Life Lessons: The Gintama Manga Cast

On this special episode of Life Lessons, Colton joins forces with Doctor (SSAA Podcast, JAGP Podcast) and LumRanmaYasha (Manga Mavericks) to discuss Yuichi Fukuda’s live action adaptation of Gintama, which just recently finished its North American screenings! How did we like the movie? Are we tired of Benizakura yet? How does the film capture such classic moments as Kondo being covered in golden, sticky honey? All these questions are answered and more on this very special episode! Enjoy!

An update on the status of the podcast, Colton’s life, and where we go from here.

On this episode of Life Lessons, Colton profusely apologises for the sudden hiatus and gives updates on future podcasts to come. Afterwards, we’re joined by Hugh Matthews, contributor to and translator of a few recent Gintama articles over at Wave Motion Cannon, to cover Chapter 87 of the manga, in which Gin has to help a very inconvenient Amanto perform deliveries. We also briefly discuss the chapter title during our Life Lessons segment (For The Wind Is The Life), though unfortunately, due to lack of content to discuss, we have no Anime/Manga Comparison this episode…or do we!? Topics of discussion this episode include how hard it is to find other Gintama fans, more weird SFX from Viz’s translation, and ideas for 80’s cartoons.0:00:00 Intro0:10:37 Ch 871:02:03 LL 871:07:17 The End1:15:43 …or is it!?

Welcome to our new mini podcast entitled “Jumpin’ Ahead“, where Colton jumps ahead of where Life Lessons is in the manga to discuss significant story arcs that aren’t officially translated by Viz with Jon (LeitungVG), who has just seen these arcs for the first time!On this episode though, instead of an arc from the series, we discuss the 2nd Gintama movie from 2013, Be Forever Yorozuya, also known as the “Final Chapter” of the Gintama anime. We discuss not only our general thoughts on the movie, but also discuss the difference between watching it nowadays after more anime has obviously been produced since then as opposed to when it was actually relevant at the time of release. Is Be Forever Yorozuya really a good Gintama movie, or does it fall flat due to certain limitations even with contribution from Hideaki Sorachi himself!? Be sure to listen and find out! Enoy!

Welcome to our new mini podcast entitled “Jumpin’ Ahead“, where Colton jumps ahead of where Life Lessons is in the manga to discuss significant story arcs that aren’t officially translated by Viz with Jon (LeitungVG), who has just seen these arcs for the first time!On this episode, we discuss Episodes 257 to 261 of the anime (Chapters 386 to 399), aka the Courtesan of a Nation arc. This is the most dense arc we discuss yet! We discuss different aspects such as how grand of a scale the events of this arc compare to arcs before it, how much info dump there can be at times, and Colton’s arguement for “White Knight” and why he thinks it works as a contextual localization of Gin’s war alias. Enjoy!Spoiler warning for listeners who only follow the manga through Life Lessons!!

Welcome to our new mini podcast entitled “Jumpin’ Ahead“, where Colton jumps ahead of where Life Lessons is in the manga to discuss significant story arcs that aren’t officially translated by Viz with Jon (LeitungVG), who has just seen these arcs for the first time!On this episode, we discuss Episodes 253 to 256 of the anime (Chapters 372 to 380), aka the Kintama arc. We discuss everything from the exploration of Gintoki as a character using Kintoki as a device as such, to Colton’s attachment to this arc in particular. Enjoy!Spoiler warning for listeners who only follow the manga through Life Lessons!!

Welcome to our new mini podcast entitled “Jumpin’ Ahead“, where Colton jumps ahead of where Life Lessons is in the manga to discuss significant story arcs that aren’t officially translated by Viz with Jon (LeitungVG), who has just seen these arcs for the first time! On this episode, we discuss Episodes 244 to 247 of the anime (Chapters 365 to 370), otherwise known as the Thorny arc (or Baragaki). We discuss what Jon thinks of this arc in general, including some of the new characters introduced, Gin’s role in the arc, and his thoughts on Hijikata as a character up to this point. Enjoy!Spoiler warning for listeners who are only as far into the series as Life Lessons is!!

