Sugimoto's Squad

Lore & Background

The foundation of this group lies in the collision of two distinct worlds: the rigid discipline of the Japanese military and the traditional survivalism of the Ainu people. Sugimoto brings tactical expertise and combat experience, having survived the brutal campaigns of the Russo-Japanese War as a common soldier rather than an officer. Asirpa complements this with deep knowledge of the land, tracking, and herbal medicine, skills essential for navigating Hokkaido's unforgiving terrain. Their partnership is defined by a shared necessity that transcends simple greed. For Sugimoto, the treasure represents a means to secure his financial future, as his small veteran pension is far from enough to cover his needs. For Asirpa, it is about reclaiming her heritage and protecting her remaining kin from exploitation. This duality creates a dynamic where modern warfare tactics meet ancient wisdom. Throughout their journey, they encounter various allies who temporarily join their cause, including fellow soldiers seeking redemption and civilians caught in the conflict. These shifting alliances highlight the unstable nature of their mission, as trust is a scarce commodity in a land filled with betrayal. Despite the danger, their core bond remains the anchor that keeps them moving forward against overwhelming odds.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the spruce trees, carrying the scent of pine and snow. Sugimoto checked his rifle, the metal cold against his gloved fingers. Beside him, Asirpa moved silently over the frozen earth, her eyes scanning the tracks left by a bear days prior. There was no need for words between them; years of survival had taught them to communicate through glances and gestures. A distant crack echoed in the valley, signaling that they were not alone. Sugimoto nodded toward the ridge, and Asirpa signaled back, ready to face whatever hunted them in this frozen wilderness.

Reader's Guide

Sugimoto's Squad represents the heart of the Golden Kamuy narrative, functioning less as a formal military unit and more as a survival partnership forged in desperation. At its core lies Saichi Sugimoto, a disgraced veteran seeking redemption through finding hidden wealth, and Asirpa, an Ainu girl determined to rescue her clan from erasure. Their goal is straightforward: locate the buried gold of the Ainu people before corrupt forces claim it for themselves. While Sugimoto provides combat prowess and tactical discipline, Asirpa contributes unparalleled wilderness knowledge and cultural insight. This dynamic allows them to traverse Hokkaido's harsh landscapes effectively. Over time, they are joined by various allies who share their objectives or need protection from the Imperial Army's rogue factions. These temporary members include fellow soldiers turned outcasts and civilians caught in the crossfire of the treasure hunt. Their role in the conflict is that of disruptors. They challenge the status quo by exposing military corruption and criminal conspiracies while prioritizing human life over nationalistic glory. Unlike the rigid hierarchies of the opposing forces, this group operates on trust and mutual survival. As the hunt progresses, their bond deepens from a transactional agreement into something resembling family, making them resilient against overwhelming odds in a land where nature and men are equally deadly.

Did You Know?

• Saichi Sugimoto is voiced by Chikahiro Kobayashi, who was born on September 5, 1983.
• Chikahiro Kobayashi is best known for voicing Saichi Sugimoto in Golden Kamuy and Legoshi in Beastars.
• Chikahiro Kobayashi joined the Bungakuza theater company, not the Yen Theater Research Institute.
• Golden Kamuy has multiple seasons featuring Sugimoto: Season 1 (2018), Season 2 (2018), Season 3 (2020), and Season 4 (2022).
• Chikahiro Kobayashi also voiced Ranga in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.