“Gintama – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class ‒ Episode 4”, titled “Fear and Laughter Are Two Sides of the Same Coin,” delves into a parody of classic school horror tropes, blending the series’ signature absurd humor with unexpected emotional depth. The episode, which premiered on October 27, 2025, sees Ginpachi-sensei, Shinpachi, and Kagura navigating the “Seven Mysteries of Gintama High School” after hours.
Late-Night Shenanigans at Gintama High
The episode kicks off with Shinpachi attempting to retrieve a forgotten item from school late at night. He soon encounters Gintoki and Kagura, who are also there for equally non-essential items: Gintoki’s beloved Jump magazine and Kagura’s seven packets of sukonbu. This seemingly innocuous trip quickly descends into a horror-comedy as the trio decides to investigate the infamous “Seven Mysteries of the School,” a common trope in Japanese school settings.
Unraveling the “Seven Mysteries” with Gintama’s Signature Absurdity
As the unlikely ghostbusters venture through the darkened school halls, each “mystery” they encounter is hilariously—and often disgustingly—debunked by the bizarre antics of other familiar Gintama characters.
The Sobbing Staff Room
One of the first mysteries involves “sobbing sounds” emanating from the staff room. Shinpachi, ever the straight man, hypothesizes it’s the ghost of a teacher who committed suicide due to bullying. However, upon opening the door, Kagura discovers Zenzou Hattori in a compromising position, secretly applying ointment for his hemorrhoids. Ginpachi’s indignant reaction to being “startled in a different way” sets the tone for the rest of the gags.
Other “Spooky” Encounters
The subsequent mysteries continue this pattern of mundane and often crude reveals:
- Eerie Piano Music: The unsettling piano sounds from the music room are revealed to be none other than Katsura and Elizabeth playing random notes for no discernible reason.
- Strange Rattling Sounds: Kondo is found burying his face in Otae’s chair, engaging in his usual stalker-like behavior.
- Other quick flashes include Hijikata making his own mayonnaise, Yamazaki remembering his badminton shtick, and Hedoro simply existing.
A Surprising Turn: Humor Meets Heart
While the episode largely relies on its characteristic comedic parodies, it takes a significant turn towards the end. When the trio heads to the rooftop to investigate the final mystery, they stumble upon a seemingly random boy attempting to take his own life due to academic pressure.
This moment allows Gintoki, despite his often lazy and irreverent persona, to show his genuine compassion. He attempts to talk the boy out of it, reminding him that “life is still worth living” and that “more interesting things” like manga, movies, and even the idiotic classmates of Class 3-Z await him. This blend of absurdity and unexpected sincerity is a hallmark of the Gintama series, offering a profound reflection on life even amidst the chaos.
The Bittersweet Twist
The episode concludes with a classic Gintama twist: the next day, Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura discover through student records that the boy they saved was, in fact, a ghost. This chilling yet touching revelation reinforces the show’s ability to balance its over-the-top humor with meaningful, often poignant, messages, proving once again that Gintama is more than just a comedy.
“Gintama – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class ‒ Episode 4” provides a Halloween-themed adventure that captures the essence of early Gintama episodes, delivering rapid-fire punchlines and unpredictable humor, while also reminding viewers of the series’ underlying emotional depth.