On this episode of Life Lessons, we celebrate our (late) 4th anniversary with special guest, Josh Dunham, from Senpai Coast to Coast and Wave Motion Cannon, as we start off the show with a lot of small talk, including the results of our first podcast survey and even an email from a listener (guess who). Afterwards, we discuss Chapters 85 and 86 during our double manga recap, in which we recount a romantic tale of Shinpachi’s encounter with a lovely cat-eared girl on the train ride home. We also discuss Lessons 85 and 86 during our Life Lessons segment, followed by an Anime/Manga Comparison of Episodes 34 and 35 of the anime. Topics of discussion for this episode include the urban legend of the Densha Otoko (Train Man) of which this arc parodies, critique of both the humor what direction this story could or should have went in, and more of Josh and Colton’s terrible in-jokes.Special thanks to all of our listeners and recurring contributors for making 4 years of this podcast possible! Only one more year until our 5th anniversary!!0:00:00 Introduction/Small talk0:13:24 About Densha Otoko

On this episode of Life Lessons, we are joined by returning special guest Japanese history enthusiast and professional Canadian, Niente de Nada, along with brand new special guest Jonathan, aka LeitungVG on Twitter. After Jonathan discusses some thoughts on his first watch of Gintama, we hop into the Manga Recaps of both Chapters 83 and 84, in which the Odd Jobs trio run into the Shinsengumi once again, this time while hunting for beetles!! Afterwards, we discuss both chapter titles during the Life Lessons segment, followed by an Anime/Manga Comparison segment discussing Episode 65 of the anime. Topics of discussion for this episode include topical sumo wrestling politics circa 2005, beetle collecting as it relates to Japanese culture, and the ever popular arcade and trading card game franchise known as Mushiking!!Tune in next episode when we'll be having special guest, Josh Dunham, founder of Wave Motion Cannon, to discuss the Train Samurai arc for our 4th anniversary of the podcast!0:00:00 Introduction/Jon's thoughts on Gintama thus far0:25:19 Manga Recap: Chapter 831:02:53 Manga Recap: Chapter 841:46:55 Life Lessons 83 & 842:05:28 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 652:34:44 The End

On this episode of Life Lessons, we are joined by Jess from Jess Reviews on Youtube, as we start the show with some of our thoughts on Gintama’s English dub available for streaming on Crunchyroll! Afterwards, we discuss Chapter 82 of the manga during our Manga Recap, followed by our discussion of the chapter title (Like a Haunted House, Life is Filled with Horrors) during our Life Lessons segment, and an Anime/Manga Comparison segment of Episode 68 of the anime. Discussion topics for this episode include how Sorachi’s skill as a mangaka compare between past and present manga material, Ochi’s character complexity in the anime, and Colton’s experiences working in carnivals. Enjoy!Please take our Life Lessons podcast survey to help improve the show however possible, and look forward to hearing the results this April during our 4th anniversary!!0:00:00 Introduction/Thoughts on Dub0:09:35 Manga Recap: Chapter 821:02:07 Life Lesson 821:07:53 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 681:26:14 The End1:34:50 Outtakes

On this episode of Life Lessons, Colton is joined by local professional stand up comedian from Seattle, Washington, Lisa Wallen, who talks about her anime fandom and what she thinks about Gintama thus far. Afterwards, we have a Manga Recap of Chapter 81, in which Gintoki gets all fired up about while trying to stay cool and look for an electric fan, followed by our Life Lessons segment discussing the title of the chapter (If You Go to Sleep With the Fan On, You’ll Get a Stomachache, So Be Careful). Note that there is no Anime/Manga Comparison this episode, but is still enough points to discuss as far as Episode 21 goes.Topics of discussion include what Lisa thinks of Gintama from the perspective of  a stand up comedian and how it compares to western humor sensibilities, Lisa’s trip to Japan, and Colton’s encounter with a cicada one hot summer’s day! Enjoy!Join us next time when we will be joined by Jess of JessReviews to cover Chapter 82 of the manga!! Please take our Life Lessons podcast survey to help improve the show however possible, and look forward to hearing the results this April during our 4th anniversary!!

