otaru leads Sugimoto to investigate.
  • A brief scene shows Ushiyama’s tattooed back, confirming his presence in the area and reinforcing the idea that the hunt for tattooed prisoners remains central to the story.
  • Significance: Ushiyama’s cameo reminds the audience of the ongoing treasure hunt and the different factions involved, despite him not taking direct action in this episode.

2. Indirectly Leading to Sugimoto’s Capture

  • Because Sugimoto follows up on the lead regarding a tattooed man, his actions draw attention to himself.
  • This ultimately triggers his confrontation with the 7th Division, leading to his interrogation by Tsurumi and setting up the stakes for the next episode.
  • Significance: While Ushiyama himself does not influence the events, the mere fact that he was involved in the earlier incident sets off a chain reaction that leads to major plot developments.

Impact Rating: 1.0/10

  • Minimal Screen Time: Ushiyama appears only as a brief visual in a flashback.
  • No Direct Influence: He does not interact with any characters, nor does he take any actions that drive the plot forward.
  • Only Serves as a Narrative Connector: His role is purely referential, reminding the audience that he exists and linking Sugimoto’s investigation to the 7th Division’s attention.

While Ushiyama has a major role in the overall story, in this episode, his presence is negligible, earning him a 1.0/10 impact score.

Golden Kamuy, Episode 5: Race

Ushiyama Tatsuuma’s Role in the Episode:

Ushiyama Tatsuuma plays a supporting but impactful role in the episode, primarily acting as Hijikata Toshizo’s enforcer and demonstrating his sheer brute strength. While he does not drive the main narrative forward, his physical prowess and loyalty to Hijikata make him a valuable asset in their gang recruitment mission.

Key Contributions:

  • Assists in Recruiting Shibukawa Zenjiro’s Gang:
    • Ushiyama accompanies Hijikata to meet Shibukawa Zenjiro, the leader of a bandit gang, as they attempt to force him into an alliance or eliminate him.
    • He plays a physically dominant role in the confrontation.
  • Displays Overwhelming Strength:
    • When one of Zenjiro’s bandits throws a punch at Hijikata, Ushiyama casually steps in and catches it with one hand.
    • He lifts the bandit and throws him so hard that he embeds him into the ceiling, showcasing his superhuman strength.
    • This moment adds an element of shock and intimidation, reinforcing that Hijikata’s faction is not to be trifled with.
  • Observes Hijikata’s Ruthlessness:
    • Ushiyama watches as Hijikata executes Zenjiro and his men, further solidifying his loyalty to the ex-Shinsengumi leader.
    • He internally acknowledges Hijikata’s monstrous reputation, realizing the legendary swordsman’s brutality and tactical genius firsthand.
    • His perspective provides insight into Hijikata’s leadership style—one built on fear, power, and unwavering conviction.
  • Questions Hijikata’s Vision for a New Shinsengumi:
    • While riding with Hijikata after the massacre, Ushiyama expresses skepticism about Hijikata’s goal of creating a new Shinsengumi and taking over Hokkaido.
    • He states that he is only in it for the gold, indicating that he lacks the ideological conviction that drives Hijikata.
    • This foreshadows potential conflicts or differing priorities within the group in the future.

Impact Rating: 6.5/10

  • Physical Presence & Action Scenes (8/10): Ushiyama’s brutality and strength are visually memorable, especially his comical yet terrifying feat of embedding a man into the ceiling.
  • Plot Contribution (5/10): He assists Hijikata, but he is not the main driver of the events. The recruitment of Zenjiro’s gang is Hijikata’s operation, with Ushiyama acting as muscle rather than a decision-maker.
  • Character Development (6/10): He establishes himself as loyal but pragmatic, differentiating himself from Hijikata by admitting that he is only interested in gold, not the dream of Ezo’s independence.

While not the most influential figure in the episode, Ushiyama adds a mix of humor, strength, and insight into Hijikata’s faction, making him a valuable but secondary presence in this installment.