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Japan Anime News Edit by Satoru Shoji

'BLEACH' Anime Is More Than Just Action: Masakazu Morita & Noriaki Sugiyama on Ichigo and Uryu's Relationship

How would you describe Ichigo and Uryu’s relationship in words?

Uryu Ishida

Uryu Ishida (C) Tite Kubo / Shueisha / TV Tokyo / dentsu / Pierrot


Morita
Initially, the two embodied opposing forces as a “Shinigami and Quincy,” but they shared a “back-to-back” connection, which became a key theme. However, as Ichigo’s past was revealed in Thousand-Year Blood War, the term “back-to-back” no longer felt sufficient.

When you hear “back-to-back,” it often conjures an image of absolute opposition. However, I think the essence lies in the “connection” implied by the word “back.” Even while opposing each other, their backs are still touching, suggesting a kind of unity or shared experience.

That said, putting into words what exactly they share is incredibly challenging. From an outside perspective, their relationship might seem like simple “friendship,” but reducing it to just that feels too shallow.

Sugiyama
It’s hard to find the right word for it, isn’t it?

Morita
Exactly, and even for us as performers, we don’t fully understand it. Defining their relationship in words is challenging, not just for Uryu but for Ichigo’s connections with the human world group, the Gotei 13, or anyone else. If you try to encapsulate the relationships in BLEACH with words, something always gets lost. I think the inability to define these connections is a core element of BLEACH’s story. It’s also reflected in the opening theme of The Conflict Arc, “Without Putting It Into Words.” That title captures this very sentiment.


Finally, do you have a message for fans visiting the official anime website?

BLEACH TYBW

(C) Tite Kubo / Shueisha / TV Tokyo / dentsu / Pierrot


Morita
The Conflict Arc featured not only incredible visual quality but also intense, high-level battles. Throughout these battles, the characters’ deeply held emotions were unraveled, creating a truly impactful cour. However, those who watched the third cour in its entirety might still feel lingering conflicts—not only between themselves and others but also within their unresolved inner struggles.

I believe these unsettled feelings will transform into a sense of exhilaration after experiencing the true final chapter in the fourth cour. That said, my personal prediction is that the series won’t end on a purely exhilarating note… (laughs). Regardless, I hope those unresolved emotions will fuel your anticipation for the conclusion. While three of the four cours of Thousand-Year Blood War are now complete, it still doesn’t feel over to me—it feels like it’s just beginning. I hope you’ll look forward to the fourth cour and the future of BLEACH as much as I do.

Sugiyama
For those who’ve been watching, you know The Conflict Arc was packed with settings and episodes meticulously overseen by Kubo-sensei. It was during this cour that Uryu’s reasons for siding with the Quincy were finally revealed, marking a turning point in the story. As a fan of BLEACH myself, I’m excited to see the depth of the episodes that the production team and Kubo-sensei have carefully crafted for the fourth cour.

Additionally, scenes brought to life in the anime expanded the world of BLEACH far beyond what was depicted in the manga. Seeing those movements and dynamics in animation brought a whole new layer of depth. I’m confident the fourth cour will continue this trend, delivering a series that surpasses expectations. So please, anticipate the same exceptional quality and get ready for what’s to come!


Source : ORICON NEWS