On this episode of Life Lessons, Colton is once again joined by special guest and unofficial Gintama translator, Bomber D Rufi, to finish covering the Infant Strife arc! Chapters 79 & 80 are covered in two Manga Recaps along with full thoughts on the arc overall, followed by the Life Lessons segment discussing both chapter titles and an Anime/Manga Comparison segment on anime episodes 51 & 52. Topics of discussion for this episode include: Hashida’s character progression, how Sorachi conveys and draws his action sequences, and just why the backgrounds in the Gintama anime look so good.Please take our Life Lessons podcast survey to help improve the show however possible, and look forward to hearing the results this April during our 4th anniversary!!0:00:00 Introduction0:09:21 Manga Recap Chapter 790:58:49 Manga Recap Chapter 802:07:08 Life Lessons 79 & 802:18:45 Anime/Manga Comparison Eps 51 & 522:40:44 The End

After an unexpected hiatus, Life Lessons has returned to cover the entirety of the Infant Strife arc! On this episode in particular, Colton is joined by unofficial Gintama translator, Bomber D Rufi, as they cover the first half of the arc in chapters 77 & 78, in which Gin finds an unpleasant surprise on his front doorstep. After both manga recaps, we talk about both chapters titles during our Life Lessons segment, and thats about it for the episode. Stay tuned on Wednesday, February 15th for the second half of the arc with chapters 79 & 80!! Until then, enjoy!Please take our Life Lessons podcast survey to help improve the show however possible, and look forward to hearing the results this April during our 4th anniversary!!0:00:00 Introduction0:08:48 Manga Recap Ch 770:51:58 Manga Recap Ch 78

On this episode of Life Lessons, Colton is joined by both Doctor from the SSAA Podcast and Josh Dunham from Senpai Coast to Coast and Wave Motion Cannon to cover Chapter 76 of the manga, in which Kagura plays the kick the can with some old guy. After the Manga Recap, we go discuss the meaning of the chapter title during the Life Lessons segment, followed by an Anime/Manga Comparison segment discussing the second half of Episode 48 of the anime. Topics of discussion on this episode include the concept of what it means to grow up, critiques of the presentation for this chapter of the manga, and how annoying and lonely all of our childhoods were! Enjoy! Join us next episode, as we cover the Infant Strife arc with unofficial Gintama translator, Bomber D Rufi! 0:00:00 Introduction 0:06:12 Manga Recap: Ch 76 1:08:16 Life Lesson #76 1:31:32 Anime/Manga Comparison Ep 48(B) 1:45:58 The End

On this episode of Life Lessons, we have special guest and other fellow Gintama Youtuber, Jess from Jess Reviews joining us to cover Chapter 75 of the manga, in which Hijikata just can’t get away from Gin! Oh the hilarity!! Followed by a Life Lessons segment discussing the chapter title (The More You’re Alike, The More You Fight) and just how similar Gin and Hijikata are to each other. Enjoy! Join us next time as we cover Chapter 76 with Josh Dunham (Wave Motion Cannon) and Doctor!! 0:00:00 Introduction 0:10:13 Manga Recap Ch 75 0:52:37 Life Lesson 75 1:03:15 The End

On this episode of Life Lessons, we are once again joined by Doctor (SSAA Podcast, Just a Gintama Podcast) to cover Chapter 74 of the manga (Adults Only, We Wouldn’t Want Anyone Immature in Here…), in which we learn what happened to Ane and Mone after the events of the previously discussed Dog God arc. Afterwards, we discuss the chapter title during the Life Lessons segment, followed by an Anime/Manga Comparison segment on Episode 46 of the anime, and even an email from a listener! Topics of discussion for this episode of the podcast include our opinions on the upcoming live action movie, the difficulties of podcasting, and which Dom Perignon is our drink of choice. Enjoy! Join us next time for Episode 51 as we are joined by yet another Gintama Youtube personality known as JessReviews to cover Chapter 75! 0:00:00 Introductions 0:19:45 Manga Recap: Chapter 74 1:05:03 Life Lesson 74 1:15:38 Anime/Manga Comparison Ep 46 1:31:03 Email 1:48:28 End

