Golden Kamuy Season 1 Episode 1 Wenkamuy

In the first episode of Golden Kamuy, titled "Wenkamuy," viewers are introduced to the main character of the series, Saichi Sugimoto. The episode begins with a flashback to Sugimoto's time as a soldier in the Russo-Japanese War, where he earned the nickname "Immortal Sugimoto" for his ability to survive incredible odds. Now, in the years following the war, Sugimoto is a hunter in Hokkaido, looking for gold in order to support the wife of his fallen comrade.

As he's hunting in the wilderness, Sugimoto meets a young Ainu girl named Asirpa. The Ainu are an indigenous group of people in Hokkaido, and Asirpa becomes an important character throughout the series. The two of them witness a bear attacking a deer, and Sugimoto is amazed at Asirpa's hunting skills when she's able to kill the bear. Afterward, Asirpa takes Sugimoto to the settlement where her family is living, and they share a meal of smoked salmon.

Asirpa's grandfather is very sick, and she takes Sugimoto with her to find some medicinal herbs that might help him. On their way, they encounter a group of Japanese soldiers who are also searching for gold in the area. Sugimoto recognizes one of the soldiers as his former commander, Tsurumi, who lost an eye in the war and is now wearing an eyepatch. Tsurumi is leading this expedition and tells Sugimoto that he's heard a rumor about a giant gold vein hidden somewhere in Hokkaido.

Later that night, Asirpa and Sugimoto come across a group of escaped convicts who are also looking for the gold. The convicts attack Asirpa and Sugimoto, and Sugimoto is injured in the fight. The episode ends with Sugimoto and Asirpa escaping from the convicts and running through the snowy wilderness.

"Wenkamuy" is a wonderful introduction to the world of Golden Kamuy, which blends together elements of historical fiction, adventure, and survival. Viewers are introduced to the two main characters, Sugimoto and Asirpa, who have an instant rapport despite coming from very different backgrounds. The episode also sets up the central conflict of the series: the search for the hidden gold, which seems to draw all sorts of unsavory characters to Hokkaido.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is the portrayal of the Ainu people and their way of life. Asirpa is a fierce and capable hunter, and her family's traditions are shown to be deeply rooted in their natural surroundings. The episode also highlights some of the historical injustices suffered by the Ainu, who were often marginalized and oppressed by the Japanese government.

Overall, "Wenkamuy" is a strong start to the series, with gorgeous animation and an intriguing setup that's sure to draw viewers in. Fans of historical fiction, action-adventure, and survival stories will find plenty to enjoy in Golden Kamuy.