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ゴールデンカムイ [Golden Kamui] #4
Golden Kamuy, Band 4
Retar ist in Gefahr! Der legendäre Bärentöter Tetsuzo Nihei hat es auf den letzten Wolf Hokkaidos abgesehen und seine tödliche Spurensuche begonnen. Um ihren treuen Begleiter zu beschützen, lassen Asirpa und Sugimoto sich auf eine gefährliche Jagd in der eiskalten Wildnis ein! Gleichzeitig spitzt sich der Kampf um das verlorene Ainu-Gold immer weiter zu. Eine tödliche Auseinandersetzung steht bevor …
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2015
32 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Satoru Noda
62 books91 followersSatoru Noda (野田サトル, Noda Satoru) is a japanese mangaka.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
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December 3, 20203/12/20
Super biased when it comes to Golden Kamuy -- I enjoyed it!
29/10/20
At this point, I don't know what to say, I love this series so much -- it's my favourite -- everything about this show is top tier. The adventure, the comedy, the HEART gaaaaah
You can find me on
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Website | The Storygraph
Super biased when it comes to Golden Kamuy -- I enjoyed it!
29/10/20
At this point, I don't know what to say, I love this series so much -- it's my favourite -- everything about this show is top tier. The adventure, the comedy, the HEART gaaaaah
You can find me on
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Website | The Storygraph
December 26, 2020
The wildlife of Hokkaido figure prominently in Golden Kamuy. In fact, this manga may just be the only way one can see extinct species in in their natural habitat. Sad, but a somber lesson in wildlife conservation.
Volume four almost had the Asirpa's wolf companion meet the end of its entire species. Retar, the white Ezo wolf has proven to be a steadfast companion to our protagonists, and has on several occasions saved Asirpa from a dire situation. The wolf is as much a character as any of the cast in this series.
Volume four almost had the Asirpa's wolf companion meet the end of its entire species. Retar, the white Ezo wolf has proven to be a steadfast companion to our protagonists, and has on several occasions saved Asirpa from a dire situation. The wolf is as much a character as any of the cast in this series.
July 11, 2021
CAWPILE rating: 8.7/10
STAR rating: ★★★★½
STAR rating: ★★★★½
November 26, 2023
20221126 3rd read
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20220119 2nd read
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20190721 1st read
作者感覺藥磕有點多~
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20220119 2nd read
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20190721 1st read
作者感覺藥磕有點多~
December 15, 2021
había olvidado cuánto extrañaba esta serie hasta que volví a leerla. Increíble
January 11, 2022
Que obra del bien.
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March 15, 2024Comments
- Debo admitir que las partes de Hijikata se me hacen las más aburridas lol
- Tsurumi slayyyyyyy
- los diferentes bandos se empiezan a formar y empiezan a actuar
- Debo admitir que las partes de Hijikata se me hacen las más aburridas lol
- Tsurumi slayyyyyyy
- los diferentes bandos se empiezan a formar y empiezan a actuar
September 3, 2023
Тук имаше ядене на корем, ама в Камуй стил, нали... Разни неща, които не са много като за вегани и вегетарианци. Чувствайте се предупредени. Щом дори на Ширайши и на Сугимото им става жал за лакомията на Асирпа, положението отива на зле :D
Нямам идея защо Цуруми е на корицата, след като истинският герой на томчето си е Асирпа от всякъде, но не се оплаквам чак толкова.
Нямам идея защо Цуруми е на корицата, след като истинският герой на томчето си е Асирпа от всякъде, но не се оплаквам чак толкова.
June 24, 2018
Still loving this excellent series. The entertaining action is all the better wrapped around the scenes about trapping and cooking game.
May 12, 2018
Golden Kamuy porad dobre kombinuje budovani pribehu a seznamovani ctenare s kulturou Ainu. Tesim se na dalsi dily.
February 19, 2019
Continues to be my absolute favorite manga currently being released - and well into top five of all time. Really truly excels in almost every way. You should be reading Golden Kamuy.
November 28, 2023
Especially loving the facial expressions this volume, and the cliffhanger...
