Shinpachi Shimura

Heir to the swordsmanship dojo, member of Yorozuya, and tsukkomi role

Heir to the Tsudoukan swordsmanship dojo and a 16-year-old boy skilled in swordsmanship. Handles the tsukkomi role at Yorozuya Gin-chan and serves as the common sense representative for humans. Glasses are a key feature.

Quotes

  • There are no bad guys with natural perms
  • You've been boking non-stop since earlier, but don't worry, I'll handle the tsukkomi.
  • I'm always serious. ...Probably.
  • Swordsmanship is for protecting lives.
  • Otsu forever.

Trivia

  • Name derived from Nagakura Shinpachi, 2nd unit leader of the Shinsengumi, and Ken Shimura.
  • Serves as the base face model for all characters in the series.
  • Nickname 'Damegane' is short for 'useless glasses'.
  • In the movie's five years later, height has increased and personality is cool.
  • Swordsmanship style is Tendou Mushin-ryu.
  • Has spiritual senses and can see ghosts at times, but inconsistently.

Alternate names

Shinpachi Pattsan Damegane Pachie

Tags

Gintama Yorozuya Samurai Tsukkomi Glasses Swordsmanship Dojo Tsudoukan Kagura Gintoki Sakata Yorozuya Member

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male
Birthday
August 12

Appearance

Overall appearance
Plain boy wearing glasses. Height is 166cm, hairstyle is pigtail style (bangs tied up during sword fights or in some instances). Appearance barely changes and generally gives an honest impression.
Height
Approx. 166cm
Weight
55kg
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Glasses
  • Pigtail hair
  • Innocent expression
Iconic items
  • Glasses
  • Bokken
  • Tsudoukan swordsmanship dojo uniform

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Sincere
Detailed personality
Basically pure, kind, sincere, reliable, and caring. Acts as the tsukkomi for Yorozuya companions and common sense holder. Polite and values etiquette, but sometimes delivers emotional tsukkomi. Has low resistance to women and tends to panic. Talkative and nagging at times, which annoys Gintoki and Kagura. Holds strong pride and conviction in swordsmanship and constantly strives for self-improvement.
Keywords
  • Sincere
  • Pure
  • Tsukkomi
  • Kind
  • Keen observation
  • Caring
  • Good-natured
  • Somewhat timid
  • Naggy
  • Inexperienced with women
Talents
  • Swordsmanship talent
  • Observation
  • Politeness
  • Sharp tsukkomi ability
  • Endurance
Skills
  • Swordsmanship training
  • All housework
  • Customer service and negotiation
  • Calm observation and judgment
  • Combat techniques (nose hook, etc.)
Motivation
Master the way of the sword and continue supporting Yorozuya and companions. Become stronger together with Kagura.
Habits
Talkative, tsukkomi often becomes emotional. Weak to women.
Favorite foods
Otae's cooking (including the pitiful egg)
Hobbies
Swordsmanship practice, Cheering for Terakado Otsu, Guard squad activities
Favorite colors
Blue
Music
Terakado Otsu's songs
Disliked situations
Situations involving women, Operating contraptions or machines, Debt problems

History

Backstory
Grew up in a single-mother household; mother passed away shortly after giving birth. Father died of illness in childhood, and nearly sold into human trafficking due to debt but was saved by Yagyu Kyubei. Trained in swordsmanship at the dojo "Tsudoukan" from a young age. Attended terakoya but dropped out due to father's debt. While working as a freeter and lacking confidence, met indie-era Otsu, became active as her guard squad captain inspired by her singing. Succeeded in rescuing Tae with Gintoki to repay debt and began working at Yorozuya. Grew through numerous incidents and became a strong samurai fighting to protect companions and the town.
Debut date
December 8, 2004
Work title
Gintama
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Lesson 1 "There are no bad guys with natural perms"

Severing Okada Izou's arm

Significant event
Severing Okada Izou's arm
Description
In the Benizakura arc, cut off Okada Izou's arm and saved Gintoki from crisis.

Relationship with Yagyu Kyubei

Significant event
Relationship with Yagyu Kyubei
Description
Benefactor who saved from human trafficking and a mentor-like figure.

Battle with Abuto in Yoshiwara in Flames arc

Significant event
Battle with Abuto in Yoshiwara in Flames arc
Description
Resolved to become stronger together with Kagura and began training.

Defeating Doro Hiyoko in Kabukicho Four Devas arc

Significant event
Defeating Doro Hiyoko in Kabukicho Four Devas arc
Description
Displayed strength to strike with the flat of the blade in one blow.

Gintama: The Final Movie - Be Forever Yorozuya

Significant event
Gintama: The Final Movie - Be Forever Yorozuya
Description
In five years later appearance, supported Yorozuya in Gintoki's absence and contributed to the reunion.

Relationships

Ken Shimura

Father

Deceased. Died of illness in childhood.

Tae Shimura

Sibling

Older sister. Single-handedly raised him and is adored.

Gintoki Sakata

Best friend

Leader figure of Yorozuya and support in combat and mentally.

Kagura

Teammate

Good companion and training rival, sibling-like relationship.

Terakado Otsu

Idol

Enthusiastically supports as guard squad captain.

Kyubei Yagyu

Mentor

Benefactor who saved from human trafficking in childhood. Also learned swordsmanship.

Yorozuya Gin-chan

Yorozuya Gin-chan: teammate

Terakado Otsu Guard Squad

Terakado Otsu Guard Squad: leader

Media appearances

Gintama

Manga / Protagonist

Serialization started in 2004

Gintama (Anime)

Anime / Protagonist

2006 TV series

Gintama: The Final Movie - Be Forever Yorozuya

Movie / Protagonist

2013 theatrical release

Gintama Rumble

Game / Protagonist

2018 game

Voice cast and creators

Daisuke Sakaguchi

Voice actor
Daisuke Sakaguchi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime version
Notes
Main voice actor

Natsumi Takamori

Voice actor
Natsumi Takamori
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime version (childhood)

Masaki Suda

Voice actor
Masaki Suda
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Live-action movie version
Notes
Lead in live-action version

Hideaki Sorachi

Creator name
Hideaki Sorachi
Role
Original author

Hideaki Sorachi

Creator name
Hideaki Sorachi
Role
Character designer

Related goods

Shinpachi Shimura Figure

Item name
Shinpachi Shimura Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Shinpachi Shimura Glasses Accessory

Item name
Shinpachi Shimura Glasses Accessory
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited

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