The highly anticipated spin-off anime series, GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class (also known as 3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-sensei), officially premiered on October 6, 2025, bringing the beloved Gintama cast into a chaotic high school setting. Fans globally can stream new episodes on Crunchyroll, while viewers in Japan can catch it on TV Tokyo and its affiliates. The series, which reimagines Gintoki Sakata as the titular sarcastic teacher, is set to deliver 12 episodes of signature Gintama humor and parody.
The Return to Gintama High
This new series adapts the popular light novel spin-off 3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-sensei, which first began in 2006. In this alternate universe, Gintoki Sakata trades his Yorozuya duties for a lab coat, becoming Ginpachi Sakata, the indifferent yet strangely effective homeroom teacher of Class 3-Z at Gintama High School. The narrative diverges from the main Gintama storyline, offering a fresh, self-contained comedic experience.
The premiere has been met with excitement, especially as the series is part of a multi-year celebration for the Gintama franchise’s 20th anniversary. Episode 1 debuted on October 6, followed by Episode 2 on October 13, and Episode 3 on October 20, with Episode 4 slated for October 27, 2025.
Behind the Zany Production
Bandai Namco Pictures is at the helm of the animation production for GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class. Natsumi Higashida serves as the director, with Makoto Moriwaki as the general director. The series composition is handled by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu and Mitei Mark II, while long-time Gintama animation director Shinji Takeuchi returns as character designer and chief animation director. The comedic tone is further enhanced by music composed by Audio Highs.
The series also features a returning cast of fan-favorite voice actors, ensuring the familiar voices of the original series bring these high school antics to life. Tomokazu Sugita reprises his role as Ginpachi Sakata, alongside Daisuke Sakaguchi as Shinpachi Shimura and Rie Kugimiya as Kagura. Other returning cast members include Satsuki Yukino as Tae Shimura, Susumu Chiba as Isao Kondo, Kazuya Nakai as Toshiro Hijikata, Kenichi Suzumura as Sogo Okita, and Akira Ishida as Kotaro Katsura.
Musical Themes and International Reach
The spin-off features an energetic opening theme song, “Sakurakaze,” performed by virtual YouTuber Botchi Boromaru, and a fitting ending theme titled “Underclass HERO” by the band LONGMAN.
Prior to its official broadcast, the world premiere of GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class was held at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles on July 5, 2025, offering attendees an exclusive first look at the series. This event included a screening of an episode, special messages from the voice cast, and insights into the production.
With its blend of familiar characters in an all-new, school-based comedic premise, GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class promises to be a highlight of the Fall 2025 anime lineup, offering both long-time fans and new viewers a dose of unadulterated Gintama chaos.
