The popular “Yoshiwara in Flames” arc of the Gintama anime is being reanimated and compiled into a new theatrical film titled Shin-Gekijōban Gintama: Yoshiwara Daienjō (Gintama New Film Version: Yoshiwara in Flames), with its opening date officially announced as February 13, 2026. The announcement was made during a 20th-anniversary event for the franchise.
The upcoming film promises to revisit episodes 139-146 of the original anime, but with newly animated scenes and the inclusion of characters who were not present in the initial television adaptation of the arc. This release is part of the ongoing 20th-anniversary celebrations for the Gintama franchise, marking two decades since Hideaki Sorachi’s manga debuted in 2003 and the anime’s premiere in 2006.
Delving into the Yoshiwara in Flames Arc
The “Yoshiwara in Flames” arc is widely regarded as one of Gintama‘s most intense and pivotal storylines, moving the series into a more serious, plot-driven direction. It plunges protagonist Gintoki Sakata and his Yorozuya companions into the dark, underground pleasure district of Yoshiwara, controlled by the ruthless Housen, known as the “King of the Night.” The arc centers on Gintoki’s fierce battle against Housen, driven by the need to rescue the courtesan Hinowa and her son Seita.
Key elements of the arc include:
- Introduction of Key Characters: The arc introduces fan-favorite characters such as Tsukuyo, the leader of Yoshiwara’s vigilante Hyakka, and Kamui, Kagura’s formidable older brother and a captain of the Harusame space pirates.
- High-Stakes Action and Emotional Depth: Known for its brutal fights and emotional resonance, the arc explores themes of freedom, family, and the fight against oppression.
- Kagura’s Development: The “Yoshiwara in Flames” arc is also significant for the development of Kagura’s character, showcasing her heritage as a member of the Yato clan.
Production Details and Staff
The new Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames film is being produced by BN Pictures, the animation studio that has overseen the Gintama anime since its fourth season. Naoya Ando (known for Paradox Live The Animation) is directing the film, with Taku Kishimoto (Fruits Basket, Haikyuu!!) handling the script. Yōichi Fujita, who has a long history with the Gintama series, is serving as supervising director, and Shinji Takeuchi (Fairy Tail) is the character designer and chief animation director. The film will be presented in Cinemascope (2.35:1 aspect ratio), promising a visually immersive experience.
Part of a Larger Anniversary Celebration
The Gintama franchise has been celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of special projects and releases. This includes several other compilation films under the “Gintama on Theater 2D” project, which have seen popular arcs from the TV anime receive limited theatrical runs in Japan. Previous compilation films covered arcs such as “Thorny Arc,” “Courtesan of a Nation Arc,” and “Kintama Arc.”
Additionally, the franchise is seeing a new anime adaptation of the spinoff novel series, GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class (3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-sensei), which premiered on October 6, 2025. The 2013 film Gintama: The Final and the 2021 film Gintama THE VERY FINAL have also received 4DX screenings in Japan as part of these celebrations. Hideaki Sorachi, the creator of Gintama, even provided a special illustration and a characteristically humorous statement in anticipation of the new film.
