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With about half a year having passed since the film’s February release, the cast looked back on their impressions and the many stage greetings so far. Sakaguchi noted that few productions hold this many stage greetings. Kugimiya added that some people who came to the greeting half a year ago were likely in the audience again, making it feel like a long-awaited reunion.
Sugita spoke about the importance of repeat viewers, saying that for Gintama, the response of fans is especially vital because a film that had already ended was brought back, and even a work that had concluded was revived. He said that stage greetings with past producers and editors happen because fans’ voices grew loud enough for staff to think they could do more Gintama stage greetings and continue with other events. He thanked everyone and said their voices truly matter, drawing applause from the venue.
Birthday Cake, Human Dock Jokes, and the Birth of Gintama no Hi
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When asked about his birthday ambitions, Sugita joked that he would put Sakaguchi into a human dock as a birthday present, paying to have his brain and intestines examined too. The audience responded with impressed exclamations. Sakaguchi replied that his ambition would then be to get healthy. Kugimiya, moved by the exchange, called it a wonderful present and the best.
It was also announced that October 10, Sakata Gintoki’s birthday, had been registered as ‘Gintama no Hi’ with the Japan Anniversary Association. A certificate award ceremony was held with the association’s secretary-general present. As a representative of the film, Sugita Tomokazu, who voices Sakata Gintoki, received the anniversary registration certificate, and the venue erupted in applause.
Reacting to the designation, Sugita said he was grateful and that it proves how widespread Gintama has become. Since not everything can be registered as an anniversary and there is a screening process, he said the designation could spread awareness that October 10 is Gintama no Hi, perhaps leading to it being written on calendars or even becoming a holiday.
Sakaguchi said he hoped people would spend Gintama no Hi in a Gintama-like way, lazily and without rushing. Kugimiya agreed, saying October 10 would now be a day when people can dawdle forever. When Mini Gin-san moved energetically in celebration, Sugita ad-libbed a line asking everyone to keep supporting Gintama no Hi as well, earning another round of applause.
Second Stage Greeting Looks Back on 20 Years of Gintama Anime
The second stage greeting added Oonishi Kouhei, the first Gintama editor, and Higuchi Hiromitsu, the third anime Gintama producer, alongside Sugita, Sakaguchi, and Kugimiya. Together they looked back on the 20-year history of the Gintama anime, from the start of the TV broadcast to the latest film, Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Dai Enjou-.
Asked about his first reaction to the decision to make Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Dai Enjou-, Sugita said he did not believe it. One day, executives at his company told him to wait because important people, including Higuchi, were coming to greet him. He thought that if they were coming in person, it might not be a lie, but he still doubted it until just before meeting them. He recalled that a similar pattern had happened with the Ginpachi-sensei anime, but he trusted this one even less because he thought Gintama was surely over. Still, he was happy they came, because having something happen means a connection to the future. He said being able to think about the future and tomorrow is possible because one is alive, and that is a happy thing.
Sakaguchi said he had not met the company executives directly, so he remained unsure until he received the script. Kugimiya said she was told about the film in the dressing room during an event, in a casual, chatty tone, and she only had a vague feeling that it might be true. After many twists and turns, she was glad it became a reality.
Oonishi said that when the anime team told him they wanted to adapt the Yoshiwara Enjou-hen, it had already been animated once, so he and Sorachi Hideaki discussed whether audiences would come. With anime technology advancing, he worried whether Gintama could handle it. But after watching the completed film, the visual quality was truly amazing, and he and Sorachi agreed it had been worth making.
Higuchi, one of the film’s planners, said that when he proposed the project to Shueisha, he told them he wanted to make an action-focused film. With action as a premise, he thought Yoshiwara Enjou-hen would allow them to add an original story to the scenario, which led to the project.
Sorachi Hideaki’s Surprise Comments on the Cast and Film
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Gintama anime. Oonishi recalled first meeting original author Sorachi Hideaki more than 20 years ago, when Sorachi submitted a manga to Jump and Oonishi became his editor. Sorachi lived in Hokkaido at the time, so Oonishi kept inviting him to Tokyo to observe and discuss, but Sorachi refused and would not come. Since Sorachi would not come, Oonishi traveled to Hokkaido in February, in heavy snow, to meet him. At their first meeting, they worked out their plans and shook hands passionately, promising to do their best with the Jump serialization. The audience laughed at the story.
Higuchi, one of the founding members of the Gintama anime, said the producer at the time called him in to make a pilot version of the Jump work Gintama, with a TV series in mind for the future. He remembered being told after Golden Week, while the announcement was planned for autumn, so they rushed staffing, casting, and anime production.
Asked about his impressions from the anime’s launch to broadcast, Oonishi said he and Sorachi had talked about how anime adaptation was a dream within a dream, that the work was not that popular, and that no one would watch. When he saw the finished product, he finally thought, ‘Oh, it was real,’ and was surprised by the adaptation.
