Ginkaku is a significant character in the film Azumi 2: Death or Love, portrayed as a young bandit leader whose presence profoundly affects the protagonist, Azumi. His most defining external characteristic is his striking physical resemblance to Nachi, a former friend and love interest of Azumi who was killed in the first film. This resemblance is the initial catalyst for Azumi's emotional turmoil, as she is confronted with a ghost from her past.

In terms of background, Ginkaku is introduced as the leader of a small group of bandits. Unlike typical outlaws, his motivations are not rooted in greed or malice. He and his brother, Kinkaku, lead their band in stealing from the wealthy, not for personal gain, but to acquire food and resources to care for orphans and others in need. This portrays him as a figure of some principle, operating outside the law but guided by a personal moral code that seeks to alleviate the suffering caused by the era's constant warfare. He lives with his group in a village, which later becomes a location where Azumi and her companions briefly find shelter and are met with disdain from the locals due to their profession as assassins.

Personality-wise, Ginkaku is presented as more than just a hardened criminal. His actions reveal a man who is reluctant to kill, preferring to avoid bloodshed unless absolutely necessary. This philosophy stems from a deep understanding of the cycle of violence; he observes that every person killed leaves behind others who will mourn them, potentially creating more orphans and perpetuating a grieving cycle. This contrasts sharply with Azumi, who has been trained from a young age to kill without hesitation for the perceived greater good of preventing a civil war. Ginkaku represents a middle path, one of compassion and non-violent resistance, which forces Azumi to question the absolute moral authority of her own mission.

His primary role in the story is that of an emotional and philosophical challenge to Azumi. As she continues her mission to assassinate the warlord Masayuki Sanada, her encounter with Ginkaku awakens a longing for a peaceful, ordinary life that she has never known. He offers a tangible alternative to her life of death and duty. This creates an internal conflict for Azumi, torn between her attachment to Ginkaku and her loyalty to her mission. Ginkaku is not simply a love interest; he is the embodiment of a life not defined by killing.

The key relationships that define Ginkaku are with his brother Kinkaku and with Azumi. His bond with his brother is strong, as they fight and operate together as leaders of their bandit group. His relationship with Azumi is the most complex. She is drawn to him because of his resemblance to Nachi and his inherent goodness, while he in turn becomes devoted to her, following her on her dangerous path. Another significant relationship is his employment by the antagonist, Kanbei Inoue, who assembles a force of mercenaries and bandits to avenge his master's death. This places Ginkaku and his men in opposition to Azumi's mission for a time, creating further dramatic tension.

Ginkaku undergoes a notable arc of development, moving from a leader of a local bandit group to a self-sacrificing hero. Initially a peripheral figure, he becomes increasingly intertwined with Azumi's journey, ultimately choosing to follow her to protect her. His character culminates in a final act of profound sacrifice. After Azumi is incapacitated by a poison from the enemy ninja Tsuchigumo, she is left defenseless against Sanada's concubine and ninja leader, Kunio. As Kunio moves to deliver a fatal blow, Ginkaku intervenes, taking the deadly thrust meant for Azumi. In the process, he mortally wounds Kunio and, with his dying act, manages to counteract some of the poison's effect on Azumi, giving her the strength to continue. His death is a pivotal moment, solidifying his role as a tragic figure who gives his life for the woman he loves.

Regarding notable abilities, the film does not focus on fantastical skills. Ginkaku is portrayed as a competent fighter, capable of leading his band of outlaws in combat against enemy ninja and soldiers. He proves his bravery and martial skill by engaging in the final battle against the Uenokagashu ninja clan and by striking Kunio, a formidable opponent. However, his most significant ability is not combat-oriented but emotional and moral: by his very existence and actions, he has the power to make a trained, hardened killer like Azumi question her entire life's purpose and long for a different path.