Last year, the Gintama anime franchise announced a festive post-anime event, “Gintama Ato no Matsuri 2023.” This eagerly awaited celebration unfolded on March 19 at the renowned Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena. The event was also live-streamed on ABEMA PPV ONLINE LIVE.
In a thrilling surprise for fans, the announcement included the development of a new Gintama anime based on the spin-off light novel series “3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei.” Although details regarding the format, cast, and production studio remain under wraps, fans are abuzz with excitement. The spin-off novel series features the well-known Gintama characters in a school setting, with Gintoki taking on their teacher role.
During ABEMA’s live stream, new images were unveiled, showcasing the main cast of Gintama poking fun at other popular shonen series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Spy x Family. Fans can expect the same light-hearted humor and fun that the Gintama series is known for in this new adaptation.
gintama coming back just to become a menace to society and make fun of these new popular series these days pic.twitter.com/x5qKRpLxoc
— jec (@7jeeeeeeec) March 19, 2023
Other than the spin-off light novels’ anime adaptation, several new Gintama projects will be revealed until 2026 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Gintama anime series. Watch the announcement trailer Gintama’s official YouTube channel.
For those unfamiliar with Gintama, the anime and manga series is set in an alternate-history late-Edo period where aliens called “Amanto” (天人, “Sky People”) invade Earth. As the samurai of Edo Japan valiantly defend their homeland, the shōgun capitulates in the face of the aliens’ power. An unequal contract is established, banning the public carrying of swords and allowing invaders to enter the country. With the confiscation of samurai swords, the Tokugawa bakufu (shogunate) becomes a puppet government.
The narrative follows the eccentric samurai Gintoki Sakata, who works as an odd-jobs freelancer. He aids teenager Shinpachi Shimura in rescuing his sister Tae from an alien group intent on sending her to a brothel. Impressed by Gintoki, Shinpachi becomes his apprentice, joining his freelancing business alongside Kagura, a teenage alien girl with super-strength. Together, they form “Yorozuya” (万事屋, “We do everything” or literally “The Anything Store”).
As they work, the trio frequently crosses paths with the Shinsengumi police force and Gintoki’s former comrades from the Amanto invasion. While the story is predominantly episodic, it features several story arcs and recurring antagonists.
Gintama has been adapted into an original video animation (OVA) by Sunrise, a 367-episode anime television series, three animated films, various light novels, and video games. Warner Bros. Pictures released a live-action film adaptation in Japan in July 2017.
Conversely, “Gintama The Final” film marked the supposed culmination of the anime series (until recent news), holding the distinction of being the highest-rated anime on MyAnimeList for a significant period. Despite its immense popularity in Japan, the franchise hasn’t enjoyed a commensurate following in the western world. This could be partly attributed to the show’s humour, which often hinges on allusions to Japanese culture that may be lost on international audiences. Nevertheless, perhaps Gintama’s fortunes will change this time around.
Are you excited about the Gintama anime series coming back? Let us know your opinion in the comment section below.
