Newly released cast comments and scene stills from the completely new animated film Gintama The Movie: Yoshiwara in Flames (opening February 13, 2026) spotlight the six major characters central to the Yoshiwara in Flames arc. The comments come from voice actors Yuko Kaida, Yuko Sanpei, Kikuko Inoue, Banjou Ginga, Satoshi Hino, and Hochu Otsuka, who all reprised their roles for this new theatrical adaptation.

These six cast members originally appeared in the manga and TV anime through the Yoshiwara in Flames arc, where their characters made their debut and played pivotal roles. Having completed the recording for this reimagined version of the arc, they shared thoughts on returning to these deeply memorable roles.

Yuko Kaida, who voices Tsukuyo, leader of Hyakka, the vigilante group that protects the underground red-light district Yoshiwara, reflected on the emotional weight of the story. “This arc introduces both Tsukuyo and the setting of Yoshiwara for the first time. The story follows people who carry different backgrounds yet carve out a path forward through their battles. I believe it is a story that resonates with the hearts of many from various angles.”

Yuko Sanpei, who plays Seita, the young boy whose encounter with Yorozuya becomes the catalyst of the arc, expressed her excitement. “The recording was incredibly fun. Because I enjoyed performing so much, I think the audience will enjoy it too. I hope everyone can laugh out loud and react freely in the theater. It is such an energetic, heated story. A part of me wondered, ‘Is it okay for me to be this serious in a Gintama comment?’ But Gintama was Gintama, just as always.”

Kikuko Inoue, who voices Hinowa, the highest-ranking courtesan of Yoshiwara, shared her hopes for audiences around the world. “My heart trembled at the chance to portray Hinowa in a theatrical film. She is a painfully gentle and deeply loving woman, so I performed with all my sincerity. I believe this is a film that fans of Gintama as well as first-time viewers will wholeheartedly enjoy. May the chaotic, hilarious, and wonderful energy of Gintama reach people across borders and throughout the world.”

Banjou Ginga, who plays Hosen, the “Night King” who rules over Yoshiwara, highlighted the depth of the narrative. “The very fact that another theatrical film is being made shows how the passion of the staff continues to bubble like magma beneath the surface. As a performer, that makes me extremely happy. Gintama feels like a series meant to be seen on the big screen. If I were to describe what Gintama means to me in one phrase, it would be something like ‘The North Wind and the Sun — Adult Edition.’ The Yoshiwara in Flames arc is filled with themes of societal strength and weakness, earnest emotions, true strength, sadness, and more. Lastly... even if you come to dislike me, please do not dislike Gintama.”

Satoshi Hino, returning as Kamui, leader of the 7th Division of the Harusame Space Pirates and Kagura’s older brother, spoke about the emotional significance of reprising his role. “I am truly happy to present the Yoshiwara in Flames arc once again as a new Gintama film. This arc is extremely important to me because it is where I first encountered Kamui. I approached the role with nostalgia, gratitude, and a small worry of ‘Can I still hit those high notes?’ along with many other feelings. I hope everyone looks forward to the film.”

Hochu Otsuka, who plays Abuto, Kamui’s trusted second-in-command, reflected on his long journey with the character. “I have played Abuto for many years. Before I knew it, I had passed the age of 70, yet every time I headed to a Gintama recording, I felt, ‘Ah, I’ve come back home.’ I have always felt that Gintama is something I have lived alongside in my own life. For the first time, Abuto shouts, displays raw emotion, and expresses everything within him. I am proud of the Abuto I was able to portray. Please look forward to it.”

Gintama The Movie: Yoshiwara in Flames is set in the underground red-light district of Yoshiwara, a city robbed of sunlight and ruled by the Night King Hosen. Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura of Yorozuya step into this closed city as the film brings to the screen what is considered one of the most emotionally charged, iconic arcs in the history of the original manga.

Based on Hideaki Sorachi’s manga that began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in December 2003, Gintama depicts a sci-fi period drama set in an alternate Edo ruled by extraterrestrial beings known as Amanto, following the daily chaos surrounding jack-of-all-trades Gintoki Sakata and those around him. The manga concluded in June 2019, surpassing 73 million copies in circulation. The anime first aired in 2006 on TV Tokyo, later receiving multiple film adaptations and even a live-action film starring Shun Oguri.

Source : ORICON NEWS