Gintama Silver Soul Arc Review: A thorough breakdown of the series' best episode

A comprehensive review and recommendation of "Gintama Silver Soul Arc" - Gintama Silver Soul Arc -

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

January 8, 2018 - March 26, 2018
1:35～

■Broadcasting station

TV Tokyo

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 12

■Original Story

Hideaki Sorachi

■ Director

Chizuru Miyawaki

■ Production

・Animation Production: Bandai Namco Pictures

■Works

© Hideaki Sorachi / Shueisha, TV Tokyo, Dentsu, BNP, Aniplex

■ Story

Edo is a city where values ​​suddenly change after the Tenjin (aliens) invade.
In a world where anything goes, including aliens, skyscrapers, motorbikes, trains, etc.
There was one last samurai with an unchanging "soul."

The man's name is Gintoki Sakata. He is commonly known as Yorozuya Gin-san.
He's careless and reckless, and also has a die-hard sweet tooth.
But when it matters, she does it subtly...

Laugh, cry, and feel warm inside as you watch the lives of Gin-san and his friends!

■Cast

・Gintoki Sakata/Tomokazu Sugita ・Shinpachi Shimura/Daisuke Sakaguchi ・Kagura/Rie Kugimiya ・Sadaharu/Mikako Takahashi

■ Main staff

・Original work: Hideaki Sorachi (serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump)
Supervision: Yoichi Fujita Director: Chizuru Miyawaki Character design and chief animation director: Shinji Takeuchi Design works: Yumi Nakamura Art director: Nami Maniwa and Takayoshi Fukushima Color design: Ritsuko Utagawa Director of photography: Yuki Teramoto CG director: Tomomi Suzuki Music: Audio Highs
・Sound Supervision/Katsuyoshi Kobayashi ・Sound Director/Shinji Takamatsu

