Key Takeaways
- Voice actor Masakazu Morita considers teaming up with BLEACH creator Tite Kubo for the millennial blood feud.
- Morita's evolving approach to portraying Ichigo includes using a deeper voice and aims to better embody the character.
- Cherished interactions with fans, including inspiration to become a firefighter, fuel Morita's performance as Ichigo.
The 2024 New York Comic Con was held in October and one of the most exciting attractions was the BLEACH: A Thousand Year Blood War panel, which features voice actors from Tite Kubo's magnum opus discussing their experiences working on the series' climactic final arc. The series has been enjoying a US tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the anime adaptation, and Masakazu Morita, who voices the protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki, spoke to VIZ Media about his personal perspective, and his favorite memories of his career. the A thousand year blood war arc, while at the LA Fireside Chat event, the seiyu veteran talked about how his voice has grown and changed over the two decades he's been involved in producing.
Morita's best memories of work BLEACH: A Thousand Year Blood War something that is sure to put a smile on the faces of fans, especially those who have had feelings of disdain for style bleach anime was originally planned. So, what did Ichigo really like about his return bleach?
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Kubo-sensei's contribution
Morita was delighted to receive guidance from the writer of BLEACH
Morita's thoughts on his best career memory BLEACH: A Thousand Years of Blood War So far prompted the question: “What was the most memorable innovation you did while dubbing BLEACH: A Thousand Year Blood War?” to which he did not have a direct answer because he could not call his favorite thing a “vision”; however, his favorite thing about participating in the project was the participation of the series creator. Tite Kubo.
According to Morita, Kubo was closely involved in the production side of things, and attended the recording sessions of the series for Episode 1, which he attended from afar, while physically present at the He is the studio for all the recordings. sessions for Part 2. For Morita, being able to ask Kubo questions directly during these recording sessions was “a big help.”
During the LA Fireside Chat event held at Japan's Los Angeles home earlier this month, Morita answered questions about Ichigo's voice and speech changes. At first, the voice was created to fit his character, but at the time, Morita didn't feel like he was really portraying the character.
He still doesn't feel like his performance is still there, but he feels closer to the best voice for the character and used the famous “BAN-KAI” line (with the much-needed dramatic pause between syllables that are actually Ichigo) to show how his voice reaches a lower register than before.
“I feel that inside each of you there is Ichigo, there is Rukia, there is Uryu somewhere deep in your heart. So we will work hard in this season and the next, and hope that BLEACH is something you keep your heart forever.
– Masakazu Morita, voice actor of BLEACH actor Ichigo Kurosaki
Morita's most cherished moment
What fans are taking away from BLEACH
During the aforementioned LA Fireside Chat, Morita had a few words to share with fans of the series, recalling the various moments with fans at Anime Expo 2023 that he cherished and appreciated. Fans eagerly told him they were watching bleach from childhood, and grew up inspired by the characters of the series, continuing their lives to protect, care or be a guiding light for others.
While signing autographs at AX 2023, Morita was approached by an older man, and he looked up to see the man crying, as his decision to become a firefighter was motivated by Ichigo's strong desire to protect those close to him. and his incompetence. looks away when he feels someone is in danger. For Morita, there has never been a greater moment in his 20 years of playing Ichigo Kurosaki than interacting with fans of the series, and using that positive energy to fuel his performance. as a celebrity.
Currently BLEACH: Blood Wars Episode 3 is available on Hulu and Disney+.
