Toni Anji

Overview

Toni Anji is a supporting character in Satoru Noda's manga and anime series Golden Kamuy. He is one of the tattooed escapees from Abashiri Prison, having lost his eyesight due to harsh forced labor at a sulfur mine. Initially driven by a bitter vengeful grudge against mining executives and prison authorities, he later joins the faction led by Toshizou Hijikata following an encounter with Saichi Sugimoto's group. Utilizing his extraordinary auditory senses, he serves as a scout and formidable combatant in the quest for the hidden Ainu gold.

Appearance

Toni Anji is an elderly, stern-faced man with all-white hair, which was originally black before he lost his sight. He has a scar on his forehead. Attached to a belt worn across his forehead are asymmetrical sound-gathering ear trumpets on both ears. His outfit features a distinctive zigzag pattern inspired by an owl. In the original manga and anime, he walks in straw sandals with bare feet, whereas in the live-action movie adaptation, his design includes protective arm guards and leg gaiters.

Personality

Although initially presented as a ruthless avenger, Toni Anji softens after being defeated and reasoned with by Asirpa. Despite his age, he speaks in a surprisingly youthful and friendly manner. He frequently makes self-deprecating jokes about his visual impairment and displays a playful demeanor, such as playing the shakuhachi flute to accompany Tatsuma Ushiyama's violent outbursts. He habitually comments on whether the tides of battle are turning in or against his favor. Toni holds profound gratitude toward Toshizou Hijikata for saving his life, remaining deeply loyal and viewing his extended life as borrowed time to repay that debt.

Abilities

Toni Anji lost his eyesight completely due to sulfur dioxide gas exposure while working in a sulfur mine. To compensate, he mastered echolocation, clicking his tongue to process sound echoes and accurately gauge his surroundings, physical obstacles, and enemy movements. This allows him to fight with high precision even in complete darkness. In combat, he relies on a Mauser C96 pistol.

Background

Following his escape from Abashiri Prison, Toni Anji established a hideout in an abandoned inn near Lake Kussharo, leading other blind former inmates to attack sulfur mining company personnel in revenge. He ambushed Saichi Sugimoto's group at an outdoor hot spring, mistaking them for mining executives, but Toshizou Hijikata intervened, leading Toni to join Hijikata's faction. He served as a guide during the Abashiri Prison raid, where he was incapacitated by Shirosuke Inudou. Later, he went undercover as a masseur in Noboribetsu to spy on the 7th Division. After being caught in an avalanche caused by Private Ariko, Ariko pulled him from the snow to obtain intelligence. Ultimately, during the final clash at Goryoukaku, Toni shielded Hijikata from incoming gunfire and died peacefully in a trench as the sounds of battle quieted.

Relationships

Toni Anji holds immense gratitude toward Toshizou Hijikata, who saved his life twice, culminating in Toni sacrificing himself to block gunfire intended for Hijikata at Goryoukaku. During his nighttime brawl with Saichi Sugimoto, Toni remarked that Sugimoto's voice sounded like Hijikata in his younger years. His perspective shifted away from pure vengeance after a stern talk from Asirpa. Within Hijikata's faction, he formed close camaraderie with fellow members such as Tatsuma Ushiyama, Shinpachi Nagakura, Toshiyuki Kadokura, Kirawus, and Natsutarou Okuyama. Conversely, his bitter enemy was warden Shirosuke Inudou. He also encountered First Lieutenant Kikuta during espionage duties and was dug out from an avalanche by Private Ariko.

Trivia

Toni Anji's design incorporates owl motifs; his asymmetrical ear trumpets mimic the natural asymmetrical ears of owls, and his patterned clothing reflects owl plumage. His name and visual inspiration stem from actor Tony Anthony, known for Spaghetti Western films. Because he lost his sight when his hair was still dark, he was unaware that his hair had turned completely white and felt shocked upon being informed. Due to surviving numerous seemingly fatal mishaps—including an avalanche—fans humorously refer to him as virtually immortal. For the live-action movie adaptation, creator Satoru Noda specifically requested high craftsmanship for the wooden finish of the ear cups and the prominence of the headband.