Gintama celebrates 20th anniversary and official ‘Gintama Day’ designation

During a stage event in Tokyo celebrating the 20th anniversary of the ‘Gintama’ anime and the re-release of the film ‘New Movie Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames’, creators and voice actors shared behind-the-scenes details regarding the series' casting.

Original author Hideaki Sorachi revealed that while the casting for Shinpachi and Kagura was decided immediately upon hearing their voices, the selection of Gintoki Sakata was a difficult decision. Sorachi noted that he ultimately chose Tomokazu Sugita because a sudden change in his voice during the audition reminded him of the voice acting style of Kosuke Kanetoshi.

Additionally, the event marked the official establishment of ‘Gintama Day’. Following an application to the Japan Anniversary Association, October 10—the birthday of the protagonist Gintoki Sakata—has been formally recognized as a commemorative day. Voice actors Tomokazu Sugita, Daisuke Sakaguchi, and Rie Kugimiya attended the ceremony to celebrate the franchise's enduring legacy.