Gintama: Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class [Season 1 Episode 8]

Let’s talk about that one episode of Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class where everything goes off the rails on a school trip—you know, the kind of chaos that makes you glad your own field trips never got this wild (or maybe sad they didn’t?). Titled “They Say Nobody’ll Ever Know If You Embarrass Yourself on a Holiday, but Nobody Wants to Embarrass Themselves in the First Place,” Season 1 Episode 8 takes Class 3-Z to Kyoto, and let’s just say Hijikata’s rulebook doesn’t stand a chance against these troublemakers.

First off, let’s set the scene: Kyoto is supposed to be a calm, cultural trip full of temples, matcha, and history, right? But when you’ve got Class 3-Z—led by the ever-lazy (but secretly caring) Ginpachi sensei—nothing stays calm for long. Hijikata, our favorite stick-in-the-mud chaperone, is determined to make sure every student follows the itinerary to the letter. He’s got his little notebook out, checking off each spot, and giving side-eye to anyone who so much as glances at a street food stall instead of a shrine. But if there’s one thing Gintama teaches us, it’s that rules are meant to be broken—especially when there’s fun to be had.

The episode plays up that classic school trip vibe we all know too well: the friend who sneaks off to buy taiyaki, the group that gets lost trying to find a hidden cat café, the awkward moment where you trip over your own feet in front of the entire class (yes, that happens here, and it’s hilarious). The title’s reference to embarrassment hits home—who hasn’t worried about making a fool of themselves on a trip where everyone’s watching? But the episode turns that anxiety into comedy, making even the cringiest moments feel lighthearted and relatable. Like when one student accidentally knocks over a shrine’s offering and panics so hard they try to replace it with a pack of gum—we’ve all been that person, right?

Now, for all my dub fans out there—good news! This episode is part of the simuldub lineup for the series, meaning you don’t have to wait weeks (or months) to watch it in English. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “Nothing worse than waiting for Dubs to release”—and honestly, truer words have never been spoken. Whether you prefer dubs because you don’t like missing jokes while reading subtitles or just love hearing your favorite characters in a language you’re comfortable with, this episode’s dub is ready to go. No more scrolling through forums waiting for updates—just hit play and enjoy the chaos.

What makes this episode stand out, though, is how it keeps the Gintama spirit alive even in a school setting. Ginpachi sensei is still the same chaotic, sugar-loving teacher we know—he’d rather be napping on a bench than herding students, but when push comes to shove, he’s got his class’s back. Hijikata’s tsundere energy is off the charts here: he acts like he hates every second of the trip, but you can tell he’s low-key enjoying the chaos (even if he’d never admit it). And the students? They’re just being kids—messy, loud, and full of energy, which is exactly what makes this episode feel so real.

Let’s talk about the humor: it’s classic Gintama. There are silly gags (like someone dressing up as a geisha to avoid getting in trouble), witty one-liners (Hijikata’s deadpan comment about the class being “a walking disaster” is gold), and even a few heartwarming moments (like the class banding together to fix a mess they made at a local shop). It’s the kind of episode that makes you laugh out loud one minute and go “aww” the next—perfect for a lazy afternoon watch with your friends.

If you’re a fan of the original Gintama series, you’ll love seeing your favorite characters in this new setting. Ginpachi’s interactions with the students feel like a nod to his original self, and Hijikata’s strictness is just a fun twist on his Shinsengumi persona. If you’re new to the franchise, this episode is a great introduction—you don’t need to know all the backstory to enjoy the chaos. And for anyone who’s ever been on a school trip, this episode will hit close to home (in the best way possible).

In conclusion, Episode 8 of Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class is a must-watch. It’s fun, relatable, and packed with the kind of humor that makes Gintama so beloved. Plus, with the simuldub available, you can dive right in without any wait. So grab your favorite snack, sit back, and get ready to laugh at the chaos of Class 3-Z’s Kyoto trip—you won’t regret it.

P.S. If you’ve ever had an embarrassing moment on a school trip, drop a comment below—we’ve all been there! Whether it’s tripping over your own feet or accidentally calling your teacher “mom,” share your story—let’s commiserate (and laugh) together.

This episode is streaming now, so go check it out—your inner chaos-loving student will thank you. And remember: when it comes to school trips, the best memories are the ones that involve breaking a few rules (and maybe a little embarrassment). Enjoy!