February 23, 2022
Wow...the ultimate villain, at the end of it all, as always, is the English.
December 11, 2024
J’ai beaucoup aimé le mix entre actions et découvertes culturelles dans ce tome ! Sûrement mon tome préféré pour l’instant
June 10, 2018
MY GOD IS THIS SERIES WILDLY ENTERTAINING. It moves at a breakneck pace, with stellar action scenes that just burst with kinetic energy. It's gory, but not so much so that it's gratuitous. Honestly, I can't think of any recent manga series with such gorgeously drawn fight scenes. And I should also mention this series has many sides to it too. There's the warm, comfy side that's exhibited in the 2nd volume where we learn more about Aspira and are granted with the wonderful opportunity to see her family. It's also hilarious too! All the characters share this great chemistry that leads to some memorable moments that leave me with a huge grin on my face.It's also deeply poignant with several moments of genuine horror as we witness Sugimoto's war flashbacks and see how deep his emotional scars run. Overall, it's an incredible series and is steadily becoming my favorite manga series.
September 27, 2024
The continued exploration of Ainu culture is one of the standout features in this manga. It adds a rich layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative that I genuinely appreciate. However, I did find the flow of the story disrupted by the frequent info dumps whenever new facts about the culture or environment were introduced. While I enjoy learning about the Ainu, these sections felt a bit forced and took me out of the story at times. I know it’s meant to educate and immerse readers, but I wish the information could be woven more organically into the plot. That said, I realize I may be in the minority with this opinion.
This volume offers a look into Sugimoto’s past, which was a real highlight for me. Getting to see more of his backstory not only helps explain his motivations but also adds to the emotional weight behind his quest. It’s always exciting when a character as mysterious as Sugimoto is given more depth, and I’m eager to see how his past continues to shape his future decisions.
I hope future volumes find a more seamless way to integrate cultural insights with the main storyline.
This volume offers a look into Sugimoto’s past, which was a real highlight for me. Getting to see more of his backstory not only helps explain his motivations but also adds to the emotional weight behind his quest. It’s always exciting when a character as mysterious as Sugimoto is given more depth, and I’m eager to see how his past continues to shape his future decisions.
I hope future volumes find a more seamless way to integrate cultural insights with the main storyline.
June 26, 2018
Golden Kamuy Vol. 4 does a fantastic job at both pacing and building up Motivations for the villians, that really make you sympathize with them. The Character Development is on a steady incline, with each new Volume released. Even the Art and the explanation of how Golden Kamuy's world works, is something to take notice to. Simply put if you have the ability to read, you should really start this series.
May 14, 2018
The Immortal Sugimoto and his allies continue their pursuit after a legendary hoard of gold in the latest volume of Golden Kamuy! Following their run-in with Tetsuzo at the end of volume 3, things escalate into a full-on battle as Sugimoto and Shiraishi attempt to take down the stubborn hunter. Unfortunately, Asirpa is captured by Tetsuzo’s companion and the result is Sugimoto and Shiraishi surrender to keep her from harm. Tied to a tree, things seem hopeless for our heroes until Tetsuzo turns around for a moment.
The panel with Tetsuzo realizing that he forgot that Shiraishi is literally known as the “Escape King” made me laugh out loud, and was an early reminder of something Golden Kamuy does exceptionally well: take a step back from its heavy and fairly brutal storyline to deliver some quality comedy lines.
Sugimoto and Shiraishi run into the forest as Tetsuzo hopes to set up an encounter with Asirpa’s wolf-pet Retar. Believed to be the last of its kind, Tetsuzo is determined to kill Retar and be the last hunter to see an Enzo wolf.
Unfortunately for him, he miscounted.
As it turns out, Retar not only has a mate, but an entire family of Enzo wolves – sparking some hope that his breed is not destined for extinction.
After the Hunter becomes the Hunted, and they put Tetsuzo to rest, Sugimoto and Asirpa return to her village and plan their next move. Meanwhile, we get some more insight behind Tsurumi’s motivations for seeking the legendary treasure. First, it’s revealed that the amount of gold is exponentially higher than even the urban legends claim – the equivalent of some $8 billion USD!