■ Main Characters

・Gintoki Sakata The leader of the Yorozuya who does anything asked of him.
He has such a sweet tooth that he gets irritated if he doesn't have sweets regularly.
He is usually a listless, lethargic person, but he is actually a skilled samurai.
He was a former anti-foreigner patriot and such an expert swordsman that he was feared as the "White Demon," but now he only uses wooden swords.
His favorite car is a scooter.
Shimura Shinpachi: The son of the owner of a sword-fighting dojo that not only lost his father, but was also completely abandoned due to the effects of the sword ban.
He was working part-time, but the truth is he couldn't even operate the cash register properly.
After Gintoki saves her sister from debt collectors, she begins working at Yorozuya in order to learn more about Gintoki's soul.
However, he would soon come to regret it...
He also serves as the captain of the guard of the increasingly popular idol, Terakado Michi-chan.
A girl from the Yato tribe, the strongest and most terrible fighting race in the Kagura universe.
He came all the way to Earth believing he could make a lot of money in Edo, but instead ended up working as a bodyguard for the Yakuza.
However, when she gets tired of it and runs away, she meets Gintoki and the others.
He takes a part-time job at a general store until he saves up enough money to return home.
Although she has a cute face, she is also known for her fierce tsukkomi.
・Sadaharu: Yorozuya's slightly large pet.
He was picked up by Kagura after being abandoned.
Their large size and incredible strength often put their owners' lives at risk.
At first glance it appears to be just a giant dog, but it is actually a race called "Dog God" that protects the "Dragon's Lair".
Her true power can be awakened by eating red fruit (strawberries) and goat's blood (milk can also be used).
Kondo Isao, head of the Shinsengumi armed police force. Nicknamed "Gorilla."
He is a good-natured guy with a lot of humanity, and although he's not popular with women, he is loved by his subordinates.
Because he is the type who charges headfirst into everything he does, he develops a strange crush on a girl he meets at a cabaret club, but his pure feelings and actions have already reached the level of a stalker.
Hijikata Toshiro: Vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, or more accurately, a person who is an extreme mayonnaise lover.
I'm the kind of person who will slather mayonnaise on anything edible.
He is the most sensible person among the Shinsengumi, and is often quick to point out mistakes made by Okita and Kondo, but he is also an extreme mayonnaise lover.
He is feared by those around him and is called the "Demon Vice-Commander." He has a surly and belligerent personality,
He also has a side to him where he will burst into tears alone in a movie when no one around him seems to feel anything in particular.
・Okita Sougo A man with a baby face and handsome looks, but with a sadistic personality.
He is the captain of the Shinsengumi's first division, but he slacks off on his work, and when he thinks he's done, he uses his own bazooka to blow things up indiscriminately, which has led to a flood of complaints from local residents.
He is also someone who is tarnishing the image of the Shinsengumi.
Perhaps he holds a grudge against Hijikata, as he is always trying to kill him regardless of whether he has a weakness or not.
Her hobby is watching women's fighting, and seeing women fighting each other with ugly faces probably tickles her sadistic side.
Yamazaki: A Shinsengumi inspector whose only redeeming feature is his modest personality, but he is bossed around by an unreasonable superior.
He can often be seen playing Minton or Kabaddi in his spare time, but his skills as a spy are apparently excellent.
・Katsura Kotaro A patriot of the anti-foreign movement who was on the wanted list of the shogunate and was nicknamed the "Mad Prince."
He is a childhood friend of Gintoki and was a comrade who fought together in the Joui War. His nickname is "Zura."
Perhaps because of his overly serious personality, he sometimes takes bold and unexpected actions.
He is also known as "Koutarou the Runaway" because of his fast escaping speed and his skill at disguise.
In order to earn funds for his activities, he has been seen working hard at side jobs such as calling people.
・The mysterious space creature that Elizabeth Sakamoto left with Katsura.
Although he usually has a blank look on his face and it is difficult to read what he is thinking, he is also seen devoted to his master, such as rushing to his aid when Katsura is in danger.
He communicates using a handheld board, but on rare occasions he speaks in a gruff manner. Sometimes human hands and old man-like legs can be seen from inside the board.
Takasugi Shinsuke: A dangerous man who views the world ruled by the Tenjin as an enemy and leads the armed group, the Kiheitai, in plotting terrorist acts.
He is an old friend of Gintoki and Katsura, but they parted ways after the Joui War and remain friends to this day.
Like Gintoki and Katsura, he is a man with a mysterious charisma that draws people in.
Yagyu Kyubei The heir to the prestigious Yagyu family, a distinguished family that has served the Shogunate for generations.
He came to pick her up as Otome's fiance, but in fact she was raised as a boy.
He is a lightning-fast swordsman with enough skill to crack Hijikata's sword with a single blow.
・Tojo Ayumu is one of the four heavenly kings of Yagyu.
He has been Kyubei's bodyguard and caretaker since he was a child, so he is overprotective of him.
I love rice with raw egg on top.
He corners Gintoki and Kondo in a toilet with no toilet paper, but because he ate a rotten egg, he ends up running to the toilet himself...
・Shimura Myoshinpachi's older sister. She works at a bar to pay off her debts and rebuild her dojo.
She is beautiful and has the integrity of a samurai's daughter, but she also has a violent side that is hard to imagine given her appearance.
Her cooking skills are devastating, and her specialty, tamagoyaki, is so powerful it's like a weapon.
I love Bargain Dash.
Otose: The owner of Snack Otose and Gin-chan's landlord at Yorozuya, she is troubled by Gin-chan's overdue rent.
A generous woman who is able to persuade and forgive those who try to get their hands on her money.
She is a very powerful woman, as she is targeted by an assassin but is able to make him submit with the power of her eyes and throws Gintoki away.
Although it is hard to tell whether she is a man or Orochimaru, she was once a beautiful Japanese woman and an idol in Kabukicho.
Catherine: A celestial being who was once a member of the Cat's Punch gang of thieves and was nicknamed "Key Girl Catherine."
He tried to rob Snack Otose of its money but failed, and was reformed by Otose.
Even though she left the thieves' gang, she still has a mean personality and gets into an ugly argument over the position of Gintama's heroine.
She has a style that blows away the moe element of cat ears, and usually speaks in broken Japanese.
When arguing, she sometimes becomes like Catherine, speaking in broken English.
・Hasegawa Taizo: A symbol of Madao [a useless old man]. During his time as the former Director-General of the Immigration Bureau, he was fired after punching Prince Hata, who was under his protection, and has continued to live the life of a Madao ever since.
He lost his job, his wife Hatsu ran away from him,
An unlucky man who can't get anything to go right.
Although he is such a delinquent, he is also a man who retains a strong belief deep within himself.
However, that doesn't seem to be apparent to those around him.
・He is a member of the Yato tribe, a divine warrior race, and the commander of the 7th division of the space pirates Harusame. He is Kagura's older brother, and has the strongest Yato bloodline of his clan.
He once tried to kill his own father. He is a big eater.
Hattori Zenzo: Although he now works as a hired ninja and a pizza delivery man, he is the heir to the prestigious Hattori clan and was originally the head of the garden guards.
He is a ninja with proven skills, but he has a hip bomb (hemorrhoids), so he can't live without a washlet and a zabuton.
Sarutobi Ayame: A former elite ninja of the Oniwabanshu, she now works as an enforcer, punishing unscrupulous merchants and the like.
Not only is she clumsy and absent-minded, she is also extremely nearsighted and cannot see anything without her glasses. She is also an extreme masochist, and in many ways she approaches Gintoki, who she has a crush on, in ways that are borderline dangerous.
His favorite food, natto, is also used in ninjutsu.
Tokugawa Shigeshige, the young Shogun of the Edo Shogunate. Despite holding the highest rank in the country, he was a man of concern for the people who would often sneak into the castle town to get a first-hand experience of the lives of ordinary Edo people.
However, each time he gets into trouble and is somehow forced to wear only his briefs or be completely naked.