On this episode if Life lessons, Colton is (finally) joined by Doctor of both the SSAA Podcast and Just a Gintama Podcast to discuss the reaction to Gintama being given an English dubbed DVD and Blu Ray release by Crunchyroll among other rumblings. Afterwards, we cover Chapters 71-73 0f the manga, otherwise known as the Dog God arc, in which a newly transformed Sadaharu makes things just little more “ruff” for the Odd Jobs trio (don’t worry I’ll see myself out). Afterwards, we discuss each individual chapter title and their meanings during the Life Lessons segment, followed by an Anime/Manga Comparison segment on Episode 45 of the anime. Topics of discussion include the first character popularity poll, the liberties taken with the anime this time around, and just how much Colton sucks at walking dogs. Enjoy! 0:00:00 Introductions 0:34:29 Chapter 71 1:06:16 Chapter 72 1:33:52 Chapter 73 1:57:32 Life Lessons 71-73 2:05:56 Anime/Manga Comparison Ep 45 2:25:58 The End

Its finally here! On this episode of Life Lessons, we are joined by a very special guest, that guest being none other than long time Gintama translator himself, Bomber D. Rufi!! For years, BDR has been an integral part of the Gintama community, being one of the only two people who have been (and are still) translating the manga every week for years now. Today he joins Colton for his first episode of the podcast, as they cover Chapter 70 of the manga, in which Gin and Hasegawa gamble….we promise its a lot funnier than it sounds. Afterwards, we talk about the chapter title during the Life Lessons segment, followed by an Anime/Manga Comparison segment discussing Episode 49! Discussion points include BDR’s experiences in translating Gintama, how the structure of a manga chapter may or may not affect the story being told, and why you should watch both Kaiji and Akagi. Special thanks to BDR for coming on the show this episode! And join us next time as we go over Chapters 71-73 of the manga, aka the Dog God arc, with special guest Doctor of Just A Gintama Podcast and the SSAA Podcast. Enjoy! 0:00:00 Introduction(s) 0:27:31 Manga Recap: Chapter 70 1:24:02 Life Lesson 70 1:39:13 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 49 2:14:47 The End

On this episode of Life Lessons, Colton (Red Ninja, Special Attack: I Promise I Won’t Take More Than 2 Months to Edit The Next Podcast) is joined by both Josh Dunham (Yellow Ninja, Special Attack: 1000 Live Tweets For a Single Episode of Anime) of Senpai Coast to Coast and Wave Motion Cannon, and Niente de Nada (Maple Ninja, Special Attack: Let’s! Party!!), Japanese history enthusiast and Professional Canadian, to go over Chapters 67-69, aka the Go-Ninja Arc! In which Katsura pleads both the Odd Jobs and Sacchan to help him infiltrate the lair of an evil magistrate in order to rescue a captured Elizabeth! After covering the arc, we decide to skip out on the Anime/Manga Comparison for the episode after accidentally talking about it during the Manga Recaps, so afterwards, we o over all three chapter titles in the Life Lessons segment and the show comes to an end, but don’t worry, this episode is pretty long! Discussion points include Josh’s critiques of the art and panel layout throughout the arc, ideas for new Gintama podcasts, and what we can do to make Gintama great again. Apologies for how late the episode is, but look forward to Episode 48 with Colton and another VERY special and secret guest! Who could it be? Stay tuned to find out, but until then, enjoy the episode!

On this special episode of Life Lessons, we focus our usual Gintama talk more towards the anime side of things, as Colton is joined by Doctor (SSAA Podcast and Just a Gintama Podcast) to discuss with Josh Dunham’s thoughts on the Gintama anime thus far. Josh is the host of the anime podcast Senpai Coast to Coast and the founder of the Wave Motion Cannon blog, and had started watching Gintama shortly after meeting and becoming friends with Colton. It has been a year since that faithful day, and now it is time for Colton and Doctor to sit down with Josh behind their microphones and see what Josh thinks of the series thus far. What are his most memorable episodes? How does he feel about the cast of characters? Does he like Gintama enough to continue with it and record about it again sometime? Well, you’ll just have to listen. Enjoy!