Hideaki Sorachi reveals initial doubts regarding Gintama anime adaptation

Hideaki Sorachi, the creator of the manga series Gintama, revealed during a stage greeting event in Tokyo on September 26, 2026, that he initially expected the anime adaptation to fail. Sorachi expressed doubts regarding whether the production could successfully recreate the manga’s unique humor and distinctive storytelling style for an anime audience.

Sorachi noted that he deliberately chose not to interfere heavily with the anime’s production because he wanted the staff to enjoy the creative process. He stated that if the team was having fun making the series, he considered his goals achieved. He also admitted he was only expecting royalties from the manga and did not anticipate the significant boost in royalties brought about by the anime’s success.

Kohei Onishi, the manga’s first editor, corroborated these sentiments, recalling that both he and Sorachi initially doubted the series was popular enough to warrant an adaptation.