'Golden Kamuy' Can Be a Western

Golden Kamuy centers on Saichi Sagimuto, a Russo-Japanese War veteran who earned the legendary reputation of “Immortal Sagimuto” on the battlefield due to his remarkable fierceness in combat and being seemingly unkillable regardless of the damage he takes.  One day, while in the winter wilderness of Hokkaido, he chances upon the story of hidden Ainu gold, which can be found by piecing together the clues tattooed on 24 convicts who escaped while being transported from prison.  Seeing it as an opportunity to provide financial security to his dead comrade’s widow, he teams up with an Ainu girl named Asirpa – whose proficient outdoor skills and friendship with a Hokkaido wolf have proven to be great assets – to hunt down the convicts and retrieve the gold.

I was drawn to Golden Kamuy because of how different it is from most modern anime.  First, it’s not usual for a historical anime to be set on its choice of time period.  Second, it’s also rare for an anime to feature the Ainu, an indigenous people of Japan.  As far as I can remember, this is only the second time I’ve ever encountered an anime do that, the first being Shaman King with Horohoro.  But Golden Kamuy is just the first anime I’ve seen in which the Ainu culture is prominently shown.  And third, its art style appears to be a throwback to 70’s anime.

Moreover, I particularly sensed and enjoyed the Western vibes going for it.   The frontier feel of the town of Otaru and its surroundings.  The wilderness being a constant setting.  The regular presence of wild animals.  The “cowboys vs. outlaws” dynamic.  A cast of colorful characters who fit the mold of typical Western characterizations.  The Ainu serving the story in the same manner Indians typically serve a Western.  Gold functioning as MacGuffin, which is a very Western thing.  Etc.

One who is familiar with Western tropes will pick up how much of a Western Golden Kamuy seems.

Meanwhile, its storyline requires a generous amount of grittiness.  And as an outcome, there are depictions of visceral action, mature elements, and graphic violence.  However, lighter moments also have its place.  I especially find the moments where the characters prepare and eat meals very endearing.  In addition, the comedy is excellent.  Laughs come a-plenty.

However, it does have weaknesses.  Now, it isn’t a boring and subpar anime at all.  But sometimes, the narrative can get uninteresting and the visuals lackluster.  Thankfully, the fun characters and its inherent appeal perpetually nullify any budding threats that can derail the show.

In the end, though I like Golden Kamuy, I can understand why others may not.  Its quirks are not for every anime fan.  It has its niche.  But for those who belong to it, this anime will come off as quite fresh and winning.