Second, we get some backstory on the 7th division and Tsurumi’s history. After his division was disgraced and forgotten, Tsurumi became determined to create a new country where his fellow soldiers could escape and retire with dignity. With the extensive amount of gold that he’s pursuing, he could structure this country and enter the global stage.
Ok, so maybe the country he wants to make is more like a war-machine but the justification certainly helps him strive after the treasure without hesitation. It also helps his subordinates justify their actions, knowing that there are few others who would put the money to “better” use.
Back at Asirpa’s village, the group decides to go do some hunting for a large bird. While they initially are pretty successful, it turns out there was a…um…bigger bird to worry about.
Another great moment from the volume, with lots of comedic relief from Shiraishi – along with some more cultural notes from Asirpa about the nature of bird hunting and local fairy tales.
But in what is probably the wildest scene from this volume, Shiarishi goes into town to sell the feathers they got off of the smaller bird (still sizable in its own right). During his trip, he runs into Tatsuma “do NOT f*** with me” Ushiyama, also known as Ushiyama the Undefeated. Luckily, he uses his skills as the “escape king” to wry his way out of Ushiyama’s powerful Judo hold and makes a bolt for it. No matter what he sends Ushiyama’s way, guards, men, a friggin’ HORSE, Ushiyama literally bowls them all over like a rampaging bull in a china shop. Meanwhile, another key player orchestrates a bank robbery. Not for the reasons you might expect either…
Toshizo Hijikata, swordsman extraordinaire, gets his hands on a legendary sword from within the bank’s vault. The distraction takes Ushiyama off of Shiraishi’s tail as all of the parties involved reflect on their joined fates.
After Shiraishi tries (and fails) to perform some recon work on Ushiyama and Tsurumi, he’s captured and asked a number of questions.
Shiraishi understands that he’s not going to escape from this situation easily and lets them know he’s working with Sugimoto. The volume apparently ends with Shiraishi returning to Sugimoto – likely having been compromised or making an agreement to guarantee his safety. He shares a rumor surrounding a serial killer that’s been on the loose for some time, moving from place to place. Of course, who else would Sugimoto dreg up from a fishing trip other than this very same guy?
Of course, they don’t know that he’s a crazy serial killer – and the suspense helps to end the volume on a cliffhanger as we eagerly await volume 5!
The story and dynamics of Golden Kamuy get me more and more excited for the forthcoming anime adaptation, and I particularly enjoyed seeing the broader plot begin to come together. Tsurumi & Toshizo both strike me as formidable opponents…and of course, Ushiyama is a looming threat that Sugimoto will no doubt have to topple eventually.
The panel with Tetsuzo realizing that he forgot that Shiraishi is literally known as the “Escape King” made me laugh out loud, and was an early reminder of something Golden Kamuy does exceptionally well: take a step back from its heavy and fairly brutal storyline to deliver some quality comedy lines.
Sugimoto and Shiraishi run into the forest as Tetsuzo hopes to set up an encounter with Asirpa’s wolf-pet Retar. Believed to be the last of its kind, Tetsuzo is determined to kill Retar and be the last hunter to see an Enzo wolf.
Unfortunately for him, he miscounted.
As it turns out, Retar not only has a mate, but an entire family of Enzo wolves – sparking some hope that his breed is not destined for extinction.
After the Hunter becomes the Hunted, and they put Tetsuzo to rest, Sugimoto and Asirpa return to her village and plan their next move. Meanwhile, we get some more insight behind Tsurumi’s motivations for seeking the legendary treasure. First, it’s revealed that the amount of gold is exponentially higher than even the urban legends claim – the equivalent of some $8 billion USD!
Second, we get some backstory on the 7th division and Tsurumi’s history. After his division was disgraced and forgotten, Tsurumi became determined to create a new country where his fellow soldiers could escape and retire with dignity. With the extensive amount of gold that he’s pursuing, he could structure this country and enter the global stage.
Ok, so maybe the country he wants to make is more like a war-machine but the justification certainly helps him strive after the treasure without hesitation. It also helps his subordinates justify their actions, knowing that there are few others who would put the money to “better” use.
