Gintama Anime: The Seiko franchise has announced new anime franchise tie-ins with the new Gintama collaborative wristwatch, which was released on May 5 and is currently available via the U-Treasure website while supplies last. The item ships overseas and costs 44,000 yen (about US$284) without shipping and tax. The Gintama watches had polished casings, wristbands, and watch dial accents. The wristband is made of stainless steel with a matted loom pattern that completes the watch’s handcrafted aesthetic. The face features quiet swirl patterns (buffed over mother-of-pearl material) inspired by the main character Gintoki Sakata’s kimono design. The Yorozuya Gin-chan gang is also represented, with each member’s icon mounted on four dial markers: a silhouette of Gintoki Sakata riding a scooter under the noon mark (with a crystal glass accent), Shinpachi Shimura’s glasses at 3 o’clock, Sadaharu’s paw print at 6 o’clock, and Kagura’s parasol at 9 o’clock.
Gintama Anime
Gintama Anime
Overview of Gintama
Gintama (銀魂, lit. ’Silver Soul’) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hideaki Sorachi. It was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 2003 to September 2018, in Jump Giga from December 2018 to February 2019, and finished on the Gintama app from May to June 2019. The series was collected into 77 tankōbon volumes. The story is set in Edo, which has been conquered by aliens called Amanto and follows the samurai Gintoki Sakata, who works as a freelancer in his self-established store, “Yorozuya,” alongside his friends Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura. They handle various tasks and odd jobs.
Adaptations and Media
Gintama has been adapted into an original video animation (OVA) by Sunrise, featured at Jump Festa 2006 Anime Tour in 2005. This was followed by a full 367-episode anime television series that aired from April 2006 to October 2018. Additionally, three animated films were released: the first in April 2010, the second in July 2013, and the third in January 2021. The series also inspired various light novels, video games, and a live-action film adaptation released in July 2017 by Warner Bros. Pictures. In North America, Viz Media licensed the manga, and Crunchyroll acquired the streaming and home video rights for the anime.
Popularity and Reception
The Gintama manga has been very popular in Japan, with over 58 million copies in circulation by December 2023. It is one of the best-selling manga series. The anime and its DVDs have frequently ranked in the Top Ten of their respective media. TV Tokyo credited the Gintama anime with high overseas sales, alongside the anime adaptation of Naruto. Critics have praised the Gintama manga for its comedy, characters, overarching plot, and action choreography.
Plot Summary
Set in an alternate-history late-Edo period, Gintama follows humanity’s fight against aliens called “Amanto.” After the shogun surrenders to the aliens, a ban is placed on carrying swords in public, and the Tokugawa shogunate becomes a puppet government. The story centres on the eccentric samurai Gintoki Sakata, who, along with his friends Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura, runs an odd-jobs business called “Yorozuya.” They frequently encounter the Shinsengumi police force and Gintoki’s former comrades from the Amanto invasion. The series balances episodic and shorter arcs with a deeper background plot, featuring major antagonists like Shinsuke Takasugi and the immortal Utsuro, whom Gintoki must ultimately stop from destroying the Earth.
What is Gintama?
Gintama (銀魂, lit. ‘Silver Soul’) is a Japanese manga series created by Hideaki Sorachi. It follows the story of Gintoki Sakata, a samurai in an alternate-history Edo period where aliens called Amanto have taken over. Gintoki works as a freelancer in his self-established store, “Yorozuya,” alongside his friends Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura.
When was Gintama serialized?
Gintama was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 2003 to September 2018, in Jump Giga from December 2018 to February 2019, and concluded on the Gintama app from May to June 2019. The chapters were collected into 77 tankōbon volumes.
What adaptations has Gintama received?
Gintama has been adapted into various media, including: An original video animation (OVA) by Sunrise in 2005. A 367-episode anime television series that aired from April 2006 to October 2018. Three animated films were released in April 2010, July 2013, and January 2021. Various light novels and video games. A live-action film adaptation was released in July 2017 by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Are there any special features of the Gintama collaborative wristwatch by Seiko?
Gintama collaborative wristwatch by Seiko, released on May 5, 2024, features a silvery sleek design with multiple references to, Shinpachi Shimura and Gintoki Sakatar. It includes icons of Gintoki, Shinpachi, Sadaharu, and Kagura on the dial markers and a sketch of the Justaway figurine on the back casing. The watch is made with stainless steel and has reinforced waterproofing, Hardlex glass casing, and a battery life of approximately three years. It is available on the U-Treasure website for 44,000 yen (about US$284).
