Every Main Character’s Age, Height, And Birthday

Gintama has established itself as one of the greatest comedy series to ever come out of Japan, with a manga run that has lasted for over fifteen years. While both the manga and the anime have already wrapped up, there are still a lot of people just discovering this amazing show for the first time.

With an extremely massive ensemble cast full of vibrant, bizarre characters, it can be hard for new fans of Gintama to keep track of everyone. Here’s a list of the major players in the series that viewers will be seeing quite a bit of.

Updated December 27, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Class 3-Z Ginpachi-sensei is set to debut in 2025, bringing the iconic Gintama characters back to screens, albeit in a different environment. In celebration of this pending release, galleries and more information have been added for each character.

Character Chart

Gintama has a massive ensemble cast, and it only grows as the series goes on. As a result, it can be hard to parse which characters are more important than others. This table provides a short list of some of the more important recurring characters from manga and anime.

*Katsura and Takasugi’s ages are never specified, but since they went to school and were childhood friends of Gintoki, it can generally be assumed that they are around the same age.

Gintoki Sakata

Founder Of Yorozuya Gin-chan

• First Episode: Episode 3, “Nobody with Naturally Wavy Hair Can Be That Bad” (First Official Episode)
• Japanese Voice Actor: Tomokazu Sugita
• English Voice Actor: Michael Daingerfield, Roly Gutierrez

The boss of the Yorozuya and the main character of the series, Gintoki Sakata has a standard height of 5′ 10 (177 cm). He is a fully grown adult at 27 years old, and his birthday is on the 10th of October.

Gintoki is unique compared to the majority of Shonen protagonists, particularly being much older than characters like Luffy or Naruto, who are teenagers or even younger. This allows Gintoki to happily take part in the obscene and irreverent humor that made this series so famous.

Shinpachi Shimura

Member Of Yorozuya Gin-chan & Leader Of Tsu Terakado’s Imperial Guards

• First Episode: Episode 3, “Nobody with Naturally Wavy Hair Can Be That Bad” (First Official Episode)
• Japanese Voice Actor: Sakaguchi Daisuke
• English Voice Actor: Clay, Cartland, Cole Howard

The budding samurai and heir to the Shimura dojo stands at 5’5.5 (166 cm). The young Shinpachi is still a teenager at 16 years old, and his birthday is on the 12th of August.

Shinpachi is Gintoki’s perennial sidekick and usually follows him on whatever job he happens to take. While Shinpachi is constantly exasperated by his boss’s antics, he looks up to him and hopes to learn enough from him to help his older sister Tae revive his father’s lost dojo.

Kagura

Member Of Yorozuya Gin-chan & Daughter Of Umibozu

• First Episode: Episode 4, “Watch Out! Weekly Shonen Jump Sometimes Comes Out on Saturdays!”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Rie Kugimiya
• English Voice Actor: Crystal Lopez, Jocelyne Loewen

The youngest member of the Yorozuya is only 14 years old, and her stature matches at 5’1 (155 cm). She was born on the 3rd of November.

As a member of the powerful Yato Clan, Kagura is potentially not just one of the strongest main characters, but also one of the strongest in the entire series. Whenever the Yorozuya end up getting themselves into a dangerous scuffle, Kagura is always the fighter to count on. It is best not to underestimate her short stature and youth.

Toshiro Hijikata

Vice-Commander Of The Shinsengumi

• First Episode: Episode 5, “Make Friends You Can Call by Their Nicknames, Even When You’re an Old Fart”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Nakai Kazuya
• English Voice Actor: Michael Adamthwaite, Travis Roig

The vice-commander of the Shinsengumi police group is the exact mirror image of Gintoki, being not only 27 years old, but also 5’10 (177 cm). He was born on the 5th of May.

As the vice-commander, Hijikata is the most level-headed and serious member of the Shinsengumi, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t join in on the silliness every now and then. This mayonnaise-loving, chain-smoking police officer is one of the most popular characters in the series, beating out even some of the Yorozuya.

