Anime fans have long admired the character of Jushiro Ukitake in Bleach, and this recent interview with Hideo Ishikawa—the voice behind Ukitake—is truly a gift to fans who appreciate his layered personality. Ishikawa’s insights reveal a deep understanding of Ukitake’s dual nature, and his anecdotes about portraying such a complex character provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of Bleach.
In this exclusive anime interview, Ishikawa’s responses bring Ukitake’s journey to life, especially as he shifts from a cheerful presence to one burdened with responsibility in the climactic “Thousand-Year Blood War Arc.” Let’s take a closer look at the highlights and memorable quotes from the interview, offering some heartfelt reflections along the way.
The Dual Nature of Ukitake: A Challenge Worth Embracing
Ishikawa shared that one of his favorite aspects of voicing Ukitake was navigating his different sides: the bright and cheerful friend, and the dedicated captain who embraces his duty with solemnity. Ishikawa captured this perfectly when he explained his approach to voicing Ukitake in Bleach’s latest season, The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc.
“I played him with the feeling of ‘being cheerful when interacting with everyone.’ However, in Soukokutan, I think that Ukitake was driven by a ‘sense of responsibility’… so I didn’t show any of the brightness or cheerfulness he had before.”
This insight adds so much depth to the portrayal. Ukitake’s usual upbeat attitude has been a staple of his personality since the early days of Bleach, providing fans with a sense of warmth amidst the chaotic lives of the Soul Society members. However, as Ishikawa points out, Ukitake’s shift to a more serious tone demonstrates his growth and his awareness of the gravity of the Soul Society’s predicament. Ishikawa’s appreciation for both facets of Ukitake’s character is truly heartwarming for fans who’ve watched his journey since the original anime.
Ukitake’s Legacy and Ishikawa’s Personal Reflections
One of the most touching moments in the interview was Ishikawa’s recounting of a famous line that Ukitake tells Rukia, reminding us of the responsibilities that come with being part of the Gotei 13. When reflecting on Ukitake’s words to Rukia following the death of Kaien Shiba—“A battle to protect our lives and a battle to protect our pride”—Ishikawa expressed that this was one of the character’s defining quotes.
It’s apparent that he holds this line close to his heart. The care and precision with which Ishikawa approaches Ukitake’s responsibility as a captain brings a certain reverence to the character, reminding fans of Ukitake’s depth beyond his illness and gentle nature. Ishikawa’s portrayal brings out the essence of Ukitake, making him a memorable and beloved character in the Bleach universe.
Also Read: Top 14 Most Powerful Characters in Bleach TYBW, Ranked
Behind the Scenes: An Unexpected Introduction to Ukitake
Another charming aspect of this interview was Ishikawa’s recounting of his initial encounter with Ukitake at Jump Festa’s Bleach event. Laughing about how he thought Ukitake was just an original character for the OVA, Ishikawa’s humorous recollection adds a bit of lightness to the conversation, showcasing his genuine surprise and the initial fun confusion about his role:
“When I was talking to Kubo-sensei there, I found out that Ukitake is not an original character at all, and he is the captain of the Gotei 13.”
This anecdote reminds fans that even beloved characters can begin with surprises and funny misunderstandings. Ishikawa’s candidness makes the behind-the-scenes world of anime even more relatable and enjoyable for fans.
The Dream of “Bankai”
One of the most enjoyable parts of the interview is Ishikawa’s longing to have Ukitake perform a “bankai.” As he mentioned, Ukitake is one of the few captains who never reveals a bankai, and Ishikawa’s envy is both amusing and relatable to any fan who has wished to see this side of Ukitake.
Hearing other characters’ powerful cries of “bankai!” while never getting to deliver his own certainly sounds frustrating! Ishikawa’s humor here is charming, and his fantasy of one day shouting “bankai!” in a way that balances Ukitake’s energy and restraint is an idea many fans can undoubtedly get behind.
Ishikawa’s Favorite Characters: Ukitake and Yamamoto
When asked about his favorite characters in Bleach, Ishikawa shows loyalty to his character by first mentioning Ukitake, but he also shares a deep admiration for Yamamoto Genryusai, the commander-in-chief. Ishikawa’s fondness for Yamamoto comes through, especially when he describes the older captain as “cool as a man who ‘will sacrifice himself to fight to protect everything.’” Ishikawa’s view of Yamamoto’s influence over Ukitake highlights the respect and mentorship that often go unspoken in the storyline, adding layers to the relationships within the Gotei 13.
Cats and Conflict: Ishikawa’s Real-Life “Battle”
A delightful (and hilarious) moment of the interview was Ishikawa’s confession about his love for cats and the “conflict” it brings. While Ukitake’s battles are intense and legendary, Ishikawa’s internal “struggle” with loving cats—despite often getting scratched or bitten—is endearing and relatable. His humor and lightheartedness here give fans a glimpse of the warmth and cheerfulness that he brings to life in Ukitake, even in real life.
Also Read: A General introduction: Explaining All Bankai in Bleach | Animeking
Looking Forward: Ishikawa’s Hope for Ukitake
For long-time fans, Ishikawa’s final comments may be the most moving. After voicing Ukitake for 20 years, he notes how grateful he is that Bleach has continued, largely due to the fans’ dedication to seeing it reach its conclusion. Ishikawa expresses a heartfelt hope that fans won’t forget Ukitake, even hinting at a possible reappearance, which is bound to excite fans.
“I have a feeling that he will appear again someday.”
In a world where anime often shifts, changes, and evolves, it’s reassuring to know that dedicated voice actors like Ishikawa stay deeply connected to their characters. His continued connection to Ukitake and the Bleach series shows fans the lasting impact of anime, both for the actors involved and the viewers who cherish it.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Responsibility and Cheer
Ishikawa’s portrayal of Ukitake reminds fans of the nuanced beauty of anime characters—how they often mirror the complexities and struggles that all of us face. Through this exclusive anime interview, Hideo Ishikawa gives fans insight into the intricate layers of Ukitake, celebrating both his cheerfulness and his powerful sense of duty. The journey of Bleach’s “Thousand-Year Blood War Arc” has reintroduced Ukitake in a new light, and Ishikawa’s dedication to the role makes us appreciate every scene he graces.
Whether it’s Ukitake’s quiet strength, Ishikawa’s humor about the bankai he’s always wanted to shout, or his undying love for cats, this interview is a delightful reminder of the heart and effort that go into creating an anime character who resonates with fans. For those of us captivated by the story, Ishikawa’s portrayal ensures that Jushiro Ukitake will continue to be an unforgettable part of Bleach, making the anime’s legacy even more meaningful.
Actual interview of Hideo Ishikawa (voice of Jushiro Ukitake) – Here
This behind-the-scenes peek at Bleach’s production adds layers of appreciation for both Ishikawa and the powerful storylines that have captivated us for years. Fans, let’s continue supporting this incredible series—and, of course, keep hoping for a bankai reveal for our beloved Captain Ukitake!
Source: Bleach(0ffcial website)