Ariko Rikimatsu is one of the notable characters in the widely acclaimed anime and manga series Golden Kamuy. As a member of the 7th Division of the Imperial Japanese Army, Ariko plays a crucial role in the unit’s covert mission. Under the command of Lieutenant Tsurumi, Ariko is deeply involved in the effort to locate and secure a massive hidden treasure belonging to the Ainu people. Known for her strong sense of duty and patriotism, Ariko is a loyal and disciplined soldier who takes her responsibilities very seriously.

The 7th Division itself is a clandestine military unit formed by the Japanese government following the end of the Russo-Japanese War. Its primary objective is to uncover and seize the legendary gold that was once hidden by the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. To achieve this, the division operates in Hokkaido with the reluctant assistance of a young Ainu girl named Asirpa, who has her own personal reasons for joining the search—mainly, to find the killer of her father.

As one of the key members of the 7th Division, Ariko Rikimatsu demonstrates deep loyalty to Lieutenant Tsurumi, often acting as one of his most trusted subordinates. She follows his orders without hesitation and remains committed to the mission, even in dangerous or morally ambiguous situations. However, as the story unfolds, Ariko begins to wrestle with internal conflict, questioning the ethics of their actions and the impact their mission has on the Ainu people.

Although Ariko may not be one of the central figures in Golden Kamuy, her presence is meaningful within the broader narrative. She embodies the strict discipline and unwavering obedience expected of Japanese soldiers during that era, while also highlighting the growing tension between imperial ambitions and the indigenous Ainu culture. Her evolving perspective adds depth to the series’ exploration of morality, duty, and cultural conflict.

Looking deeper into her character, Ariko Rikimatu can be seen as someone who aligns with the ISTJ personality type—Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging. She is quiet and reserved, often speaking only when necessary, which reflects her introverted nature. Ariko is also very detail-oriented and grounded in reality, preferring to focus on the present rather than abstract possibilities. Her decision-making is rooted in logic and observation rather than emotion, and she values structure, rules, and tradition. She is methodical in her approach and prefers to follow established procedures, which are all typical traits of an ISTJ personality.

In addition to her MBTI classification, Ariko Rikimatu also exhibits characteristics of an Enneagram Type 6, known as the Loyalist. Her loyalty to the 7th Division and to Lieutenant Tsurumi is unquestionable, and she consistently puts duty above personal concerns. She is responsible and dependable, often taking on difficult tasks without hesitation. However, this same loyalty is accompanied by a deep sense of anxiety. Ariko is frequently seen worrying about the safety of her unit and the success of their mission. While this anxiety can sometimes cloud her judgment, it also reinforces her determination and sense of duty.

Ultimately, Ariko Rikimatu is a character defined by loyalty, discipline, and inner conflict. Her journey throughout Golden Kamuy reflects the complexities of duty, morality, and the personal cost of blind obedience. Through her, the series explores not only the ambitions of a nation but also the human beings caught in the middle of those ambitions.