Romantic Relationships in Gintama: Who does Gintoki end up with?

Gintama garnered praise for its diverse elements, encompassing humor, action, drama, sci-fi, and even horror. While romance was sporadically woven into the series, it never focused extensively on a specific couple, instead exploring the journeys of various romantic escapades.

Among the worldwide fan base of Gintama, it is widely known that the protagonist, Sakata Gintoki, experienced love despite his free-spirited nature. His affections were directed towards Ketsuno Crystel, a well-known weather girl also known as Ketsuno Ana. However, those unfamiliar with the series may be surprised to discover that Gin-san did not end up with Ketsuno.

Gintoki’s journey in Gintama never involved a romantic bond

The main character in the series often finds himself procrastinating, wearing a perpetual vacant expression. His past experiences have shaped his identity and behavior. Even after enduring the horrors of the Joui War, which resulted in the loss of many of his close friends, he unintentionally isolated himself from others, leading a life of solitude.

To make ends meet, he initially ran his shop, the "Yoruzuya" (Odd Jobs), by himself until he crossed paths with Shinpachi and later Kagura. While he wasn't particularly connected to those around him and struggled to comprehend social norms, he gradually developed a sense of care for those close to him and saved them from life-threatening situations.

However, it was evident from the beginning of Gintama that he never had any romantic interests throughout the series. Fans anticipated Gintoki would eventually form a romantic relationship, which could have added a comedic element to the story as he navigated the ups and downs of love. Regrettably, this aspect of the series remained unexplored.

However, Gintama fans are well aware of the deep infatuation the protagonist held for Ketsuno Ana. Gintoki's adoration for Ketsuno was clearly evident when he procured a limited edition figurine of her, even after leaving his job at Otose Snack.

Gintoki's world was shattered upon learning of Ketsuno's marriage, but he quickly regained his composure upon discovering her divorce. He even began harboring dreams of marrying her and becoming a part of her clan in the Diviner Arc, though unfortunately, this desire never materialized.

On the flip side, Sarutobi Ayame, also known as Sacchan, was head over heels for Gintoki. Despite his idiosyncrasies, she remained devoted to him and offered him unwavering support. However, Gintoki became increasingly irritated by Sacchan's sadistic tendencies and her incessant stalking, to the point where he openly admitted his dislike for clingy women.

Shimura Tae, who is Shinpachi's older sister, was initially believed to have a romantic connection with the main character. However, their bond was more akin to a strong friendship. The most widely celebrated relationship in the series was Gintsu, which involved Gintoki and Tsukuyo.

During the Love Potion Arc, Tsukuyo became affected by a special drug that compelled her to reveal her true feelings. In the process, she discovered her attraction to Gintoki. However, when Gintoki also fell victim to the drug and revealed his unfaithful nature, Tsukuyo realized that her affection for him was one-sided.

Fans were never bothered by the absence of romantic relationships involving the main character. The platonic bonds between the characters and the comedic interactions among them have consistently entertained viewers. Gintama's focus on comedy allowed it to retain its core essence.

Stay tuned for more news and updates on Gintama as 2023 progresses.

Editor's P/S

1. In the anime and manga series Gintama, the protagonist, Gintoki Sakata, does not end up in a romantic relationship with any of the female characters. While there are hints and suggestions of potential romantic interests throughout the series, such as his affection for Ketsuno Ana and the unrequited love of Sarutobi Ayame, these relationships are never fully developed or resolved. Instead, the series focuses on the platonic relationships between the characters and the comedic interactions among them.

2. As a fan of Gintama, I appreciate the series' decision to forego a romantic relationship for Gintoki. The show's focus on comedy, action, and drama allows it to retain its core essence and avoid the potential pitfalls of forced or contrived romantic pairings. The platonic relationships between the characters are just as compelling and entertaining as any romantic relationship could have been, and they allow the series to explore a wider range of themes and emotions.

Overall, I believe that Gintama's decision to keep Gintoki single was the right choice for the series and its fans.