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Asirpa

Asirpa (アシㇼパ), is the deuteragonist of Golden Kamuy and a young Ainu huntress with exceptional survival skills. She is intelligent, resourceful, and highly knowledgeable about Ainu culture, making her a vital companion to Sugimoto Saichi on their quest for the stolen Ainu gold. Despite her young age, Asirpa is fiercely independent, brave, and skilled in hunting, traits that make her one of the most capable characters in the series.

After saving Sugimoto’s life, she learns about the hidden Ainu gold and the mystery surrounding its disappearance. She decides to join Sugimoto on his journey, seeking not only the truth about her father’s past but also justice for the Ainu people.

Background

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Appearance in anime

Asirpa was born into a proud Ainu family in Hokkaido. Her father, Wilk, was a strong and influential figure, though she was raised primarily by her mother and grandmother. Tragedy struck when her father was supposedly killed, a mystery that later ties into the story of the hidden Ainu gold.

Growing up in the harsh wilderness, Asirpa developed exceptional survival skills, learning how to hunt, track, and live off the land. She became deeply knowledgeable about Ainu customs and traditions, carrying on the legacy of her people while also questioning the injustices they faced.

When she meets Sugimoto, she initially views him with suspicion but quickly recognizes his honesty and strong moral compass. After learning the legend of the stolen gold, she decides to embark on the journey with him, seeking answers about her father’s past and justice for her people.

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Appearance

Asirpa has long dark blue hair, which she ties back with an Ainu-style headband, a common accessory in Ainu culture. She has piercing blue eyes, reflecting her intelligence and sharp instincts. Her small stature and youthful appearance contrast with her mature and fearless personality.

She wears traditional Ainu clothing, which includes a purple and white robe with intricate Ainu patterns, fur-lined boots, and protective layers for winter travel. She also carries a Makiri (Ainu knife) and a hunting bow, both of which she uses skillfully in combat and hunting.

Personality

Asirpa is strong-willed, intelligent, and independent, showing wisdom beyond her years. She possesses a deep sense of justice, particularly when it comes to protecting the Ainu people and their culture. While she is mature and serious when needed, she also has a lighthearted and playful side, especially in her interactions with Sugimoto and Shiraishi.

She is deeply connected to her Ainu heritage, often teaching Sugimoto and others about Ainu customs, language, and survival techniques. Unlike most treasure hunters, Asirpa does not seek the gold for personal gain instead, she wants to ensure it is not misused and that her people’s history is not erased.

Despite her tough exterior, Asirpa is compassionate and empathetic, especially toward animals and those who have suffered injustice. She is quick to call out dishonesty and arrogance, and she does not hesitate to stand up for what she believes is right.

Role in the Story

  • Joining Sugimoto on the Search for Gold
    After saving Sugimoto from certain death, Asirpa learns about the stolen Ainu gold and the cryptic tattoos that lead to its location. Realizing that the mystery is linked to her father, she joins Sugimoto on the journey across Hokkaido, determined to uncover the truth and ensure the gold does not fall into the wrong hands.

  • Survival and Hunting Skills
    Asirpa is an expert hunter and tracker, using her bow and knowledge of nature to find food and navigate the wilderness. She teaches Sugimoto valuable survival skills, such as trapping animals, identifying edible plants, and cooking traditional Ainu meals.

  • Uncovering the Truth About Her Father
    Asirpa’s journey is not just about the gold it’s also a personal quest to uncover the truth about Wilk, her father. She gradually learns about his past, his ideals, and his role in the events that led to the Ainu gold being hidden.

  • Navigating the Conflict Between Factions
    Throughout the story, Asirpa and Sugimoto find themselves caught between dangerous factions, including Lieutenant Tsurumi’s 7th Division and Toshizō Hijikata’s group. She is constantly targeted because of her Ainu heritage and knowledge of the gold, forcing her to use her wits and survival skills to stay ahead of her enemies.

Relationships

Sugimoto Saichi
Sugimoto and Asirpa share one of the strongest bonds in the series. While Sugimoto initially sees her as just a child, he quickly comes to respect her intelligence, independence, and strength. Asirpa, in turn, sees Sugimoto as an older brother figure, often teasing him but also deeply trusting him. They both protect and rely on each other, making them an inseparable duo throughout their journey. While Sugimoto wants to find gold for Umeko, Asirpa wants to ensure it does not bring destruction, leading to a fascinating dynamic between their motivations.

Shiraishi Yoshitake
Shiraishi, the “Escape King,” often provides comic relief in Asirpa’s adventures. She finds him both amusing and frustrating, frequently mocking his cowardice and greed. However, she acknowledges that his escape skills are useful, and she tolerates him as long as he does not act selfishly.

Lieutenant Tsurumi
Tsurumi sees Asirpa as a key figure in controlling the gold, often attempting to manipulate her for his own gain. Asirpa, however, is not easily fooled, recognizing Tsurumi’s deceptive nature and working to stay ahead of him.

Toshizō Hijikata
Hijikata, the former samurai leader, respects Asirpa’s cultural knowledge and intelligence. However, she does not fully trust him, as she knows he has his own plans for the gold.

Kiroranke
Kiroranke, one of Wilk’s old comrades, plays a significant role in Asirpa’s journey. While he initially seems to guide her, Asirpa eventually questions his true motives, leading to major conflicts in the story.

Trivia

    • Asirpa’s name means “New Year” or “Future” in the Ainu language, symbolizing her role in carrying on her people’s traditions.
      • She is one of the most well-researched Ainu characters in anime/manga, with the series taking inspiration from real Ainu culture.
      • Asirpa is known for her exaggerated facial expressions, often making comedic reactions, especially when Sugimoto does something foolish.
      • She has a famous catchphrase, “Hinna Hinna” (ヒンナ ヒンナ), which she uses when enjoying food.
      • She refuses to eat food with “poop particles,” often scolding Sugimoto for his poor hygiene.

    Legacy

      • Asirpa is one of the most unique and well-developed female protagonists in anime and manga, offering a rare and authentic representation of Ainu culture. Her knowledge, bravery, and unwavering sense of justice make her far more than just a sidekick—she is an equal to Sugimoto in every way.
        • Her strong will, intelligence, and survival skills set her apart from typical adventure protagonists, making her a refreshing and inspiring character. Asirpa’s journey is not just about gold it is about preserving the history, identity, and dignity of the Ainu people, ensuring that their legacy is not forgotten.