Get ready to re-experience the wild world of Gintama like never before! Two of the franchise’s most epic films, Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter – Be Forever Yorozuya and Gintama: The Very Final, are hitting Japanese theaters with immersive 4D screenings. This exciting news is part of the “Gintama on Theater” initiative, celebrating the anime’s 20th anniversary and giving fans a fresh way to dive into the series’ unique blend of samurai action, alien encounters, and over-the-top comedy.
A 4D Gintama Experience: What to Expect
Imagine feeling the wind as Gintoki swings his wooden sword, the rumble of explosions as the Yorozuya crew gets into another scrape, and maybe even a whiff of Hasegawa’s… distinctive aroma. 4DX screenings promise to fully engage your senses, with motion seating perfectly synchronized to the on-screen action, plus environmental effects like wind, water mist, scents, and even smoke.
- Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter – Be Forever Yorozuya: Coming Summer 2025
- Gintama: The Very Final: Coming Fall 2025
The Films: A Blast from the Past (and the Future)
Let’s take a quick look at the two films getting the 4D treatment:
Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter – Be Forever Yorozuya (2013)
Originally released in 2013, Be Forever Yorozuya was initially teased as the series’ grand finale. This film features an original story penned by Gintama’s creator, Hideaki Sorachi, sending the Yorozuya on a time-bending adventure where Gintoki confronts a dark future. The film was a box office success, grossing 1.7 billion yen (approximately $11.88 million USD) during its theatrical run.
Gintama: The Very Final (2021)
As the name suggests, The Very Final, released in 2021, served as the definitive conclusion to the Gintama anime adaptation, adapting the manga’s final arc. This film sees Gintoki and his friends facing their ultimate challenge as they fight to protect Earth from a powerful enemy. Gintama: The Very Final was a massive hit, earning 1.9 billion yen (roughly $13.29 million USD) and becoming the highest-grossing film in the Gintama anime franchise.
A Trailer Narrated by Madao Himself!
To amp up the excitement, an official trailer for the 4D screenings has been released, featuring narration by none other than Fumihiko Tachiki, the voice of Taizo Hasegawa, also known as Madao (short for “Marude Dame na Ossan” or “totally useless old man”). Tachiki’s distinctive voice adds another layer of humor and nostalgia to the announcement.
Gintama’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
The 4D screenings are just one part of the larger “Gintama on Theater” project, commemorating the anime’s 20th anniversary. Previously, the initiative included theatrical screenings of compilation films like the Kintama Arc, Shinsengumi Crisis Arc, and Kabukicho Four Devas Arc.
A Bit of Gintama History
For those new to the series (welcome!), Gintama began as a manga series created by Hideaki Sorachi, serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2019. The manga spawned a long-running anime series with 367 episodes, OVAs, specials, and multiple films.
The story is set in an alternate Edo-period Japan, where aliens (Amanto) have invaded and modernized the country, blending samurai culture with futuristic technology. The series follows Gintoki Sakata, a silver-haired samurai who runs a freelance business called Yorozuya, taking on odd jobs with his companions, Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura.
Gintama is celebrated for its unique blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming moments, often breaking the fourth wall and parodying other anime and pop culture trends.
What is 4DX?
4DX is a special cinematic experience designed to fully immerse the audience in the movie. It uses a range of sensory effects synchronized with the film’s visuals and audio, including:
- Motion Seats: Seats that move back and forth, up and down, and side to side to simulate movement on screen.
- Environmental Effects: Wind, water spray, fog, bubbles, and scents to create a more realistic atmosphere.
- Lighting Effects: Strobe lights and other visual cues to enhance action sequences.
Where and When Can You Experience It?
The 4D screenings are currently scheduled for release in Japan only. Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter – Be Forever Yorozuya is slated for Summer 2025, and Gintama: The Very Final will follow in Fall 2025. Keep an eye on the official Gintama anime website and social media channels for more details, including theater locations and ticket information.
Other Gintama Projects
In addition to the 4D screenings, fans can look forward to a spin-off anime series titled 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei, expected to broadcast in October 2025.
Get Ready to Join the Yorozuya Crew!
Whether you’re a long-time Gintama fan or a newcomer curious about the series, the 4D screenings offer a unique and exciting way to experience the world of Gintoki and his friends. Get ready to laugh, cry, and maybe even get a little wet as you immerse yourself in the hilarious and action-packed world of Gintama!