■Subtitle

Chapter 342/Natural curls will return to their original shape even if they are bent and floppy. Chapter 343/Use seasonings sparingly. Chapter 344/Yankee kids have long napes. Chapter 345/There is a fine line between being stubborn and being persistent. Chapter 346/An old man carves things he must not forget into his wrinkles. Chapter 347/A man is called a machine that has learned to waste. Chapter 348/A man should not live long or fat, but live strong. Chapter 349/Demons are weak against small things like Issun-boshi. Chapter 350/People will hate you if you tell them your heroic tales, so let someone else tell them. Chapter 351/Jump is all about inflation. Chapter 352/Peace and ruin are two sides of the same coin. Chapter 353/I discovered that Bushido means dying in a second.

■ Related works

・"Gintama" / Shueisha's "Weekly Shonen Jump" serialization

■ Theme songs and music

OP1
・I Wanna Be...
・Song: SPYAIR

ED1
・Hikari Proof Theory・Song/CHiCO with HoneyWorks

A comprehensive review of "Gintama: Silver Soul Arc"

"Gintama: Silver Soul Arc" is a TV anime series based on Hideaki Sorachi's popular manga "Gintama", and was broadcast on TV Tokyo from January 8 to March 26, 2018. This series is the sixth season of the Gintama series, and although it is a compact 12-episode series, it is characterized by its deep themes and rich character portrayals. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and highlights of this work, as well as recommended points.

The appeal of the story

"Gintama: Silver Soul Arc" is set in Edo, where the Amanto have invaded and values ​​have changed, and depicts the members of Yorozuya, led by Sakata Gintoki, as they get caught up in various incidents while trying to protect their own "souls." This series delves deeply into the meaning and value of "soul," and the story unfolds with a mix of laughter and tears.

