2006–2010 series
The first 201 anime television series aired on TV Tokyo from April 4, 2006, to March 25, 2010.[4][5] The first 99 episodes were initially directed by Shinji Takamatsu. Episodes 100 to 105 were directed by Takamatsu and Yoichi Fujita, while the following episodes were directed solely by Fujita.[6][7]
Aniplex released the series in DVD format. Episodes 1–49 were collected in twelve DVDs, released from July 26, 2006, to June 26, 2007.[8] Episodes 50–99 were collected in thirteen DVDs, released from July 25, 2007, to July 23, 2008.[9] Episodes 100–150 were collected in thirteen DVDs, released from August 27, 2008, to August 26, 2009.[10] Episodes 151–201 were collected in thirteen DVDs, released from October 28, 2009, to October 27, 2010.[11]
In November 2008, an agreement was reached between TV Tokyo and the streaming video service Crunchyroll for the latter to stream English-subtitled episodes for free one week after they had aired in Japan; paid subscribers could watch new episodes an hour after they aired in Japan.[12] On January 8, 2009, Crunchyroll uploaded their first episode (episode 129) to the service. Alongside new episodes each week, Crunchyroll also uploaded episodes from the beginning of the series.[13] It was licensed in North America by Sentai Filmworks, with distribution from Section23 Films.[14] The first collection containing thirteen English-subtitled episodes was released on DVD, April 27, 2010.[14][15] Only 49 episodes were released before the releases stalled. However, shortly after licensing the Gintama film, Sentai Filmworks announced that based on the film's performance, they would consider releasing more of the series in North America, possibly with an English dub.[16]
Yorinuki Gintama-san
On April 5, 2010, TV Tokyo stations began airing high-definition reruns of older Gintama episodes, under the title Yorinuki Gintama-san (よりぬき銀魂さん).[22] In addition to being broadcast in HD, new opening and ending themes were made. The opening and ending themes for episodes 1–9 are "Bakuchi Dancer" (バクチ・ダンサー) and "Bokutachi no Kisetsu" (僕たちの季節), respectively, both performed Does. From episodes 10–26, the opening theme is "Kaze no Gotoku" (風のごとく) by Joe Inoue and the ending theme is "Wave" by Vijandeux.[23] From episode 27–39, the opening theme is "Kanōsei Girl" (可能性ガール) by Chiaki Kuriyama and the ending is "In My Life" by Azu. From episodes 40–51, the opening is "Karto Niago" (カートニアゴ) by Flip and the ending is "Sakurane" (桜音) by Piko.
Yorinuki Gintama-san
On April 5, 2010, TV Tokyo stations began airing high-definition reruns of older Gintama episodes, under the title Yorinuki Gintama-san (よりぬき銀魂さん).[22] In addition to being broadcast in HD, new opening and ending themes were made. The opening and ending themes for episodes 1–9 are "Bakuchi Dancer" (バクチ・ダンサー) and "Bokutachi no Kisetsu" (僕たちの季節), respectively, both performed Does. From episodes 10–26, the opening theme is "Kaze no Gotoku" (風のごとく) by Joe Inoue and the ending theme is "Wave" by Vijandeux.[23] From episode 27–39, the opening theme is "Kanōsei Girl" (可能性ガール) by Chiaki Kuriyama and the ending is "In My Life" by Azu. From episodes 40–51, the opening is "Karto Niago" (カートニアゴ) by Flip and the ending is "Sakurane" (桜音) by Piko.
Gintama'
In March 2010, Fujita hinted that the anime would continue once the staff had enough material to adapt. Shinji Takamatsu said that the TV series "is absolutely not over. It hasn't even begun yet! It will definitely return."[24] In December 2010, Shueisha stated that the Gintama anime would resume in April 2011.[25] Gintama' (銀魂’), the sequel to the original Gintama anime, aired for 51 episodes (episodes 202–252 of the overall series) on TV Tokyo from April 4, 2011, to March 26, 2012.[26] The main staff from the first series returned, with Fujita again serving as director.[27] The episode released on September 26, 2011, features a crossover with the Sket Dance series.[28] Aniplex collected the episodes in thirteen DVDs, released from July 27, 2011, to July 25, 2012.[29]
Gintama°
On December 21, 2014, during Jump Festa's super stage event, it was announced that a new Gintama series was being produced.[34] Titled Gintama° (銀魂°) and animated by Bandai Namco Pictures, the 51 episodes (episodes 266–316 of the overall series) aired on TV Tokyo and its affiliates from April 8, 2015, to March 30, 2016.[35][36] Aniplex collected the episodes in thirteen DVD and Blu-ray Disc sets, released from July 22, 2015, to July 27, 2016.[37]
Crunchyroll began streaming an English dub of the first 12 episodes of the series on February 1, 2017. 12 additional episodes were released weekly.[38]
Gintama.
A fourth Gintama series was announced in September 2016.[39] Titled Gintama. (銀魂.), it aired for 12 episodes (episodes 317–328 of the overall series) from January 9 to March 27, 2017, on TV Tokyo and its affiliates.[40][41] The staff from the Gintama° anime series returned to reprise their roles.[43] Aniplex collected the episodes in four DVD and Blu-ray Disc sets, released from April 26 to July 26, 2017.[44][45]
A second cours, adapting the skipped comedic arcs taking place before the events of the Shogun Assassination arc, titled Gintama. Porori-hen (銀魂. ポロリ編), aired for 13 episodes (episodes 329–341 of the overall series) from October 2 to December 25, 2017.
Films
Gintama: The Movie, known in Japan as Gintama: Shinyaku Benizakura-Hen (銀魂 新訳紅桜篇), a retelling of the Benizakura arc of the manga, premiered in Japan on April 4, 2010.[60][61]
A second film Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya (劇場版 銀魂 完結篇 万事屋よ永遠なれ), with a script written by Sorachi, premiered in Japan on July 6, 2013.[62][63]
A third film, Gintama: The Very Final, known in Japan as Gintama: The Final (銀魂 THE FINAL), premiered on January 8, 2021.[64][65]
Compilation films
Three compilation films, featuring scenes not included during the television broadcast, were released in 2023 and 2024 as part of the "Gintama 20th Anniversary Project", with a limited three-week screening in Japan. The first film, titled Gintama on Theater 2D: Baragaki-hen (銀魂オンシアター2D バラガキ篇), premiered on November 10, 2023. It encompasses episodes 244–247 of the anime series (Gintama').[71][72] The second film, Gintama on Theater 2D: Ikkoku Keisei-hen (銀魂オンシアター2D 一国傾城篇), premiered on June 21, 2024. It encompasses episodes 257–261 of the anime series (Gintama': Enchōsen).[73][74] The third film, Gintama on Theater 2D: Kintama-hen (銀魂オンシアター2D 金魂篇), premiered on November 22, 2024. It encompasses episodes 253–256 of the anime series (Gintama': Enchōsen).[75]
Original animation DVDs
The 65th and 66th volumes of the manga were bundled with an original animation DVD (OAD) each; the volumes were released on August 4 and November 4, 2016, respectively. Both OADs adapt the manga's Love Potion story arc.[76]
