TheBLEACHfranchise’s immense popularity during the anime’s run in the 2000s, the continuation of the manga through to 2016 and its immense inspiration ofvarious new-generation mangaare various attributes of Tite Kubo’s original conception that maintained its popularity for several years without news of an adaptation of the climactic final arc. With its dazzling return to television in October 2022 asBLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, the franchise is enjoying similar levels of excitement by fans whose greatest wishes for the series are continuously brought to reality, especially fans of the series like the English voice of Ichigo Kurosaki, Johnny Yong Bosch himself.
GameRant got the opportunity to learn more about his thoughts regarding the resurgence ofBLEACHand his reprisal of one of the most celebrated anime roles of his highly successful career; as well as a little bit about the impact of the series on his life, in the following interview. In addition to Ichigo, Johnny Yong Bosch is famously the English voices of Vash the Stampede fromTrigun; Giyu Tomioka fromDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,BamfromTower of Godand many more.
BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood Waris available for streaming onHuluandDisney+, with new episodes on Saturdays.
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Q: What is your opinion on the new look and feel of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc?
JYB: IT’S AWESOME!!! I love it, super excited that it’s back andlooking bigger and better than ever!
Q: “The Blade is Me” was one of the series most important episodes as Ichigo finally makes peace with the various parts of himself. What were you feeling as you recorded those lines?
JYB: I have to pinch myself constantly to make sure I’m not dreaming. I mean this is the stuff I was hoping to get to before it ended previously, so I’m really enjoying this part of the story. We’re really getting to the heart of Ichigo.
Q: I read your interview for Honey’s Anime in 2018, and what stuck with me was your thoughts on how roles stay with you as an actor. The ending of the originalBLEACHanime left you feeling down because it was such an abrupt ending. What was going through your mind when theThousand-Year Blood Waradaptation was confirmed?
JYB: First thought? Is this real? Second thought, do they want me back? Like I previously mentioned, I’m super excited! I love this anime!
Q: What’s your process for differentiating Ichigo’s voice from someone like Vash, Izaya Orihara, Renton Thurston or Lelouch?
JYB: Honestly I approach it very simply. What’s the story? Where is the character coming from? Where are they going? What’s their struggle? And then together with the director and producers we dial in the tone and voice and let the heart of the character come through.
Q: Who is your favorite character in the Wandenreich and why?
JYB: Yhwach, because without an ultimate antagonist, you have no tension.
Q: Of all the battles Ichigo has been in thus far, including previous arcs, which is the most memorable for you?
JYB: So many, but I’ll go with Byakuya, when Hollow Ichigo shows up.“I have…no name!”
Q: How would you best describe the impact playing Ichigo has had on you as an actor and as a person?
JYB: The biggest impact is definitely connecting with fans worldwide throughBLEACH. I do feel a level of responsibility in bringing him to life. It’s like the coach put me in the game, so I better not blow it. I give it everything I’ve got.
Q: I first heard youas Renton inEureka Sevenwhen I was younger (I had no idea that was you!)
My last question is, does it ever get overwhelming to consider the various ways you’re inspiring people, whether it be as yourself or in character?
JYB:Eureka Sevenwas a cool project and Renton was challenging but fun. That’s a heavy thought, but I have kids, so in the same way I’ve just got to do the best I can whenever I can and if I fail or when I fail, I better get back up or crawl if I have to. I just gotta do everything I can to protect them and their hope for a future, just like Ichigo would for his friends and family. Thank you so much for supporting the show! Stay tuned, there’s more to come!
