English Dub Review: Golden Kamuy “Tokyo Love Story”

Overview

Years ago, Sugimoto was recruited for a certain operation in Tokyo…

Our Take

This time around, we get an episode that shifts the focus away from the main storyline for a brief flashback that explores Sugimoto’s early days before becoming a soldier. While resting on a train, he recalls his first meeting with Kikuta shortly after arriving in Tokyo. A street fight with military officer candidates leads to Kikuta stepping in, which unexpectedly results in the two sharing a meal and forming a connection. Kikuta soon pulls Sugimoto into a comedic yet unusual request involving a formal meeting tied to the influential Hanazawa family. The flashback also offers some additional context that quietly reveals more about the unusual levels of power and freedom granted to the 7th Division, subtly reframing how certain scandalous and corrupt military figures were able to operate with impunity behind the scenes.

The rest of the proceedings leans heavily into character interactions and comedic moments while expanding on Sugimoto’s past and his dynamic with Kikuta. Much of the enjoyment comes from the absurd circumstances surrounding the arrangement and the personalities involved, particularly the lively behavior of the girl at the center of the meeting. At the same time, the flashback subtly weaves in background details about several familiar figures and the complicated relationships between them, giving the story extra context without relying on major plot developments. The slower pacing also allows the humor and character beats to land naturally, making the episode feel like a welcome breather after more intense events.

Overall, this flashback arc offers a fun change of pace while still enriching the broader narrative. The episode blends the series’s trademark absurd comedy with subtle character and world-building moments, showing how seemingly small encounters in the past tie into the present story. It also adds depth to Sugimoto’s history while reinforcing the series’ signature blend of comedy, eccentric characters, and historical intrigue. Although it temporarily steps away from the main storyline, the episode remains entertaining thanks to its strong character chemistry and amusing scenarios. It may not be the most plot-heavy installment, but given that this is sort of a 2-part story, I can’t wait to see what crazy directions this flashback story goes next and how it ties everything together.