About “Gintama” in a few words:

Gintama is a popular anime and manga series that was created by Hideaki Sorachi. The story takes place in an alternate version of Edo-era Japan, where aliens have taken over the government and samurais are no longer needed. The series follows the adventures of Gintoki Sakata, a former samurai who now works as a freelancer, and his group of friends as they take on odd jobs and get caught up in various antics. The series is known for its unique blend of humor, action, and drama, as well as its diverse cast of characters. Gintama has been praised for its clever writing, well-developed characters, and emotional moments, making it a favorite among anime fans.

Meet the characters from Gintama

Gintoki Sakata

Okay, Gintoki is basically the king of lazy-samurai energy and also a walking candy store — like, he’ll stare at a parfait like it’s a holy relic and then throw down a sword like it’s Tuesday. He’s hilarious and sarcastic 90% of the time, but then out of nowhere he’ll be terrifyingly skilled and utterly serious (which is always wild because five minutes earlier he was doing a cheap gag). He’s annoyingly fond of lazing around, reading trashy magazines, and somehow being unbelievably dependable when it actually matters. Also he cries weirdly, eats too many sweets, and will both dodge responsibility and shoulder it without anyone asking — contradictory and perfect.

Shinpachi Shimura

Shinpachi is the polar opposite of dramatic, the straight man to everyone’s insanity, and yes the glasses are his whole vibe (don’t ask about the sword practice obsession). He tries so hard to be sensible and keep the gang from falling apart, which is sweet because he’s actually kind of a cinnamon roll under that exasperated yelling. He’s fiercely loyal to his sister and sure, he gets frustrated at the chaos, but he gets his hands dirty when needed and is braver than he thinks. Also sometimes he blurts things embarrassingly, which makes him weirdly lovable — practical but kind of prone to dramatic internal monologues.

Kagura

Kagura is a literal tornado of appetite and strength — tiny body, cosmic appetite, punches that could probably level a building, and the cutest grumpy face while eating a whole chicken. She’s a Yato with weirdly innocent takes on life, loves naps in improbable places, and will flip anyone who calls her a kid (even though she IS kinda childlike, sigh). She’s hilariously straightforward and often shows a surprising emotional maturity, but also will hog the TV and demand more snacks like a tiny dictator. Super contradictory in the best way: adorable and terrifying, impulsive yet weirdly wise.

Toshiro Hijikata

Hijikata is the “demon vice-commander” who also has mayonnaise issues, like oh my god the guy is a walking mayonnaise shrine — he’s lethal, meticulous, and terrifyingly efficient, but also petty and deeply single-minded about condiments. He’s stoic and scary in battle, utterly strict with his squad, and yet has this ridiculous soft spot (and an inexplicable, simmering chaos when things don’t go his way). He scowls a lot, but also has complex loyalties and the kind of honor code that makes you go “ugh, fine, respect.” Also he looks like he hates everything but probably secretly enjoys romance novels? Maybe.

Isao Kondo

Kondo is the lovably big-hearted leader who will scream “TEN-CHI!” with monumental gusto and then stumble into some polite blunder immediately after — pervy, pathetic, heroic, all in the same breath. He’s absurdly devoted to duty and to his love interests (bless him), and even though he’s a walking flirt/facepalm combo he can pull off surprisingly competent leadership when push comes to shove. He’s dramatic, gets flustered, but stands up to danger with this pure, goofy bravado you can’t help rooting for. Also he alternates between pompous and painfully humble in the same sentence, which is why he’s impossibly endearing.

Sogo Okita

Okita is the adorable little nightmare of the Shinsengumi: smiling, sadistic, young, and alarmingly competent (like, top of the class and probably the only one who enjoys it). He’s a prankster with a sharp blade and an even sharper wit, constantly teasing everyone — especially Hijikata — and somehow being terrifying while grinning like it’s a tea party. He oscillates between bratty kid energy and a cold-blooded professional, which somehow makes him more unpredictable and fun to watch. Also he has this puppy-like loyalty beneath the chaos, which is weird but true.

Tae Shimura

Otae is pure tough-love; she’ll punch a thug in the face and then scold you for not eating enough vegetables, and honestly that mix is why she’s so great. She’s fiercely protective of her family, runs around dealing with nonsense, and has this steely “don’t mess with me” aura that melts when she’s actually caring for people. She’s hot-headed, romantic in secret (maybe), and simultaneously a tidy, no-nonsense person who also does bizarrely affectionate things like smacking Gintoki for no reason. Also she alternates between “beat you up” and “make you tea” modes in two seconds, which is my favorite thing about her.

Kotaro Katsura

Katsura is the chaos revolutionary with a heart of weird gold: endlessly dramatic, passionately idealistic, and also extremely committed to his long-running anti-government life (with a side of absurd theatrics). He’s a serious leader but will also do the most ridiculous, childlike stunts (disguises! over-the-top monologues! living with an enigmatic giant-looking companion, you know who I mean), which makes him both inspiring and laugh-out-loud silly. He gets intensely philosophical one minute and then trips over a doorstep the next — very moody and yet lovable. Also he calls people by the worst possible nicknames and insists on grand plans, sometimes with zero planning, but hey it somehow works.