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The creator ofGintama, Hideaki Sorachi is not a typical mangaka. He stands out as one of the most unorthodox creators in the manga industry. This hint of madness in his personality is witnessed in his work likeGintama, which is famous for its chaotic blend of humor, action, and deep emotional moments. Moreover, what often gets overlooked is the fact that Sorachi’s real-life motivation to become a mangaka stems from a deeper, more personal struggle — the feeling of not fitting into society.
Although somewhat bittersweet, it makes perfect sense. Fans ofGintamahave probably noticed that this series doesn’t exactly stick to the rules of the Shonen world. Sorachi has turned his own shortcomings into an advantage by creating one of the quirkiest, most beloved manga of all time. ThroughGintama, he created a world where misfits reign supreme.
Hideaki Sorachi’s Drive to Become a Mangaka
For many mangaka, the journey to becoming a professional artist is often driven by a deep love for the craft or a desire to tell stories. However, Sorachi’s motivation was far more existential. He did not set out to become a manga artist because he had a burning passion for drawing from an early age, but rather because he felt a disconnect from the world around him.
Hideaki Sorachi had sat down for an interview answering127 questionsabout his artistic venture a few years ago. In this interview, Sorachi shared many details about his artistic journey, favorite characters, and many more. But as usual, no interview with a mangaka is complete without asking about the motivation behind creating their work. In which Sorachi replied,
I think I was unable to fit in with this society, so I decided to become a professional.
In addition to this, the entire interview was kind of filled with nonchalant and hilarious remarks. While most creators might talk about “persistence” or “hard work,” Sorachi proudly declared his motto,
I persist in persisting in nothing.
That’s a level of enlightenment that not even Gintoki could achieve. The whole premise of Gintama comprises its complete disregard of typical rules, boundaries, or expectations; much like Sorachi’s own eccentric personality.
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Even in his creative process, Sorachi doesn’t take himself too seriously. In this interview, he called his editor a “punching bag” and stated he doesn’t have any favorite characters inGintama, as all of them are quite annoying.
Gintoki Sakata as the Perfect Mirror of Hideaki Sorachi’s Worldview
If there’s one character inGintamawho perfectly embodiesHideaki Sorachi’s personality, it’s Gintoki Sakata. Much like Sorachi himself, Gintoki is a bit of a rebel who doesn’t take life too seriously. He’s the guy who doesn’t bother to follow the rules, always choosing his own path — even if that means suddenly taking a nap in the middle of a serious moment.
Gintoki, like Sorachi, is always questioning the world around him, often with a raised eyebrow and a sarcastic remark. The lazy side of Gintoki also provides a glimpse of Sorachi’s own sluggish personality, as he stated,
I didn’t want to grow up. Even in college, I said ridiculous things like “I want to learn computer graphics.” I just didn’t want to work. I’m just an annoying Peter Pan.
What makesGintamastand outfrom other manga isn’t just its wacky humor, but the way it uses comedy to tackle real-life problems. For Sorachi, humor appears to be a coping strategy as well as a storytelling tool. Gintoki and Sorachi both use humor to cover up their hurt and feelings of loneliness.
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Sorachi himself admitted that he doesn’t care much about the “little things”. In fact, he said,“I hope to live with an open heart, not caring for the little things.”That’s pretty much Gintoki’s entire life philosophy. He might not always have a plan or know what he’s doing, but he’s determined to live life on his own terms, no matter how ridiculous it gets. Much like Gintoki, Sorachi has built his career by laughing through the absurdities of life and creating a space where his humor can thrive, even when things don’t make sense.
Gintamais currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :930
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
