[Spoiler Review] Anime 'Golden Kamuy' Final Season Episode 50 (S5E1) "City of Reunion"

On January 5, 2026, our "Immortal Sugimoto" has finally returned! After eagerly awaiting since the end of Season 4, the Final Season is here. The stage moves to Sapporo, the battleground for the final showdown. Let's look back at the fever of Episode 50 "City of Reunion," which raced through from the opening with full throttle and overwhelming information.

Overall Impression: This is Golden Kamuy! The Ultimate Opening with Madness and Passion!!

This episode befitting the Final Season's opening had an incredible range between tension and comedy. First, we must discuss the overwhelming power of the new theme songs! The OP "Beyond the Gold" by Awich × ALI fuses primal power with urban sensibility, foreshadowing the climax of the gold rush battle. And the ED—surprisingly, "The Ballad" by Ken Yokoyama. This ballad with Japanese lyrics from the legend seems to accompany the blood-soaked way of life of these men, giving me goosebumps the moment I heard it.

The staff continues with Brain's Base from Season 4. The detailed expressions of the characters drawn by original creator Noda Satoru-sensei, along with the background art that conveys the harsh cold of Hokkaido, remain intact. The excitement of story pieces finally coming together is unstoppable!

Episode 50 "City of Reunion"

The story begins with the schemes of Kamijou Keiji, one of the tattooed prisoners. His eeriness as a serial killer targeting children was highlighted through anime-specific direction. The scene where Ushiyama and Totan accidentally encounter Sugimoto's group at a Western restaurant perfectly captures the all-star feel befitting "City of Reunion."

The highlight is undoubtedly the clash between Private Usami and "the Undefeated Ushiyama"! Among original manga fans, there were mixed expectations (and concerns) about "how will anime portray this?"—Usami's bizarre obsession and Ushiyama's overwhelming power deflecting it. The animation quality of the cut where Usami gets magnificently thrown was such perfect reproduction that I burst out laughing.

Meanwhile, Hijikata's faction also gathers in Sapporo. Sugimoto, Asirpa, Shiraishi, and Hijikata Toshizo... Former allies and betrayers sense each other's presence in the cramped streets of Sapporo, gradually closing the distance. The tension of gunfights and cold strategic battles following comedy scenes reminded me that this contrast is the essence of 'Golden Kamuy.'

• The impact of tattooed prisoner Kamijou's "face tattoo" is intense
• The stable(?) interactions between Sugimoto and Asirpa give a comforting feeling like home
• Usami's psychopathic behavior shines, along with Matsuoka Yoshitsugu's brilliant performance

Especially with the massive stage of the beer factory before them, each faction's objectives become clear, making you realize the story has entered a point of no return.

Next Episode Preview

Next time, Episode 51 (S5E2)!
The serial killer terrorizing Sapporo's streets, and a massive battle at the beer factory seems about to begin.
Lieutenant Tsurumi of the 7th Division should also start moving in earnest.
This life-or-death struggle—not a moment to look away!