Isao Kondo

Commander Of The Shinsengumi

• First Episode: Episode 5, “Make Friends You Can Call by Their Nicknames, Even When You’re an Old Fart”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Chiba Susumu
• English Voice Actor: Jason Simpson, Phil DuBois

The filthy, obsessive, and creepy commander of the Shinsengumi is one of the oldest characters in the show at 28 years old. He is also the tallest at 6’0″ (184 cm). His birthday is on the 4th of September.

Despite his stalker-ish tendencies and lack of dignity, Kondo has one of the biggest hearts in Gintama. There’s a reason why the Shinsengumi revere him so much, even if he is not as put-together as Hijikata is. Of course, he still gets up to a whole bunch of unscrupulous shenanigans, and he is easily one of the grossest characters on the show.

Sogo Okita

Captain Of The Shinsengumi 1st Division

• First Episode: Episode 5, “Make Friends You Can Call by Their Nicknames, Even When You’re an Old Fart”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Suzumura Kenichi
• English Voice Actor: Christian Vandepas, Vincent Tong

The young 1st Division captain of the Shinsengumi is one of the youngest members of this police force at 18 years old. He stands at 5’7 (170 cm). He was born on the 8th of July.

The ever-popular Okita is easily the strongest member of the Shinsengumi, even without considering his strange preference for using rocket launchers in battle. Despite his sadistic and cruel nature, Okita still possesses a kind heart that swears unwavering loyalty to Kondo and even Hijikata, whom he bullies relentlessly.

Sagaru Yamazaki

Spy For The Shinsengumi

• First Episode: Episode 5, “Make Friends You Can Call by Their Nicknames, Even When You’re an Old Fart”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Tetsuharu Ōta
• English Voice Actor: Adrian Petriw, Daniel Llaca

This much-maligned, often-forgotten member of the Shinsengumi is surprisingly one of the oldest members of the cast, being 32 years of age. Despite his age, he only stands at 5’6.5 (169 cm). His birthday is on February 6.

Despite being a relatively low-key member of the Shinsengumi, Yamazaki remains a general fan favorite due to his constant presence as a comic relief character. Whether it be playing kabaddi while on duty or going crazy from eating too much anpan, a Yamazaki episode is always sure to be a lot of fun.

Kotaro Katsura

Leader Of A Faction Of Joi Patriots

• First Episode: Episode 5, “Make Friends You Can Call by Their Nicknames, Even When You’re an Old Fart”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Akira Ishida
• English Voice Actor: Matt Ellis, Rayner Garranchan, Jason Kesser

This airheaded, manic Joi patriot is only slightly shorter than his childhood friend Gintoki, being 5’9 (175 cm). While his age is never specified, it is generally assumed that he is in his mid-twenties, since he should be around the same age that Gintoki is. He was born on the 26th of June.

Seriously determined to free Japan from Amanto oppression, Katsura remains one of the goofiest characters in Gintama. While he is highly motivated and passionate, his airheadedness and absent-mindedness are just as high, causing him to get into all kinds of ridiculous trouble.

Shinsuke Takasugi

Leader Of The Kiheitai

• First Episode: Episode 17, “Sons Only Take After Their Father’s Negative Attributes”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Koyasu Takehito
• English Voice Actor: Alex Zahara, Donald Guzzi

Just like Katsura, Takasugi’s age is never specified within the series. However, since he is childhood friends with Gintoki, it can generally be assumed that he is also in his mid-twenties. Of the three childhood friends, he is the shortest at 5’7 (170 cm). His birthday is on the 10th of August.

The extremist leader of the Kiheitai, Takasugi serves as one of the major antagonists of the series. Despite this, he mostly moves in the background, and as a result, he does not show up very often in the series. However, his importance to the plot of Gintama as a whole cannot be overstated, especially during its more serious arcs.

Tae Shimura

Owner Of The Shimura Dojo & Hostess At Snack Smile

• First Episode: Episode 3, “Nobody with Naturally Wavy Hair Can Be That Bad” (First Official Episode)
• Japanese Voice Actor: Yukino Satsuki
• English Voice Actor: Janyse Jaud

Tae Shimura (also known as Otae) is Shinpachi’s older sister, and she is 18 years old. She is just slightly taller than him at 5’6 (168 cm). She was born on October 31.

