"Shin-Gekijōban Gintama: Yoshiwara Daienjō" Now in Theaters! Opening Day Stage Greeting Report featuring Tomokazu Sugita, Daisuke Sakaguchi, and Rie Kugimiya.

Director Ando also shared his candid feelings on the film finally reaching its premiere, expressing his gratitude and the extraordinary dedication he poured into the project: "More than anything, I’m just glad we were able to release it. Hearing such warm applause from the fans has truly put my mind at ease. I started working on the storyboards about a year ago, and since then, I’ve spent every single day thinking of nothing but Gintama. I’m so happy that we could successfully welcome this opening day together."

The cast was unanimous in urging the audience to spread their thoughts about the film on social media. "If enough voices say 'It was fun' or 'It was great,' that collective energy might eventually become a powerful force that moves something big. So please, keep those reviews coming! Send them right here to—" Sugita joked, prompting Sakaguchi to cut in: "Stop it! You're making it hard for the person who has to add the on-screen captions! And just because the title is Yoshiwara in Flames, doesn't mean you should actually set the internet 'on fire' (flamed)!"This witty back-and-forth offered a glimpse into the strong bond between the Yorozuya trio. Sugita concluded the segment on a high note, saying, "The power of Gintama lies in its ability to turn the negative into something positive."

Regarding the theme song "Sanzen," Ryuta Shibuya of SUPER BEAVER commented, "I was incredibly happy to be entrusted with the theme song for Gintama, a series that has been loved for so long. It is truly an honor to be involved in a project like this. We don’t often get the chance to participate in stage greetings, so this is a real treat. Hearing the voices of the cast in person makes me think, 'Wow, they’re the real deal... (laughs).'"Reflecting on the film itself, Ryagisawa added with admiration, "I really dug deep into the story while reading the script. The grit and intensity of the combat scenes are incredible, but it’s also a work that thoroughly depicts the background and history of each character." Both Shibuya and Ryagisawa agreed on the film's overall quality, noting, "The dialogue is just so good, isn't it?"

Yanagisawa, who wrote the song while deeply engaging with the lines from the script, reflected on the creative process: "I felt that themes like 'reclaiming the sun' and the 'kindling flame'—the power Seita’s feelings have to inspire those around him—are emotions we all share when striving toward a single goal. I made sure to cherish the elements that intersected with our own experiences, and I was very conscious of the 'power of words' that could only emerge because of Shin-Gekijōban Gintama: Yoshiwara Daienjō." He spoke passionately about the fusion of the film and their music, as well as the deep emotions poured into the track.

Regarding the song, Director Ando gave his enthusiastic seal of approval: "I requested a raw, unpolished sound that would fit the gritty, masculine battle between Gintoki and Hosen. When I heard the result, I felt they had delivered something that was a perfect match." The cast members also voiced their admiration, with comments like, "It’s just simply 'cool.' I’m amazed at how beautifully the power of the music and the visuals intertwine." Sugita added his praise for the high quality and the sense of unity between the film and the theme song "Sanzen" by SUPER BEAVER, noting, "I believe the impression it leaves changes and evolves every time you hear it."

As the event drew to a close, mascot versions of Gintoki and Elizabeth rushed to the venue as special guests. The cast greeted them with protective shouts like "Take your time!" and "Watch the steps!" as the characters made their way onto the stage. When it was announced that the mascots would be touring across Japan for the "Gintama National Pilgrimage 2026," Kugimiya expressed her delight, cheering, "They're going to be so busy!"

Finally, representing the guests, Sugita closed the event with a message brimming with his powerful love for Gintama: "I believe the sensibility of having your soul captivated by a work will continue to grow. There is a real joy in 'passing it on' to the next generation. You can watch this movie first and then dive into the TV series—it doesn't matter where you start. I truly hope from the bottom of my heart that people will engage with Gintama in their own way. Please, keep sharing your voices with us."The spectacular stage greeting came to an end as the cast, the theater audience, and fans at the live-viewing locations all waved to one another, united in a single moment of celebration.

Furthermore, in response to fan demand, an additional event titled "Yorozuya Great Blaze Festival" has been greenlit for Saturday, February 28th, at Shinjuku Piccadilly! The stage greeting is scheduled to feature the Yorozuya trio—Sugita, Sakaguchi, and Kugimiya—alongside Yuko Kaida and Susumu Chiba. With cast members from both the Yoshiwara arc and the Shinsengumi set to appear, it promises to be an unforgettable gathering.

(C)空知英秋／劇場版銀魂製作委員会