Quite the spitting image of an ex-soldier in the timeframe that the series is set, this is an incredibly useful benefit for Sugimoto. He was privy to all sorts of information as a soldier and knows many a person still in and is able to make the most of his connections. The fact, too, that he skulks around in his uniform allows him to blend in a lot better than if he were in plainclothes. This also helps because Golden Kamuy is set in a setting where there are no phones, internet, or even TV. This allows him to get around a lot easier without people asking a second question. They think he’s a soldier left over from the war, and that is it.

Sugimoto might actually just live up to his name. Every single time he is supposed to die or be killed, he miraculously pulls through and is able to survive. He’s been stabbed, shot at and shot, fallen into freezing cold waters in the middle of winter just to survive and more. While he may be human, Sugimoto has proven time and time again that he is able to survive just about anything thrown at him. He may go down for a bit, but he will always rise again.

Surprisingly for someone in the era that he is in, Sugimoto is very open-minded. Rather than try to kill Asirpa for existing, which is something you cannot really rule out of the realm of possibilities for an ex-soldier in Japan, Sugimoto is very tolerant. He allows Asirpa to help him and doesn’t think twice about, nor have reservations about, traveling and being seen with an Ainu child. If you seem lost, google the history of the Ainu. It’s incredibly heartbreaking.

This point also ties into the previous highlight where Sugimoto is very kind. He thinks nothing of teaming up with Asirpa and even gets along with the people in her village. He is very kind and while teasing, likes to introduce Asirpa to things like Miso. He is also open to trying new food. Sure, it might not be his cup of tea, but he does it anyway and is always glad to do so. He even takes in a baby bear to raise it after they kill the mother!

Sugimoto will never think twice about raising a sword or gun towards someone who would do him or his allies harm. If you’re in danger, he rises to help or protect you. Not to mention too, Sugimoto seems to be a magical fountain of knowledge, recalling things at the drop of a hat. This too helps anyone who is nearby or in need of some sort of information.