Golden Kamuy Episode 22 Review: On the Night of the New Moon

*Unintelligible screaming*

Japanese Original Episode Title: 新月の夜に

Plot

It is the moment we have been waiting for two seasons – Sugimoto and Asirpa are finally about to get into Abashiri prison and confront Nopperabo to discover whether or not he is Asirpa’s father. It is the season of the salmon; kiwi berries are ripe and bears taste just like them, the salmon berries are bright red and announce the coming of the large fish. After a celebratory meal with the Ainu where they consume an amount of salmon that could probably pay my rent, Tanigaki Nispa and Inkarmat make an agreement to be together when this adventure is over.

Using the coming of the salmon as an opportunity, they all begin to build a tunnel next to the prison’s least guarded wall by the river, concealed under a fishing hut and by paying a salmon bribe to the local guards. When they managed to get in by following Hijikata’s instructions, they find themselves in the chief guard’s quarters – he is willing to help HIjikata and if it all come to worst run away with him.

A plan is set; Sugimoto, Shiraishi and Asirpa along with Toni Anji sneak into Nopperabo’s cell. All they find is a scarred, horrified screaming man, who is definitely not Wilk. Asirpa is ejected to the roof; Sugimoto and Shiraishi are trapped inside, certain that they have been set up. The 7th invades from the river, Inoudo is getting ready for battle and Toni Anji promises Asirpa he will be taking her to her real father.

Episode Highlights

Folklore and tradition: I have definitely mentioned it before while reviewing this show, definitely on the first season, but one of its strongest points is the influences and references on Hokkaido’s native people and their culture. Absolutely loved the opening scene of this episode with the old Ainu lady harvesting wheat and all the history and tradition around the hunting of salmon by the northern rivers.

Changes in fashion: The weather is warmer and the character are changing to summer attire (a change always pleasing to the eye, having the characters redressed). Everyone except Sugimoto that is, he won’t take off these clothes no matter what, they must smell pretty funky. Asirpa’s summer clothes are something I would definitely wear.

Chitatap: Always a fun little scene in the show, with some nice twists this time, having Hijikata use his sword to cut the fish and humor the kid, and Ogata giving in to Asirpa’s pressure and finally saying Chitatap once, and in a really low voice. A for effort, I suppose?

Tanigaki and Inkarmat: I mean, I am a very hopeless romantic. I just enjoy sad silly love themes in everything. These two are really cute; very unlikely characters to come together and bound by fate. I love the tension between them (and the fact that the show doesn’t do that shonen thing where everything remains speculative).

Themes & Trivia

Kiwi Berries??: The hardy kiwi, is a perennial vine native to Japan, Korea, Northern China, and Russian Far East. It produces a small fruit resembling the kiwifruit. They are edible, berry- or grape-sized fruit similar to kiwifruit in taste and appearance, but are green, brownish, or purple with smooth skin, sometimes with a red blush. Often sweeter than the kiwifruit, hardy kiwifruit can be eaten whole and do not need to be peeled. Thin-walled, its exterior is smooth and leathery. WAUNT.

Salmonberries??: Having never tried them, I’m familiar with salmonberries because of one of my favorite video games – harvest moon. The thing is, at the time I thought they were just a game item. Salmonberries are edible and share the fruit structure of the raspberry. Not sure if they are the exact same fruit, but they also seem to exist in North America.

Inkarmat’s voice actress: I particularly enjoy that woman’s voice, even though I am not familiar with her film roles at all. She seems to have played several minor roles in various major show like Ah! My Goddess, Elfen Leid and Monster.

NEXT EPISODE PLEASE!

I mean, nobody expected this to go smoothly, did we? Can’t wait to see what happens next, great stuff..

What did you think of this Golden Kamuy episode? Let us know in the comment section! And don’t forget to check the rest of the Fall 2018 anime reviews on MANGA.TOKYO!