Starting from episode 342, the series reexamines the meaning of friendship, belief, and life through the difficulties and conflicts that Gintoki and his friends face. Episode 353, "Bushido is the path of death in one second," is an episode that tests Gintoki's beliefs and is sure to leave a strong impression on viewers. Episode 352, "Peace and destruction are two sides of the same coin," realistically depicts the feelings of the characters as they waver between peace and destruction, evoking deep emotions.

Character Appeal

In "Gintama: Silver Soul Arc," a variety of unique characters including Sakata Gintoki play an active role. Gintoki is usually lethargic and has a sweet tooth, but when it matters, he is casually smart, which contrasts with his charming character. His past as "White Demon" and the bond with his friends are depicted, giving him more depth as a character.

Shimura Shinpachi meets Gintoki in order to save his sister Tae, and starts working at Yorozuya. Shinpachi's growth and the conflicts he faces are carefully depicted, evoking sympathy from viewers. Another part of the show's appeal is the contrast between Kagura's strength as a member of a warrior tribe and her cute side. Her relationship with her brother Kamui is also explored in depth, and there are many episodes that make you feel the family bond.

The members of the Shinsengumi also play important roles. The individuality of each character, such as Kondo Isao's purity and stalker-like behavior, Hijikata Toshiro's obsession with mayonnaise, and Okita Sougo's sadistic personality, adds excitement to the story. The appearance of anti-foreigner patriots such as Katsura Kotaro and Takasugi Shinsuke also adds depth to the story.

Production Details

Bandai Namco Pictures is involved in the production of "Gintama: Silver Soul Arc," which faithfully recreates the atmosphere of the original work while incorporating some unique animation elements. Director Chizuru Miyawaki has been working hard to provide viewers with fresh surprises while still respecting the taste of the original work.

Shinji Takeuchi, who was in charge of character design and general animation director, thought deeply about how to express the original characters in the anime, and provided designs that were particular about every detail, while art directors Nami Maniwa and Takayoshi Fukushima realistically depicted the streets of Edo and the world of the Tenjin, enhancing the visual appeal.

The music is provided by Audio Highs, the opening theme "I Wanna Be..." is sung by SPYAIR, and the ending theme "Hikari Shoumeiron" is sung by CHiCO with HoneyWorks. These songs not only enhance the atmosphere of the story, but also leave a deep impression on the viewers.

Recommended points

"Gintama: Silver Soul Arc" is a work that combines laughter, tears, and deep themes, and can be recommended to a wide range of viewers. In particular, the following points are reasons for recommending it.

1. **Deep Themes**: Among the Gintama series, this one delves deeply into the meaning and value of "soul," making viewers think deeply. It depicts universal themes such as peace and destruction, friendship and faith, so it will resonate with a wide range of generations.

2. **Characters with a wide range of personalities**: Each character, including Gintoki Sakata, has a strong personality that draws the viewer in. The characters' growth and conflicts are carefully depicted, making it easy to empathize with them.

3. **Balance of laughter and tears**: The Gintama series has an exquisite balance of humor and seriousness, allowing viewers to enjoy both laughter and tears. In particular, the serious scenes hidden among the laughter will leave a strong impression on viewers.

4. **Production Attention**: While respecting the atmosphere of the original work, the film incorporates the unique expressions of anime, making it enjoyable both visually and aurally. The production team's attention to detail can be felt in the character design, art, music, and more.

5. **A sense of conclusion to the series**: Gintama: Silver Soul Arc is the sixth season of the Gintama series, and there are many episodes that give the feeling that the story is coming to a close. You will be able to look back on the entire series while enjoying the world of Gintama from a new perspective.

Conclusion

"Gintama: Silver Soul Arc" is a work that faithfully reproduces the original work by Sorachi Hideaki, while bringing out the unique charm of anime. The deep themes, unique characters, and the exquisite balance of laughter and tears draw viewers in. This series, which shows the production team's attention to detail, is highly recommended not only for Gintama fans, but also for viewers who are experiencing Gintama for the first time. We hope you will feel the "soul" of Sakata Gintoki and his friends through this series.