dogsredarchive

[dogsredarchive]

I have a feeling that a character is going to die by suicide, specifically the ex third year captain Higuchi

[dogsredarchive]

Russo-Japanese War - Japan 2011 Earthquake

The war in Golden Kamuy, specifically the battles of 203 Meter Hill and the Battle of Mukden, takes place chronologically before the first chapter and is used in many character flashbacks to build character backstories. This makes those two events 3D in terms of how many characters we can see the perspectives of. The war is essential in creating the anti-war theme of the manga.

I think it's very possible that the 2011 Earthquake could be used the same way. I think Yataro Gonohe being the first we truly see the perspective of, should build a foundational theme of moving on after losing what feels like everything. I think his line, "Does the world even need ice hockey," is at the very center of this theme. In the wake of a disaster, your passions take the second stage. But those skills gained from the sport can help in disaster situations, as we see Yataro saving his grandmother's life by carrying her to safety.

For us non-Japanese readers we don't notice how telling it is that Tomakomai is not mentioned, even though that is where the story is primarily located. What is interesting is that the largest tsunami wave hit Hakodate in the middle of the night, which is between Hachinohe City (Where Yataro was on the day of the earthquake) and Tomakomai. I think it's very likely that other school rivals like Sameoh High and hockey teams in Hakodate will have characters explored using the earthquake as something all the characters in the series are connected to.

The fact that Rou, Haruna, and the team members of Oino-Kami do not show up at all during the Earthquake is something temporary. We see very little of the war in Golden Kamuy at the beginning, but as more characters are introduced and their roles become more prominent, we see more and more of the Battle of 203 Meter Hill and Mukden. We also learn more about the main character, Sugimoto, as we can see a glimpse of his final moments with Toraji. The earthquake has to come up again. ESPECIALLY if Oino-Kami wins the next championship, I can for sure bet on the fact that if they do, a theme of "did they actually win through merit" will be brought up as their rival schools were damaged in the earthquake and tsunami. The characters may not even feel like they deserve the win.