Back at Asirpa’s village, the group decides to go do some hunting for a large bird. While they initially are pretty successful, it turns out there was a…um…bigger bird to worry about.
Another great moment from the volume, with lots of comedic relief from Shiraishi – along with some more cultural notes from Asirpa about the nature of bird hunting and local fairy tales.
But in what is probably the wildest scene from this volume, Shiarishi goes into town to sell the feathers they got off of the smaller bird (still sizable in its own right). During his trip, he runs into Tatsuma “do NOT f*** with me” Ushiyama, also known as Ushiyama the Undefeated. Luckily, he uses his skills as the “escape king” to wry his way out of Ushiyama’s powerful Judo hold and makes a bolt for it. No matter what he sends Ushiyama’s way, guards, men, a friggin’ HORSE, Ushiyama literally bowls them all over like a rampaging bull in a china shop. Meanwhile, another key player orchestrates a bank robbery. Not for the reasons you might expect either…
Toshizo Hijikata, swordsman extraordinaire, gets his hands on a legendary sword from within the bank’s vault. The distraction takes Ushiyama off of Shiraishi’s tail as all of the parties involved reflect on their joined fates.
After Shiraishi tries (and fails) to perform some recon work on Ushiyama and Tsurumi, he’s captured and asked a number of questions.
Shiraishi understands that he’s not going to escape from this situation easily and lets them know he’s working with Sugimoto. The volume apparently ends with Shiraishi returning to Sugimoto – likely having been compromised or making an agreement to guarantee his safety. He shares a rumor surrounding a serial killer that’s been on the loose for some time, moving from place to place. Of course, who else would Sugimoto dreg up from a fishing trip other than this very same guy?
Of course, they don’t know that he’s a crazy serial killer – and the suspense helps to end the volume on a cliffhanger as we eagerly await volume 5!
The story and dynamics of Golden Kamuy get me more and more excited for the forthcoming anime adaptation, and I particularly enjoyed seeing the broader plot begin to come together. Tsurumi & Toshizo both strike me as formidable opponents…and of course, Ushiyama is a looming threat that Sugimoto will no doubt have to topple eventually.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2019
Oh man! The first few dozen pages! Oh so good! The major groups pursuing the gold collide and there is a stunning revelation about said gold. As the story progresses we find an even more diverse group of escaped convicts for our heroes to track. I like the serial killer angle in this one, but it doesn’t feel particularly fleshed out (no pun intended). Turning up the dial on the Shiraishi comic relief had me in stitches! The tanuki hunt! “They [...]breath through their anuses, so you’ll have to shove this stick up it’s rear!” BwahhahahaHA!
What didn’t work this issue has been creeping in more one volume to the next. We get our heaviest use of photo reference as backgrounds so far. There are even multiple large panels that are just photo reference crops. Don’t get me wrong, there is no problem using photographs to inspire and inform creative work. Taking a photo, applying filters, and pasting it to a panel, however, is jarring. It especially contrasts here because we have a lot of natural life illustrated beautifully. Still, this is a highly entertaining read, and worth your attention. Read it!
What didn’t work this issue has been creeping in more one volume to the next. We get our heaviest use of photo reference as backgrounds so far. There are even multiple large panels that are just photo reference crops. Don’t get me wrong, there is no problem using photographs to inspire and inform creative work. Taking a photo, applying filters, and pasting it to a panel, however, is jarring. It especially contrasts here because we have a lot of natural life illustrated beautifully. Still, this is a highly entertaining read, and worth your attention. Read it!
November 27, 2021
This manga series has been a case of diminishing returns for me over the first three books, and having just finished this fourth, I don't think I'll be reading any more. This one opens with Russo-Japanese War veteran Saichi Sugimoto and escape artist Shirashi in a fight with another ex-army guy and a legendary bear hunter for reasons that escape me. The hunter's agenda to kill the Ainu girl's wolf buddy is then revealed, leading to more bloodshed. The story then shifts to the creepy masked dude who is seeking the missing Ainu gold in order to forge a new nation, and then there's the gangster whose agenda I've lost track of, and then a new character is introduced -- he's just a regular serial killer. As the story goes on, it just keeps getting more convoluted as it introduces and does away with character after character. Much as I enjoy the historical setting and details about Ainu culture and oddball bits of humor, the rhythms of the storytelling don't work for me. I think it's been turned into an anime show, so I might try it in that format and see if it works better for me.
