The hugely popular Golden Kamuy. One of the charms of this work is the strong personalities of its characters. The story is about a battle over Ainu gold nuggets, but even in the midst of the tense battles, there are many scenes that will make you laugh out loud due to the appearance and depiction of extremely unique characters. Lieutenant Tsurumi is a prime example of such eccentric characters (although he is not the only one), and a key person in the story. In this article, we will explore the appeal of Lieutenant Tsurumi.
[Golden Kamuy] Who is Lieutenant Tsurumi?
Source: Golden Kamuy © Noda Satoru / Shueisha, Golden Kamuy Production Committee
In the story, he served in the 7th Division during the Russo-Japanese War and participated in the Siege of Port Arthur. As a former intelligence officer, he excels in information gathering and analysis. Many lives were lost for Japan in the Russo-Japanese War, and Lieutenant Tsurumi, who survived, respects their lives. In other words, you might think that the nation is after the gold! But that's not actually the case. This part is faithful to historical fact, but Lieutenant Tsurui's unit from the 7th Division betrayed their country, as Japan was barely able to collect any reparations for the Russo-Japanese War. They planned to search for gold on their own and establish a military regime in memory of their fallen comrades.
[Golden Kamuy] Lieutenant Tsurumi Will Become a Devil for His Purpose
Source: Golden Kamuy © Noda Satoru / Shueisha, Golden Kamuy Production Committee
Lieutenant Tsurumi's skull was blown off by shrapnel during the Battle of Mukden. That's why he wears a strange forehead protector. Apparently, that's why he sometimes leaks a strange fluid. His frontal lobe was also damaged along with his skull, which is why he's prone to anger. Could that be why? He will bite back at anyone who does him wrong. He will bite a superior officer who points a finger at him and complain, biting off their finger, and when torturing traitors to expose them, he will cut off their ears and cannot help but scream into them. He is truly a devil.
[Golden Kamuy] Lieutenant Tsurumi, Adored by His Subordinates
Source: Golden Kamuy © Noda Satoru / Shueisha, Golden Kamuy Production Committee
Even though he's such a messy superior, his subordinates seem to trust him. (Though there are some who betray him due to incompatibility.) A prime example of this is Lieutenant Koito. Due to his young age, Lieutenant Koito did not participate in the Russo-Japanese War, but he has immense respect for Lieutenant Tsurumi. When he speaks with Lieutenant Tsurumi, he becomes so nervous that he speaks in a rapid-fire Satsuma dialect. His every word makes him anxious, dejected, or delighted. Lieutenants Koito and Tsukishima play an important role in assisting Tsurumi. Those who know him will appreciate his charm.
[Golden Kamuy] Lieutenant Tsurumi's Relationship with Other Factions
Tsurumi's faction is a major force in the battle over the Ainu gold. Their numbers and available resources likely rival those of Sugimoto and Hijikata. So what does Lieutenant Tsurumi think of Sugimoto and his men?
Lieutenant Tsurumi and Saichi Sugimoto
Source: Golden Kamuy © Noda Satoru / Shueisha, Golden Kamuy Production Committee
Lieutenant Tsurumi holds Sugimoto, the protagonist of this work, in high regard, and known as the "Invincible Sugimoto" during the Russo-Japanese War. He wants to somehow scout him and work with him. It may be because Sugimoto was originally a soldier belonging to the First Division. When he captured Sugimoto, who had incredible fighting skills, he persuaded (tortured) him to cooperate in the search for the gold. After that, the two became brainless friends.
Lieutenant Tsurumi and Toshizo Hijikata
Source: Golden Kamuy © Noda Satoru / Shueisha, Golden Kamuy Production Committee
These two men share a common bond. They first met when Hijikata robbed a bank and stole Izuminokami Kanesada, Hijikata's beloved sword. It seems they both know each other. Hijikata praises Tsurumi for his determined and good-looking demeanor, while Tsurumi, in turn, describes Hijikata as a ghost from the end of the Edo period, or even an evil spirit with a grudge against this world.
[Golden Kamuy] Lieutenant Tsurumi is an excellent soldier
Source: Golden Kamuy © Noda Satoru/Shueisha, Golden Kamuy Production Committee
Lieutenant Tsurumi is a lieutenant, even if he's corrupted. When attacking the prison where Nopperabo is, he shows skillful leadership. As expected of someone who has created a military regime and is trying to become its leader. Even in the unlikely event of a simultaneous attack by prisoners, he gives clear instructions, and although he sometimes gets a little worked up, he boasts the leadership skills of a perfectly honest soldier. Even when the battle turns chaotic, he manages to eliminate the enemy. Lieutenant Tsurumi is skilled at controlling his troops and is excellent individually. Just what you'd expect from a lieutenant.
[Golden Kamuy] Lieutenant Tsurumi finally joins forces with Sugimoto
Source: Golden Kamuy © Noda Satoru / Shueisha, Golden Kamuy Production Committee
While talking with Nopperabo in the prison where he is held, Sugimoto is shot by Ogata. He is saved by Kano Ienaga. When he wakes up, he finds Lieutenant Tsurumi and others surrounding him. Sugimoto feels betrayed by Ogata. Worried that Asirpa and the others are working with Ogata and Kiroranke, he decides to go after them. Sugimoto and Lieutenant Tsurumi's forces finally join forces! Lieutenant Koito and Sergeant Tsukishima accompany Sugimoto and the others. The story moves to Sakhalin. It feels like more and more hints are being made that someone will betray someone else, but I can't tell you about the first level.
[Golden Kamuy] Lieutenant Tsurumi Summary
Source: Golden Kamuy © Noda Satoru / Shueisha, Golden Kamuy Production Committee
With Sugimoto and Lieutenant Tsurumi now in a cooperative relationship, information on prisoner skins held by each faction has suddenly become available. The counterfeit skins held by Lieutenant Tsurumi and his men have yet to be discovered. How will the story unfold? It's still impossible to predict. Thank you for reading!