While, outwardly, she expresses the demeanor of a traditional Japanese beauty, Tae hides her true nature of being incredibly violent, aggressive, and acerbic, especially to people she sees as bothersome like Kondo. Nevertheless, she has her moments of kindness and charity and always tries to be a role model to her younger brother and Kagura.

Ayame Sarutobi

Member Of The Oniwabanshu

• First Episode: Episode 22, “Marriage Is Prolonging an Illusion for Your Whole Life”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Kobayashi Yuu
• English Voice Actor: Jehane Seralles

The masochistic ninja better known as Sacchan is an endless pursuer of Gintoki’s affections. She stands at 5’6.5 (169 cm) and she is in her mid-twenties. Her birthday is on the 2nd of June.

Endlessly perverted and remarkably persistent, Sacchan is intent on receiving Gintoki’s love, whether it be a warm kiss or a punch to the face. It’s easy to forget that she is an extremely skilled ninja and assassin on par with some of the best fighters in the series. Still, she has her endearing moments, and at the very least, her ridiculous antics are always fun to watch unfold.

Kyubei Yagyu

Heir Of The Yagyu clan

• First Episode: Episode 76, “In Those Situations, Keep Quiet and Cook Red Rice With Beans”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Fumiko Orikasa
• English Voice Actor: Advah Soudack

The young heir of the Yagyu clan and Otae’s childhood friend is one of the shortest characters at only 5’2 (157 cm), standing only one inch above Kagura despite being 17 years of age. Kyubei’s birthday is on the 20th of April.

Born a girl, Kyubei was raised as a man to become a proper heir to her prominent clan. While Kyubei was freed from such obligations thanks to a fight with Gintoki, Shinpachi, and the Shinsengumi, she still occasionally struggles with her identity.

Tsukuyo

Leader Of The Hyakka

• First Episode: Episode 139, “Don’t Put Your Wallet In Your Back Pocket”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Yuko Kaida
• English Voice Actor: Marlie Collins

The leader of Yoshiwara’s Hyakka and a mighty ninja in her own right, Tsukuyo is quite young for someone in her role, being at least 23 years of age. She stands at 5’7″ (170 cm), the tallest among the female characters, and her birthday is on the 9th of February.

Generally cool and collected, Tsukuyo hides a heart of gold full of compassion, despite her rough upbringing in the brothels of Yoshiwara. Tsukuyo has been one of the most popular characters in the series ever since her breakout appearance in the Yoshiwara arc.

Kamui

Commander Of The 7th Division Of The Harusame Space Pirates

• First Episode: Episode 140, “Beware of Those Who Use an Umbrella on a Sunny Day!”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Hino Satoshi
• English Voice Actor: Ryan Luhning

The bloodthirsty older brother of Kagura is one of the most dangerous people in the series at only 18 years old. He stands at 5’7 (170 cm) and his birthday is on the 1st of June.

While Kamui does not appear until well into Gintama‘s run, he nevertheless becomes very important to the plot as one of the series’ central antagonists. His importance is strengthened by his familial connection to Kagura, one of the main characters of the series. His insane strength and warrior mentality make him a threat that can’t be ignored.

Elizabeth

Member Of The Joi Patriots

• First Episode: Episode 15, “Pets Resemble Their Owners”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Takamatsu Shinji

This strange duck-like creature always hanging around Katsura is a complete mystery, and many of the characters are at a loss as to what it actually is. While its age is unknown, it does have a birthday on the 7th of September. It stands 5’11 (180 cm), towering over its comrade Katsura.

The true identity of this strange creature has been debated endlessly both inside and outside the series. Nevertheless, it’s very clear that it is very loyal to Katsura and would do almost anything for him. Elizabeth is one of the most recognizable characters in the series and is a perfect example of its absurd nature.