October 31, 2022
A good read.
Once again, the highlight of this volume was the characters for me.
Our MC keeps shining ; his wrath at seeing Asirpa used as a human shield was such a great moment of characterisation. Without saying anything explicitly, it told loads about his character and what he lived through during the war. Once again 10/10 show don’t tell here.
This very subtle but effective handling of characters continues with the Mitagi hunter who goes from enemy to something else with masterful handling from the author. While this is a bit of a cliché turn for a story to take, the author sets it up with subtlety and in a very believable fashion. The change in the character’s emotions are not openly told but you could clearly see it in the drawings depicting his emotions. It was a lovely thing to behold, really.
Finally, I also really enjoyed the backstory of the serial killer we are introduced to at the end of the volume. Once again, new characters are not simply dumped in our laps but are worked and clearly thought out.
All around, nice stuff!
Once again, the highlight of this volume was the characters for me.
Our MC keeps shining ; his wrath at seeing Asirpa used as a human shield was such a great moment of characterisation. Without saying anything explicitly, it told loads about his character and what he lived through during the war. Once again 10/10 show don’t tell here.
This very subtle but effective handling of characters continues with the Mitagi hunter who goes from enemy to something else with masterful handling from the author. While this is a bit of a cliché turn for a story to take, the author sets it up with subtlety and in a very believable fashion. The change in the character’s emotions are not openly told but you could clearly see it in the drawings depicting his emotions. It was a lovely thing to behold, really.
Finally, I also really enjoyed the backstory of the serial killer we are introduced to at the end of the volume. Once again, new characters are not simply dumped in our laps but are worked and clearly thought out.
All around, nice stuff!
September 11, 2020
En este tomo desarrollan un poco más al personaje de Shiraishi y al líder de Shinsengumi. Vemos un poco más de su equipo. También vemos las intenciones del comandante de la sétpima división y conocemos un poco de su historia de origen.
En este tomo Noda nos carga un poco la mano con las emociones. Nos da la historia emotiva del líder de la séptima división, también nos da la historia del cortejo de Sugimoto y nos da la historia del pasado del asesino que están cazando ahora por su tatuaje de la espalda.
En cuanto a acción este tomo sigue teniendo combates y tensión, bastante entretenido.
Shiraishi y Ashirpa siguen siendo mis personajes favoritos pero realmente ésta serie tiene varios personajes muy interesantes.
Un tomo más de los pendientes que tenía acumulado y estoy pensando seriamente en pedir el sexto y séptimo.
En este tomo Noda nos carga un poco la mano con las emociones. Nos da la historia emotiva del líder de la séptima división, también nos da la historia del cortejo de Sugimoto y nos da la historia del pasado del asesino que están cazando ahora por su tatuaje de la espalda.
En cuanto a acción este tomo sigue teniendo combates y tensión, bastante entretenido.
Shiraishi y Ashirpa siguen siendo mis personajes favoritos pero realmente ésta serie tiene varios personajes muy interesantes.
Un tomo más de los pendientes que tenía acumulado y estoy pensando seriamente en pedir el sexto y séptimo.
January 4, 2023
I’m genuinely just having a wonderful time reading this. The action was jam packed into this volume and the chaos never ends. Watching Sugimoto fight is both mesmerizing and terrifying. Honestly, all the fight scenes are drawn so well that they’re heart-poundingly evocative.
I think the arc around Retar wrapped up really well! A satisfying conclusion in my book.
Asirpa’s goal of making Sugimoto try every animal is really endearing and I love how much we learn about Ainu traditions. It’s the little details that make it feel so rich with character.
