The renowned anime franchise “Gintama” is making a much-anticipated return with a new spinoff series reimagining its main character, Gintoki Sakata, as a high school teacher. The announcement was made during Jump Festa ’25, stating that “Class 3-Z’s Ginpachi-sensei” will be released in October 2025. This is the franchise’s first new content in more than three years.
Based on Tomohito Osaki’s spinoff novels, the series turns Gintoki into an unorthodox homeroom teacher. Fans may look forward to seeing familiar characters in student roles, including Kagura, Shinpachi, Kondo, Takasugi, and Hijikata.
Bandai Namco Pictures, which has worked on the franchise since its fourth season, will handle the animation production. The project will include a combination of seasoned “Gintama” employees and new talent. Natsumi Higashida will direct, with Makoto Moriwaki serving as chief director. Katsuki Fudeyasu noted for his work on popular series such as “Bleach” and “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders,” will direct the series composition. Shinji Takeuchi returns as principal animation director, and Audio Highs will compose the music.
Key voice performers return, ensuring continuity. Tomokazu Sugita will reprise his role as Gintoki, with Rie Kugimiya as Kagura and Daisuke Sakaguchi as Shinpachi.
This new series departs from the action-heavy tone of “Gintama: The Very Final,” released in 2021, and returns to the comedy that marked the show’s early success. The announcement is especially meaningful as the franchise marks its 20th anniversary.
Hideaki Sorachi created the original “Gintama” manga, which ran in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2018 and concluded in Jump Giga in February 2019. The franchise has produced 367 anime episodes, various OVAs, films, games, and novels. The new series is based on Osaki’s spinoff novels, which were published in eight volumes between 2006 and 2018.
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For fans looking for additional “Gintama” content, a double-feature film adaptation of the “Shinsengumi Crisis” and “Kabukicho Four Devas” arcs will be published in February 2025, shortly before the new series debuts.
