Shopping Guide
The conclusion to the anime Gintama, which has received support from a wide range of fans from kids to adults, has finally opened in theaters. On July 6, Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya released in theaters throughout Japan. Ever since it was first announced, the movie has been widely talked about. For both fans and the staff, it is no doubt deeply moving, especially being labeled the “conclusion” to the Gintama anime.
A stage greeting was held at Shinjuku Wald 9 on the first day that screenings began, and it served as a location for the staff to transmit their deep feelings to fans. Cast members––including Tomokazu Sugita (Gintoki Sakata), Daisuke Sakaguchi (Shimura Shinpachi), and Rie Kugimiya (Kagura)––as well as director Yoichi Fujita and series creator Hideaki Sorachi dressed as a gorilla participated in the event.
To the wide range of fans in the audience from kids to adults, Sugita once again expressed his gratitude for the support: “I have gotten to this point due to my work over the past 7-8 years and all the people I have seen.” Sakaguchi went on to say, “I am really glad that this release has gotten this kind of welcoming. Did you know that there have been many fraudulent works (up until now)?” Director Fujita then shared his feelings and talked about how he gave his all to this film: “Since this is the ‘conclusion,’ we don’t plan to make any more anime for Gintama, so we made this film without holding anything back. It still doesn’t feel real, but I want to see the faces of all of the pleased fans.”
Regarding the finished work, Sugita highly praised it by saying, “It had the intensity to cross far over expectations. I think that even the performers were impressed by this. It was amazing.” Sakaguchi added to this, saying, “I also have thoughts regarding the continuation this series has seen, but I’m all choked up. My chest, too, is full of emotions, and what I saw was good.” To this, Kugimiya followed up with, “I can’t stop crying. If I think about everything I have been able to do up to now, I will start bawling... I am glad that I took part in Gintama––in transmitting each and every episode, line, and action.” It seems that Be Forever Yorozuya is a tearful movie due to it being the conclusion.
Lastly, each guest gave a message to fans encouraging them to see the film.
Director Fujita: “We packed in a lot of information to show off the first time through, but you will find something new no matter how many times you watch it.”
Kugimiya: “This is a compilation of everything we have done so far. I have many feelings of lingering affection, but I’d be happy if you all see it.”
Sakaguchi: “We have continued for seven years because of support from all of you. I wonder if this is really the end. If you all have a powerful enough response, I wonder if anything else will come about...”
Sugita: “*Gintama* means silver-colored soul. The size and the shape may be different, but there are those who possess it. Something that doesn’t die, something that is immortal surely exists. Gintama will not die. From here on as well, please enjoy Gintama”
Source: AnimeAnime
© Hideaki Sorachi / Gintama: The Movie Production Committee