So many new situations have arisen and yet the converging of them all hasn’t happened yet. The ending for this volume left me incredibly nervous for what’s to come!
I think the arc around Retar wrapped up really well! A satisfying conclusion in my book.
Asirpa’s goal of making Sugimoto try every animal is really endearing and I love how much we learn about Ainu traditions. It’s the little details that make it feel so rich with character.
So many new situations have arisen and yet the converging of them all hasn’t happened yet. The ending for this volume left me incredibly nervous for what’s to come!
September 23, 2025
This series is one that I find myself feeling bad that I had my doubts about when it first began. I can see why it is a successful series. I am still in awe of having simply stumbled upon it at the local library. The story stays intense…I am actually shocked this is only the 4th volume as I feel there has been at least 8-10 volumes worth of action, suspense and revelations! Sugimoto and Asirpa continue the quest for the tattooed treasure map and the consequences of running around stirring up all sorts of people. The art and story by Satoru Noda is great…but I think I appreciate the artwork even more as I look back over this volume. The art is crisp, clean and yet the motion within the panels is ever present. Another solid volume!
May 13, 2019
This volume finishes up one story arc and moves onto the next. Sadly, as soon as I grew attached I had to say goodbye to a character I really liked. The antics between arcs are a lot of fun and provide some great laughs and interesting cultural tidbits. One of the highlights of this volume were the title pages of the chapters. They always err on the goofy side and appear to draw on promotional advertisements for films and the like. I'm excited to see where the story goes, since the change of scenery from the forest to the sea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2021
Have I said Hijikata being in there spiced things up? It's getting hotter in Hokkaido and it's still the 4th volume and they haven't found all those 13 prisoners.
Other characters are getting interesting too, will peek at 5th volume tonight.
Other characters are getting interesting too, will peek at 5th volume tonight.
February 16, 2023
Some great setups in this volume. The various hunts slowly merging (or having a near-miss) were great. I love my boy Excrement King. I also like the way the different factions are being humanised. Love the wild west old men crew coming together for their One Last Job. Didn't expect so many motivations to be as political as they are, and I am here for it. I think it's all coming together nicely, even if the interludes still seem like a confusing swap of motivation for Sugimoto. Very glad my library had all of these.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
Quality Rating: Four Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Four Stars
Golden Kamuy is a manga series I dip into every now and then, but one that actually holds up very well considering it’s years between reading each one. The narrative, characters and worldbuilding are memorable and the story is kind to reminding readers of how everything ties together. With copious side quests to the main narrative at its heart, Asirpa and Sugimoto’s adventures definitely take their time but are always entertaining. I also love the dedication to showing the Ainu people’s customs and traditions.
Enjoyment Rating: Four Stars
Golden Kamuy is a manga series I dip into every now and then, but one that actually holds up very well considering it’s years between reading each one. The narrative, characters and worldbuilding are memorable and the story is kind to reminding readers of how everything ties together. With copious side quests to the main narrative at its heart, Asirpa and Sugimoto’s adventures definitely take their time but are always entertaining. I also love the dedication to showing the Ainu people’s customs and traditions.
November 23, 2019
At this stage, I think I could say what standing at the center of the storytelling is the exotic food of the Ainu. Despite it could look like the author is promoting the dishes (eating bears, foxes, birds, rabbits, etc), what I could see from a reader's view is that it is an act of preventing the public to hunt on those animals because he constantly mentioned the type of species that had gone extinct. So far, it is entertaining!
June 13, 2024
Characters 4| Setting 4| Plot 3.5| Art 4| Enjoyability 5
Overall Rating: 4.10
This volume follows the team as they deal with the hunters, and as Hijikata does some hijinks.
As always I am astounded by the art being so realistic and wacky. It really shows this mangaka's personality through. I love it.
continually I love all the fun little facts we get through the world! I am excited to keep continuing with this series!
Overall Rating: 4.10
This volume follows the team as they deal with the hunters, and as Hijikata does some hijinks.
As always I am astounded by the art being so realistic and wacky. It really shows this mangaka's personality through. I love it.
continually I love all the fun little facts we get through the world! I am excited to keep continuing with this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews