Gintama Creator Draws Portrait of Kenjiro Tsuda, Internet Reacts: “Incredible Sense of Humor” and “Wish He Had a Bit of Stubble”

Gintama creator Hideaki Sorachi has once again sparked online buzz after drawing a portrait of voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda to celebrate the release of the new film New Theatrical Feature Gintama Yoshihara Great Inferno.

Sorachi, the original creator of the manga Gintama, shared the illustration in commemoration of the film’s release. Although Tsuda does not appear in the movie, the gesture quickly became a trending topic among fans.

From Jump Festa Letter to Official X Post

At the Gintama stage event during Jump Festa held last December, Sorachi sent his customary annual letter. Continuing a three year streak of jokes centered on Tsuda, he humorously referenced the title of the new film New Theatrical Feature Gintama Yoshihara Great Inferno while revealing that he had recently suffered from a kidney stone.

Describing the excruciating pain as one of the three greatest pains known to humanity, Sorachi joked that instead of his life flashing before his eyes, countless versions of Kenjiro Tsuda ran through his mind. He described Tsuda dueling, Tsuda exploding after working overtime, and Tsuda wandering outside still wearing a paper apron from a soba restaurant. The audience erupted in laughter at his affectionate tribute.

Following that stage appearance, the official Gintama X account posted that Kenjiro Tsuda had provided a supportive comment after being mentioned in Sorachi’s letter at Jump Festa 2026. Alongside the message, Sorachi’s newly drawn portrait of Tsuda was unveiled.

Tsuda’s comment read, “Please be sure to watch it in theaters. I do not appear in it at all.” The official account also clarified that Tsuda does not appear in the film.

Post from X

Fans Praise Sorachi’s Unique Humor

True to the distinctive promotional style of Gintama, the unexpected collaboration between Sorachi’s illustration and a supportive comment from a non cast member delighted fans online.

Comments included praise such as, “Starting from Sorachi’s letter and then getting a supportive comment from Kenjiro Tsuda who is not even in the film, this is so uniquely Gintama,” and “Sorachi really loves Tsuda.” Others admired the drawing itself, saying, “Sorachi’s portrait is amazing,” and “The soba shop version of Tsuda is such brilliant taste.” Some fans jokingly added, “I wish he had drawn a little stubble on the beard.”

Source : ORICON NEWS