If you thought Gintama was done surprising you, think again. October 10 has just been officially designated as “Gintama Day” by the Japan Anniversary Association, and voice actor Tomokazu Sugita — the legendary voice behind protagonist Gintoki Sakata — is already dreaming bigger. He wants it to become a national holiday.
No, seriously. He said that. And knowing Gintama, it somehow feels perfectly on-brand.
How Did This Happen?
The announcement dropped during a special stage event on September 26, 2026, celebrating the release of the reanimated “Cho Enjo” version of Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames Arc, which opened in Japanese theaters on September 25. The date October 10 was chosen because it coincides with Gintoki Sakata’s birthday — a fitting tribute to one of anime’s most beloved and unpredictable protagonists.
The stage event was a star-studded affair. Alongside Tomokazu Sugita, attendees included Daisuke Sakaguchi (voice of Shinpachi Shimura), Rie Kugimiya (voice of Kagura), former Gintama editor Kohei Onishi, and anime producer Hiromitsu Higuchi. Sugita personally received the official anniversary registration certificate on behalf of the entire franchise.
Sugita’s Reaction Is Peak Gintama Energy
During his acceptance speech, Sugita shared a comment that perfectly captures the Gintama spirit — heartfelt, slightly ridiculous, and completely genuine:
“I’m grateful. I think it’s also proof that Gintama as a work has become this widely recognized. Since there is a screening process, not just anything can be officially designated as an anniversary. The fact that it was approved like this might help even more people recognize that October 10 is ‘Gintama Day,’ and maybe someday it will even be written on calendars. After that, I hope it becomes a national holiday.”
A national holiday for Gintama. Honestly? We would not complain.
Creator Hideaki Sorachi Sends a Perfectly Sorachi Message
Series creator Hideaki Sorachi was not at the event in person, but he sent a surprise message that had fans both laughing and tearing up. In classic Sorachi fashion, he was brutally honest about his initial expectations for the anime adaptation:
“Looking back now, I honestly thought it was going to flop. I thought it would be difficult to recreate Gintama’s particular style in anime, and even if they managed it, I figured there wouldn’t be many people who would understand it.”
He went on to reveal that he was initially content just knowing people wanted to make the anime at all, saying he “wouldn’t have minded if it ended quickly” and that he was “only expecting the manga royalties.” His punchline? “I never imagined the anime would make those royalties increase so much. Thank you very much.”
Pure Sorachi. The man who created one of the funniest manga in history somehow remains the funniest person associated with it.
A Hidden Detail About the Original Voice Casting
Sorachi also dropped a fascinating behind-the-scenes nugget about the original casting process. He revealed that the voices for Shinpachi and Kagura were decided almost immediately after hearing their auditions, but Gintoki’s casting took more deliberation. What ultimately sealed the deal for Sugita? According to Sorachi, it was the way Sugita’s voice would occasionally rise into a higher register during the audition — a quirk that perfectly captured Gintoki’s unpredictable, comedic energy.
20 Years of Gintama: The Numbers Are Staggering
The event also celebrated the anime’s 20th anniversary, and the franchise’s track record is nothing short of remarkable:
- Hideaki Sorachi serialized the manga in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2018, then continued in Jump Giga until February 2019
- The anime, originally produced by Sunrise and later by Bandai Namco Pictures, spans 367 episodes
- Numerous OVAs, movies, games, novels, and specials have expanded the franchise
- The 2021 film Gintama: The Very Final grossed over 1.85 billion yen (approximately $17 million USD) at the Japanese box office
Sugita’s Emotional Closing Words
Perhaps the most moving moment of the event came during Sugita’s closing remarks, where he reflected on the franchise’s unexpected longevity:
“A future I never thought would come, and time I thought would never move again, has started moving. I’m slowly beginning to feel it, and I hope this calm, filthy, but exciting time continues for a long time. For that to happen, I think it’s important for everyone, including through your voices, to keep expressing that Gintama exists and that you love Gintama. Everyone, let’s meet again.”
“Calm, filthy, but exciting” might be the most accurate three-word description of Gintama ever spoken.
What This Means for the Franchise
While no new anime season or continuation has been officially announced, the fact that Gintama is receiving this level of institutional recognition — combined with the reanimated Yoshiwara in Flames Arc hitting theaters — suggests the franchise is far from fading into obscurity. The official “Gintama Day” designation gives fans a permanent annual celebration, and Sugita’s rallying cry for fans to “keep expressing that Gintama exists” feels like a deliberate signal that more could be on the horizon.
For a series that has always thrived on defying expectations, getting its own officially recognized day in Japan feels like the most Gintama thing possible.
What Do You Think?
Should October 10 actually become a national holiday? What is your favorite Gintama moment that proves this series deserved its own day? And do you think the Yoshiwara in Flames reanimation could lead to more classic arcs getting the same treatment? Drop your thoughts below — we want to hear from every Gintama fan out there.
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