A surprise comment from Sorachi Hideaki then arrived. He said that now he could admit he honestly thought it would fail. Reproducing Gintama’s unique energy in anime seemed difficult, and even if it was made, few people would understand it. But he was happy just that people raised their hands to make Gintama together, and if those people enjoyed making the anime, then his goal was already achieved, so it would have been fine if it ended quickly. That was why he did not interfere. He had only expected manga royalties and never thought the anime effect would increase them so much. He thanked everyone, and the venue responded with laughter and applause.
Regarding the cast auditions and recording, Sakaguchi and Kugimiya recalled that everyone auditioning at the time mispronounced the name Sakata Gintoki. Sugita said he was so nervous that day that he did not remember much, but he is still glad he said yes when someone at his agency asked if he wanted to audition too.
Another surprise comment from Sorachi was then read out. About the cast audition, Sorachi said Patsuan and Kagura were decided in one listen. Gintoki was a big worry. During the audition, Sugita’s voice cracked and became high-pitched partway through, and Sorachi liked that it sounded like Seki Toshihiko when he played Matsuda in YAWARA!, so he pushed for Sugita. Sorachi added that he likes Seki. The comment brought laughter from the stage and audience, along with surprise at the newly revealed information.
Final Thoughts from the Cast and Staff
In his final greeting, Sugita said that a future he thought would not come, and time he thought had stopped, has begun to move. He said he is slowly feeling it, and he hopes the gentle, filthy, exciting time continues. To make that happen, he said it is important for everyone to keep expressing that Gintama exists and that they love it, including through their voices. He told the audience they will meet again, and that things do come true. Like a lottery ticket that cannot win unless bought, sometimes things will not come true unless they are said. He vowed to bring the best possible report and asked everyone to continue supporting Gintama.
Sakaguchi said many people saw Gintama for the first time with this film, and he found it interesting that a long-running work can be enjoyed that way. Impressions differ between those who watched back then and those seeing it now, and he wondered what it will be like 10 years from now. He said he hopes to hear new impressions from newcomers in another 10 years. As a cast member, he wants to look forward to that, get a little healthier, and keep going. He asked for continued support and said he hoped to meet everyone again.
Kugimiya said that when a work is born, visuals are made, it is screened in theaters, and the home video is released, it can feel like a pause. But they were able to gather again, with this luxurious lineup, and so many people came, making it a truly happy day. She hopes they can keep talking about the future, and she would be happy if people watched the work again and again and enjoyed Gintama forever. She was glad October 10 was designated Gintama no Hi, giving everyone a day to celebrate each year. With the anime’s 20th anniversary, viewers’ feelings may change, but she is truly happy they can still stay connected with everyone. She said if fans keep supporting Gintama, they will surely meet again.
Oonishi said that just five minutes before the event began, he asked Sorachi why Gin-san’s birthday was October 10 in the first place. Sorachi replied, ‘Maybe from sugar?’ Oonishi said he had just learned this himself. He also encouraged everyone to read Sorachi’s new work currently serialized in Jump.
Higuchi said that many things have happened over 20 years and they have done many things. As Sugita said, going to the office can lead to the future, so Higuchi joked that he needs to go to the office soon. He asked everyone to continue supporting Gintama. With each speaker sharing memories and hopes for the anime’s past and future, the event closed amid a large round of applause.
October 10: Live Stream, 10-Hour Marathon, and Cheer Screenings
To mark October 10, the newly designated Gintama no Hi, YouTube’s Gintama Channel will hold a live stream from 10 AM, along with a 10-hour anime endurance stream. On the same day, 12 theaters nationwide will host the ‘Kotobuki! 10-nichi 10-nichi Gintama no Hi Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Dai Enjou-
The participating theaters are:
- Lawson United Cinemas Sapporo
- Aeon Cinema Shinrifu
- MOVIX Saitama
- Shinjuku Wald 9
- TOHO Cinemas Ikebukuro
- Yokohama Burg 13
- TOHO Cinemas Ebina
- Midland Square Cinema
- Cinema World Lalaport Anjo
- Namba Parks Cinema
- Aeon Cinema Okayama
- T-Joy Hakata
Start times are scheduled between 18:00 and 20:00. Ticket sales will follow each theater’s normal sales schedule, and details should be checked on each theater’s website. Tickets are at each theater’s regular price. Mubichike tickets can be used, and various discount services can be used. Free viewing tickets and invitation tickets cannot be used. The visitor bonus is a Gintama no Hi sticker. Other notes are available on the official site.
Event Overview
| Event Name | Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Dai Enjou- |
|---|---|
| Date | September 26 (Sat) |
| Venue | Shinjuku Wald 9 |
| Speakers | Sugita Tomokazu (Sakata Gintoki), Sakaguchi Daisuke (Shimura Shinpachi), Kugimiya Rie (Kagura), Oonishi Kouhei (first Gintama editor), Higuchi Hiromitsu (third anime Gintama producer), Mini Gin-san, Elizabeth |
Work Information
| Title | Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Dai Enjou- |
|---|---|
| Release Status | Rereleasing nationwide as |
| Copyright | ©Sorachi Hideaki / Gekijouban Gintama Seisaku Iinkai |
