Overview of Golden Kamuy’s Rising Popularity
- The series has gained immense traction among a diverse adult readership in Japan.
- The anime adaptation has initiated significant interest in Ainu culture and history.
- As anticipation builds for the fifth and final season, Crunchyroll has recently released five new OVA episodes.
Golden Kamuy, serialized in the Young Jump (YJ) magazine, has made a notable impact as a significant adult-oriented series similar to Shonen Jump, publishing works that are both thrilling and complex. Noteworthy titles serialized in YJ include gems like Oshi no Ko.
While Young Jump is celebrated for its darker and more sophisticated narratives, not every title fits this mold. Occasionally, titles termed as shounen or even shoujo emerge, reflecting a broad range of storytelling, much like Kaguya-sama: Love is War.
The popularity of Golden Kamuy continues to rise, even in the absence of updates concerning its fifth and final season, which was confirmed in July 2023. In the meantime, Crunchyroll has enriched its offerings with three newly added OVAs, making up a total of five new episodes. These OVAs include intriguing titles like “The Bodyguard of Barato / Terror! A Massive Snake Deep in the Hokkaido Wilderness!”and “Monster,”providing fans with fresh content to enjoy.
Originally released between 2018 and 2019, the OVAs consist of multiple episodes, with a notable mention of one episode, “Shiton Animal Record,”still not available on the platform. Alongside the Golden Kamuy content, Crunchyroll has also introduced films including Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp and The Concierge on the same day.
An Insight Into Ainu Culture
Soared in Popularity in Japan
Written by Satoru Noda, Golden Kamuy ran from 2014 to 2022, compiling a total of 31 volumes. The narrative follows Saichi Sugimoto, a war veteran who fought in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). This conflict was a significant turning point, establishing Japan’s dominance over Manchuria, even amid ongoing disputes over territorial sovereignty.
Post-war, Sugimoto’s journey takes him to Hokkaido, where he teams up with Asirpa, an Ainu girl, in pursuit of hidden treasure. While the story blends elements of fiction, it sincerely reflects Ainu culture and history. Noda undertook substantial research into Hokkaido’s Meiji Era (1868-1912) history, leveraging this context to weave authentic experiences of the Ainu people—an indigenous group that has faced considerable challenges throughout history. Real locations such as the notorious Abashiri Prison are incorporated into the storyline, adding depth and realism.
The anime adaptation has significantly amplified the series’ appeal, consequently elevating awareness of Ainu culture within Japan, a much-needed development considering the historical oppression faced by the community. To date, four seasons have been broadcast: the first two aired in 2018, with seasons three and four following in 2022.
Studio Brain’s Base, known for its work on To Your Eternity, is responsible for animating the latest season, succeeding Geno Studio, which handled the previous three seasons. The new director, Shizutaka Sugahara, has taken the helm from Hitoshi Nanba, who directed the earlier episodes. Additionally, live-action adaptations have expanded the franchise’s reach.
As fans eagerly await the announcement of the fifth and final season, Golden Kamuy remains available for streaming on Crunchyroll, maintaining its grip on the audience.
Source: ANN
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