Tanigaki was born into a family of Matagi hunters in Tōhoku, where he learned the skills of survival, tracking, and hunting from a young age. His Matagi heritage instilled in him a deep respect for nature and tradition, but his life took a different path when he joined the 7th Division of the Imperial Japanese Army.

His time in the 7th Division was marked by internal conflict, as he found himself increasingly disturbed by the ruthless tactics of Lieutenant Tsurumi. Despite his military discipline and survival skills, Tanigaki was never fully comfortable with the violent and manipulative nature of his unit.

After encountering Asirpa’s family and witnessing the struggles of the Ainu people, Tanigaki begins to question his allegiances. Eventually, he defects from the 7th Division, choosing to forge his own path rather than be used as a pawn in the fight for the Ainu gold.

Tanigaki is a tall, muscular man with a rugged and imposing build, reflecting his experience as both a soldier and a hunter. He has short, dark hair and a well-groomed mustache, giving him a mature and serious appearance.

He typically wears traditional Matagi hunting gear, including a thick coat, fur-lined boots, and protective layers suited for survival in the harsh Hokkaido wilderness. His clothing represents his connection to nature and his Matagi heritage, symbolizing his departure from the structured military life of the 7th Division.

Tanigaki is strong, loyal, and deeply introspective, making him one of the most morally grounded characters in the series. Unlike many of the other former soldiers in Golden Kamuy, Tanigaki is not driven by greed or power instead, his primary motivation is finding his place in the world and protecting those he cares about.

Initially, he is quiet and reserved, struggling to reconcile his past actions as a soldier with his personal beliefs. However, as he spends more time with the Ainu people, he begins to open up and embrace a new way of life, finding a sense of belonging he never had in the military.

Despite his serious demeanor, Tanigaki has a warm and protective nature, particularly when it comes to those he sees as family. He deeply respects Ainu culture and becomes a father-like figure to Asirpa’s adoptive family, demonstrating his ability to evolve beyond his past as a soldier.

• Defecting from the 7th Division
  Tanigaki begins as a loyal member of the 7th Division, but over time, he grows disillusioned with Tsurumi’s leadership. His increasing discomfort with the unit’s brutality ultimately leads him to abandon the military, choosing a life of freedom rather than blind obedience.

• Protecting the Ainu People
  After leaving the army, Tanigaki becomes deeply involved with the Ainu community, particularly Huci (Asirpa’s grandmother) and Inkarmat. He learns their customs and way of life, developing a deep respect for their traditions. His role as a protector of the Ainu people marks his shift from a soldier to a guardian.

• Forming New Bonds and a New Purpose
  Throughout the story, Tanigaki struggles with finding his purpose, feeling lost after leaving the military. However, as he becomes more involved with Asirpa and her people, he begins to find a new sense of meaning, realizing that his skills as a hunter and protector can be used for something greater than war.