Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3: Release date and everything we need to know

Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3 release date information
Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3 release date information (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)

Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3 is a week away, and fans seem not to get enough of this series. After two wildly absurd yet nostalgia-filled episodes, Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei continues to prove that no one does meta humor like Hideaki Sorachi’s crew.

The next installment, Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3, is officially set to release on October 20, 2025, and anticipation is already soaring across the anime community. Fans can watch it on Crunchyroll.


A Recap of Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 2

Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 2 (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)
Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 2 (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)

Episode 2 reminded everyone exactly why Gintama is an irreplaceable comedy classic. Structured into three chaotic sketches, the episode featured Ginpachi-sensei once again losing his patience with the utterly unhinged Class 3-Z. The first short, “Changing Your Looks Won’t Change Who You Really Are,” saw the students literally transform into elementary school kids, animals, and even video game characters.

As always, the absurdity escalated with zero explanation because that’s just Gintama logic. Fans couldn’t get enough of how seamlessly the series balanced absurdity with clever meta-commentary. From Kagura turning into a cat to Katsura sprinting as a frilled lizard, the transformations alone had viewers in stitches.

The Demon Slayer jokes, especially Sacchan yelling “Water Breathing: First Form!” became instant highlights. The sequence reminded everyone how Gintama’s ability to parody other franchises remains unmatched.

The second sketch, “You Hate Tests No Matter the Age,” brought back Gintama’s trademark classroom chaos. Shinpachi once again took on the role of the eternal straight man as Ginpachi handed out a hilariously nonsensical exam. Filled with Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Quest questions, the test devolved into pure madness as the entire class started screaming “Destructo Disc!” in unison.

This part of the episode perfectly captured the old-school Gintama rhythm, a blend of pop culture parodies, screaming matches, and Shinpachi’s futile attempts to keep everyone sane.

Finally, “When Someone Asks for Advice, You Often Already Made Up Your Mind” put Ginpachi in the role of a guidance counselor. Naturally, everything went wrong. Hijikata’s mayonnaise obsession, Kondo’s hopeless crush on Otae, and Zura’s usual nonsense filled the segment.

While some fans noted that the characters felt slightly “dumbed down” compared to the original Gintama, the sharp voice acting and timing made it work. Longtime viewers appreciated how this sketch evoked memories of the classic “Confessional Arc,” proving that even after years, Gintama’s comedic spirit hasn’t dulled one bit.


Fan reactions

Gintama Spin-off series making fun of Dragon Ball (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)
Gintama Spin-off series making fun of Dragon Ball (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)

The Gintama community had a field day after Episode 2 dropped. Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) lit up with reactions ranging from laughter to nostalgia. Many fans admitted the episode felt far stronger than the premiere, as if real Gintama energy was brought back.

Others pointed out the endless callbacks from old editor’s comments and sound effects to background gags referencing the main series. The Dragon Ball homage, in particular, had fans cracking up. Shinpachi’s meltdown during the “Destructo Disc” scene became a trending meme, while Kagura’s gag reminded everyone that the series still thrives on unapologetically unfiltered humor.

Of course, there were also more observant fans who noticed subtle details, such as Kondo and Otae’s name tags reading “Sorachi,” or the lack of Tsukuyo in both the OP and ED. While some expressed disappointment, others reassured that she’ll likely appear in future episodes.


What to expect in Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3 (Speculative)

What to expect from Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3(Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)
What to expect from Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3(Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)

Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3 already has fans expecting high for what chaos awaits next. The preview hints at “Delinquent Sugi, confirming that Takasugi will finally make his appearance, something fans have been eagerly anticipating.

Viewers can expect Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3 to have a parody of delinquent anime tropes, complete with exaggerated monologues, absurd gang rivalries, and, of course, Ginpachi’s signature sarcasm.

Fans are also hoping for more screen time for the Shinsengumi trio, particularly Hijikata in his student council role in Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3. Many noted that his one-dimensional “mayo addict” portrayal in Episode 2 felt like a downgrade from his more nuanced personality in the main series.

Finally, if Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3 strikes a better balance between parody and character depth, it could become a standout installment. From elementary-school versions of the cast to anime references flying every minute, the series has successfully recaptured the chaotic charm that defined its golden years.

Whether you’re a diehard Gintama veteran or a curious newcomer wondering why everyone’s yelling “Destructo Disc” and “Water Breathing First Form,” this series is a reminder that the world of Gintama never truly ends; it just takes on a new, even weirder form.

So mark your calendars, the madness continues with Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 3 on October 20, 2025, and if the past two episodes are anything to go by, it’s going to be another hilarious ride.

Edited by Nisarga Kakade