Tokyo, Japan – Fans of the beloved Gintama anime franchise have cause for celebration as it was officially announced on August 16, 2025, that the popular “Yoshiwara in Flames” arc will be re-envisioned as a brand-new, fully reanimated theatrical film. Titled New Gintama The Movie: Yoshiwara in Flames (Shin-Gekijōban Gintama: Yoshiwara Daienjō), the movie is set to premiere in 2026 and will feature entirely new animation, including scenes and characters not present in the original arc’s manga rendition.
The major announcement was made during the “Gintama Multiverse Festival” in Tokyo, a special event celebrating the franchise’s 20th anniversary. Key voice actors from the series, including Tomokazu Sugita (Gintoki), Daisuke Sakaguchi (Shinpachi), and Rie Kugimiya (Kagura), were present at the festival, adding to the excitement for the upcoming film.
A Fully Reanimated Retelling
While the title might suggest a compilation, New Gintama The Movie: Yoshiwara in Flames is confirmed to be a completely new production. Unlike typical compilation films that often repurpose existing animation with minor additions, this project will rebuild the “Yoshiwara in Flames” arc from the ground up with entirely new animation. This ensures a fresh cinematic experience for fans, promising upgraded, high-impact visuals suitable for the big screen.
Adding to the anticipation, the film will also introduce characters who were absent from the manga’s original depiction of the arc, such as Katsura and members of the Shinsengumi (Kondō, Hijikata, Okita, and Yamazaki), hinting at expanded storytelling possibilities.
Iconic Arc Reimagined for The Big Screen
The “Yoshiwara in Flames” arc is one of the most significant and popular storylines within the Gintama series. It delves into the dark, underground red-light district of Yoshiwara, ruled by the formidable “Night King” Hosen. The original arc was previously adapted in the television anime across episodes 139 to 146. The new film will revisit this legendary narrative, with the teaser trailer showcasing Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura venturing into the city of darkness and Gintoki’s declaration, “You can’t put out my flame. You’ll never extinguish ours.”
The teaser visual, drawn by original Gintama creator Hideaki Sorachi, and an accompanying teaser trailer were also unveiled during the announcement, further fueling fan anticipation.
Esteemed Production Team and Returning Cast
The new Gintama film is being animated by BN Pictures, a studio known for its work on the Gintama anime series. The production boasts a talented team, with Naoya Ando (Paradox Live The Animation) serving as director, Youichi Fujita (Gintama, Mr. Osomatsu) as supervising director, and Taku Kishimoto (Fruits Basket, Haikyu!!) handling the script. Shinji Takeuchi, a veteran of the Gintama series, returns as character designer and chief animation director. Audio Highs will compose the film’s music.
The familiar voices that fans have come to love will also return, with the main cast reprising their roles, ensuring the series’ signature comedic timing and dramatic intensity remain intact.
Part of a Grand 20th Anniversary Celebration
The New Gintama The Movie: Yoshiwara in Flames is positioned as a significant part of the Gintama franchise’s ongoing 20th-anniversary celebrations. Alongside the film announcement, the “Gintama Multiverse Festival” also confirmed the October 6 premiere date for the anime adaptation of the GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class spinoff novel series. Additionally, as part of the anniversary, past Gintama films, Gintama: The Final (2013) and Gintama THE VERY FINAL (2021), are scheduled for 4DX screenings in Japan in August and November 2025, respectively. These initiatives underscore a vibrant period for the Gintama franchise as it continues to entertain audiences two decades after its manga debut.
