Gintama fans, get ready to head back to school with the highly anticipated spin-off anime, 3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-Sensei, set to premiere in October 2025 on TV Tokyo. This comedy series, based on Tomohito Ōsaki’s spin-off novel of Hideaki Sorachi’s iconic Gintama manga, promises to deliver the same chaotic humor and quirky characters that made the original a shonen classic. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new anime.
What Is 3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-Sensei?
3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-Sensei transports the Gintama universe to a high school setting, where Gintoki Sakata takes on the role of Ginpachi Sakata, the eccentric homeroom teacher of Class 3-Z at Gintama High School. Unlike your typical teacher, Ginpachi sports a sloppy white coat, lifeless fish-like eyes, and a personality far from professional. His class is a chaotic mix of unruly students, turning the school into a comedic “zoo” filled with wild antics and strong personalities.
The spin-off novel, which debuted in 2006 and wrapped up in 2018 with eight volumes published by Shueisha, reimagines Gintama’s beloved characters as students and staff in this alternate universe. Fans may already be familiar with the concept, as short animated segments of 3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-Sensei appeared at the end of several Gintama anime episodes. Now, it’s getting a full-fledged TV series as part of Gintama’s 20th-anniversary celebration.
Release Date and Production Details
The anime is slated to air in October 2025 on TV Tokyo, with no exact premiere date announced yet. Produced by BN Pictures, the series boasts a talented team:
- Director: Natsumi Higashida (Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun episode director)
- General Director: Makoto Moriwaki (Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun)
- Series Composition: Kazuyuki Fudeyasu (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) and Mitei Mark II
- Character Designs/Chief Animation Direction: Shinji Takeuchi (Gintama)
- Music: Audio Highs
A teaser trailer was revealed at Jump Festa 2025 on December 21, 2024, showcasing Gintama’s signature self-referential humor, including jabs at the long wait for the series and playful struggles with pronouncing “3-Z.” The trailer featured production shots but held back full animation, promising more visuals soon. A key visual was also released, spotlighting Ginpachi alongside Gintoki, voiced by Tomokazu Sugita, who reprises both roles.
What to Expect from the Story
Expect a high-energy school comedy that retains Gintama’s irreverent charm. The series parodies the Japanese drama 3-Nen B-Gumi Kinpachi-Sensei, blending it with Gintama’s sci-fi and samurai-inspired humor. Class 3-Z’s students, including familiar faces like Kagura and Kamui, will bring chaos to the classroom, with Ginpachi barely keeping things under control. The tagline, “A Gintama-style youth where extroverts and introverts don’t matter!” hints at a story celebrating quirky individuality and unpredictable fun.
Why Fans Are Excited
Gintama is a shonen legend, known for its blend of comedy, action, and heartfelt moments, with over 55 million manga copies in circulation and 367 anime episodes across multiple series. The 3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-Sensei spin-off offers a fresh take while staying true to the franchise’s roots. Fans on platforms like Reddit are buzzing, eager for more Gintama content, even if some hope for a mainline continuation. The return of the original voice cast and the involvement of Gintama veterans in production fuel the hype.
Where to Watch and Stay Updated
3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-Sensei will air on TV Tokyo, and international fans can likely expect it on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, which hosts the original Gintama series. Keep an eye on the official anime website and Gintama’s social media for new trailers and character designs, which will roll out sequentially. Jump Festa 2025’s full trailer debut is a must-watch for updates.
Final Thoughts
3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-Sensei is shaping up to be a hilarious addition to the Gintama legacy, perfect for longtime fans and newcomers craving a zany school comedy. With its October 2025 premiere, 2025 is set to be a big year for Gintama lovers. Mark your calendars and get ready for Class 3-Z’s wild ride!
