The humor derives from Hijikata’s complete lack of interest in the Shonen tropes unfolding around him. While the Hamekians treat Brieza as a world-ending threat, Hijikata only views him as an obstacle to his next cigarette. According to fan discussions on Reddit , the parody is so thorough that the original broadcast even featured actual Dragon Ball music, a detail often replaced in modern streaming versions like Crunchyroll to avoid licensing issues. Satire and Self-Reference
The episode begins with a grounded, relatable conflict: a smoking ban. When Matsudaira Katakuriko implements a strict prohibition on cigarettes across Edo, Hijikata’s life becomes a desperate search for a single puff. This "man on the edge" setup is classic Gintama , taking a minor character quirk and inflating it into a existential crisis. The Gintama Wiki notes that this ban forces Hijikata to travel beyond Earth to find a planet where he can smoke in peace, leading him to the planet Hamek. The Great Parody: Planet Hamek and Brieza Gintama Episode 119
The Absurd Odyssey: Gintama Episode 119 and the Limits of Parody The humor derives from Hijikata’s complete lack of
The episode also serves as a meta-commentary on the industry. It opens with a Public Service Announcement by Okita Sougo about the dangers of smoking, which reviewers from Tumblr suggest was the production team's way of legally distancing themselves from Hijikata’s addiction. This layered storytelling—where the show mocks its own characters, its peers, and its own legal constraints—is why Gintama remains a cult favorite. Conclusion Satire and Self-Reference The episode begins with a
Gintama Episode 119, titled "Within Each Box of Cigarettes, Are One or Two Cigarettes That Smell Like Horse Dung," stands as a masterclass in the series' signature blend of mundane frustration and high-stakes absurdity. Ostensibly a story about the Shinsengumi's chain-smoking vice-commander, Hijikata Toshirou, the episode evolves into a relentless parody of Dragon Ball Z that pushes the boundaries of copyright and logic alike. The Mundane Catalyst: A Smoke-Free Edo
: Brieza (a play on Frieza), a tyrant who has destroyed the planet's resources.