Shinpachi Shimura
Shinpachi Shimura is the straight man of the comedic trio in *Gintama*, often exasperated by the antics of his friends Gintoki and Kagura. Despite his initially clumsy and somewhat nerdy demeanor, he's a skilled swordsman with a strong sense of loyalty and a surprising amount of hidden strength. He's also a devoted fan of the pop idol Terakado Tsuu.
Quick Facts
What is Shinpachi Shimura's age?
16 (initially), 18 (post-Silver Soul), 21-22 (Movie 2)
What is Shinpachi's occupation?
Member of the Yorozuya
What is Shinpachi's notable physical characteristic?
He wears glasses.
What is Shinpachi's fighting style?
Tendoumushin sword-fighting style
What is Shinpachi's personality?
Straight man, often the butt of jokes, devoted to his sister
What is Shinpachi's birthday?
August 12th
What is Shinpachi's height and weight?
166 cm (5' 5½"), 55 kg (121 lb)
What is Shinpachi's hair and eye color?
Black hair, brown eyes
Description
Personality
Shinpachi Shimura is the quintessential straight man of *Gintama*, frequently serving as the voice of reason amidst the absurdity surrounding him. He's a loyal and dependable friend, often acting as the responsible one within the Yorozuya, handling household chores and providing a grounding presence to Gintoki's laziness and Kagura's impulsive nature. While he's often the target of their antics and easily overwhelmed physically, his unwavering loyalty and dry wit make him a crucial part of the group. His devotion to his sister, Otae, is a significant aspect of his character, though often played for comedic effect. He also displays a surprisingly strong dedication to his idol, Terakado Tsuu, leading a fan club with strict rules and a penchant for dramatic displays of affection. Despite his outwardly nerdy and somewhat timid demeanor, Shinpachi possesses a hidden strength and resilience. He's shown to be a capable swordsman, though often overshadowed by his more powerful companions. His intelligence and resourcefulness are frequently utilized to overcome obstacles, demonstrating a strategic mind that complements his more physically gifted friends. Throughout the series, he undergoes significant character development, gradually gaining confidence and combat experience, showcasing a growth in both his physical and mental capabilities. His unwavering commitment to his friends and his principles, even in the face of overwhelming odds, solidifies his role as a steadfast and endearing character.
Abilities
Shinpachi is a skilled swordsman, trained in the Tendoumushin style at his family's Koudoukan dojo. While not as powerful as his Yorozuya companions, Gintoki and Kagura, his skills are above average. He's shown proficiency in both swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat, demonstrating strategic thinking and adaptability in battle. His strength and skill have noticeably increased over the course of the series, allowing him to defeat formidable opponents like Chin Pirako in a few blows and hold his own against numerous enemies in large-scale battles. He also utilizes a powerful nose hook technique. His combat effectiveness is significantly hampered when he's not wearing his glasses due to his poor eyesight. In the future, he demonstrates a significant increase in skill, becoming comparable to Kagura and Gintoki in the second Gintama movie.