Taizo Hasegawa

Perpetually Homeless & Jobless

• First Episode: Episode 7, “Responsible Owners Should Clean Up After Their Pets”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Tachiki Fumihiko
• English Voice Actor: Chris Jahn, Ted Cole

The eternally down-on-his-luck Taizo Hasegawa, better known as Madao, is surprisingly one of the more prominent characters in the Gintama universe. He is at least 38 years of age, and his birthday is on the 13th of June. He stands at 5’10.5 (179 cm), making him one of the tallest characters in the series.

Initially a high-ranking member of the Bakufu, Hasegawa lost his job and became a vagrant, drowning in drink and gambling. Though he is a constant mess, he is one of the more noble characters in the series, and his relevance to the main story is surprisingly high.

Otose

Owner Of Snack Otose

• First Episode: Episode 4, “Watch Out! Weekly Shonen Jump Sometimes Comes Out on Saturdays!”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Kujira
• English Voice Actor: Jeni Hacker, Samantha Ferris

As the owner of Snack Otose and the landlady of Gintoki, Otose is one of the most frequently recurring characters in the series. She is also one of the oldest, being around 60 years old, and her birthday is on the 7th of July. She stands at 5’5.5 (166 cm), a perfectly average height for women in this series.

While many of Otose’s major appearances generally involve badgering Gintoki for his rent and sending him on various errands, Otose is a caring member of the community and a motherly figure to the Yorozuya group.

Tama

Maid At Snack Otose

• First Episode: Episode 69, “Please Help by Separating Your Trash”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Minami Omi
• English Voice Actor: Chantal Strand

Formerly a robot created by a mad scientist trying to revive his dead daughter, Tama now works at Snack Otose as a maid. As a robot, she doesn’t really have an age, though since she was created recently it could be argued that she is only a few months old. Her manufacture date is the 23rd of February, and she stands at 5’5.5 (166cm).

Like Otose, while Tama is a frequently recurring character, she is rarely a major feature in most Gintama arcs. However, she does stand in the spotlight for a good number of them, and she plays a very important role in the series finale.

Nobume Imai

Vice Captain Of The Mimawarigumi

• First Episode: Episode 245, “Thorny and Rosy”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Aya Hirano
• English Voice Actor: Chiara Zanni

Nobume Imai is the vice-captain of the Mimawarigumi, the rival police group to the Shinsengumi. Despite her lofty position, she is very young at around 16 to 18 years of age. She stands at 5’5 (166 cm) and her birthday is on the 2nd of October.

Nobume used to be an assassin named Mukuro under the employ of the Tenshoin Naraku. She was taken in by Isaburo Sasaki when she disobeyed orders and became a member of the Mimawarigumi. Though she initially served as a neutral or antagonistic force to the main cast, she soon became a capable ally for the Odd Jobs crew.

Zenzo Hattori

Leader Of The Oniwabanshu & The Shinobi 5

• First Episode: Episode 36, “People with Dark Pasts Can’t Shut Up”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Keiji Fujiwara
• English Voice Actor: Brent Miller

Zenzo Hattori is the former leader of the Oniwabanshu, a ninja group that once protected the shogun from the shadows. A man of mystery, little is known about him. He stands 5’9 (175 cm) tall and his birthday is on August 22.

Once a ninja in the shogun’s service, Hattori currently works as a mercenary, doing odd jobs much like Gintoki does. Though he has a fairly cool demeanor, he is not prone to being subject to comic relief, such as gags centered around his chronic hemorrhoids. Nevertheless, he is a capable ally during the few times he crosses paths with Gintoki.

The Shogun (Shige Shige Tokugawa)

The Most Influential & Powerful Man In Japan

• First Episode: Episode 83, “Rank Has Nothing to Do With Luck”
• Japanese Voice Actor: Yuuki Ono
• English Voice Actor: Lucas Gilbertson

The young Shogun of Japan, Shigeshige Tokugawa is one of the most important people in the series, and one that crosses paths with Gintoki and his friends surprisingly often. Though his age is unknown, his birthday is on the 22nd of June and he stands at 5’9 (175 cm).

Though the shogun wields incredible power, Shigeshige has never tried to abuse his power and always tries to be a good leader. He frequently heads out to the town to see how the public lives, even though it often causes him to bump into Gintoki and his friends, which often leaves him in unfortunate situations.