On the 21st, voice actor Akio Otsuka updated his X account, announcing a "ceasefire" with Takayuki Sugo, with whom he co-stars in the anime BLEACH.

Currently airing BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War - Conflict Arc, depicts the final showdown between the Shinigami (Soul Reapers) and Quincy. Otsuka plays the role of Shunsui Kyoraku, Captain of Squad 1 and Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, while Sugo voices Yhwach, leader of the Quincy organization "Wandenreich."

Although their characters are enemies, fans reacted to the friendly two-shot by saying, "It's Blackbeard Pirates' Teach and Shiliew," "Even in real life, their presence is overwhelming," "The ultimate duo!!! Though they're enemies, it feels so peaceful," "What a strong visual!" and "Their aura is unmatched!"

Profile: Akio Otsuka

Akio Otsuka is a renowned Japanese voice actor, narrator, and actor. He was born on November 24, 1959, in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, and raised in Kunitachi City. Standing 182 cm tall with a B blood type, Otsuka has a commanding presence both in stature and voice.

He is the son of Chikao Otsuka, a legendary voice actor, making him part of a distinguished lineage of voice acting. After dropping out of university, Otsuka pursued various jobs, including truck driving, before deciding to become an actor at the age of 23. He joined the Bungakuza Theatre Research Institute and later worked with theatrical groups such as NLT and Komatsuza. Struggling to make ends meet as an actor, he eventually turned to voice acting with the guidance of his father.

Otsuka made his debut as a voice actor in 1988, playing the role of Silver in the OVA Aiueo Anime Sekai Meisaku Dowa Zenshu. Since then, he has taken on numerous iconic roles, including Black Jack in Black Jack, Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard) in One Piece, and Batou in the Ghost in the Shell series. His deep, distinctive voice has become synonymous with these characters, captivating fans worldwide.

In addition to anime, Otsuka has made a significant mark in dubbing foreign films. He is the Japanese voice of Hollywood stars such as Steven Seagal, Nicolas Cage, and Denzel Washington, earning acclaim for his rich and resonant voice.

In 2015, Otsuka published his memoir Seiyuu Tamashii (The Soul of a Voice Actor), in which he shared insights into the voice acting industry and his personal journey. In 2021, he garnered attention for taking over the role of Daisuke Jigen in Lupin the Third Part 6.

With his exceptional voice and acting prowess, Akio Otsuka continues to inspire and entertain fans worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of Japan’s most iconic voice actors.

About BLEACH

BLEACH, serialized in *Weekly Shonen Jump* from 2001 to 2016, follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper after meeting Rukia Kuchiki, and the adventures of him and his companions.

The manga has sold over 130 million copies worldwide, inspired a game adaptation, and was made into a live-action film in 2018 starring Sota Fukushi. The TV anime aired from 2004 to 2012. The Thousand-Year Blood War arc, which plans to adapt the final storyline, marks the first TV anime broadcast since March 2012. The first cour aired from October to December 2022, and the second cour aired from July to September 2023.

Source : ORICON NEWS