Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames Arc Hits the Big Screen! Fun Confessions from the Voice Actors
It was a day filled with nostalgia and excitement for Gintama fans! One of the most iconic and action-packed arcs of the series, Yoshiwara in Flames (Yoshiwara Enjou-hen), has returned to the big screen in Japan with a special theatrical screening. During the stage event titled "Kimi no Na wa. Matsuri" held at the Shinjuku Wald 9 cinema in Tokyo on April 19, the series' beloved voice actors gathered to reminisce about the old days and share interesting facts about their characters.
The event was attended by Susumu Chiba, who voices Kondo Isao; Kazuya Nakai, who brings Hijikata Toshiro to life; Tetsuharu Ota, the voice of Yamazaki Sagaru; and Akira Ishida, the charismatic voice of Katsura Kotaro. In particular, Akira Ishida's humorous comment regarding the fact that Katsura was included in the promotions despite having a very small role in this arc—saying, "I could feel the malicious plans (marketing strategies) of the adults"—caused great laughter in the hall. The artists proved once again that Gintama's sense of absurd humor has not aged a bit over the years.
This special screening is an important part of the 20th-anniversary celebrations for the Gintama series, created by mangaka Hideaki Sorachi and enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide. Originally aired in the anime series between 2008 and 2009, Yoshiwara in Flames is considered one of the turning points where the tone of the series became more serious, and key characters like Kamui and Tsukuyo made their first appearances. The re-editing and theatrical release of popular arcs as part of the 20th-anniversary projects highlight the series' lasting impact on the anime world and the loyalty of its fanbase.
The Gintama universe will not be limited to these nostalgic screenings; fans are eagerly awaiting the anime adaptation of the 3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-sensei spin-off, which is scheduled to be released in 2025. Even though the series has reached its official finale, such events and new projects show just how alive the Gintama spirit still is. If you are a Gintama fan, the cinematic version of this special arc offers a unique opportunity to see the series' most epic battles on the big screen.
