The wildly popular anime series “BLEACH” will continue its final arc, “BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Arc – The Separation,” with its third arc airing on October 5 at 11:00 p.m. on TV Tokyo. To commemorate the occasion, a new 20th anniversary key visual, promotional video, celebratory comments from the cast, the synopsis for episode 27, and accompanying cuts have been released.
The newly revealed key visual, which marks the 20th anniversary of the series, features Ichigo Kurosaki’s intense battles against formidable opponents such as Byakuya Kuchiki, Grimmjow Jaggerjack, Ulquiorra Schiffer, Sosuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Yhwach. The image evokes the sense of the journey these characters have taken throughout the series.
“BLEACH”, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2001 to 2016, is a story about Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who gains the powers of a Shinigami (Soul Reaper) after meeting Rukia Kuchiki, a Shinigami. The series follows Ichigo and his friends as they go on various adventures.
With over 130 million comic book volumes sold, BLEACH has been adapted into various media, including video games and a live-action film starring Sota Fukushi in 2018. The anime series aired from 2004 to 2012. The “Thousand-Year Blood War” arc, which is planned to adapt the entire final arc of the manga, marked the anime’s return after a nearly 10-year hiatus, with the first cour airing from October to December 2022 and the second cour from July to September 2023.
Rintarou Okiayu (as Byakuya Kuchiki)
Sincere congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the BLEACH anime! The studio at the time was filled with a vibrant cast, all driven by the desire to create something truly special. Even I, who must have been fairly inexperienced at the time, was certainly filled with that same passion.
What is Byakuya Kuchiki’s distinctive feature in ‘BLEACH’?
To think that the sequel of BLEACH would return as a TV series 10 years later and that we, the cast, would be able to play the same characters again… there is no greater happiness. I am filled with gratitude for all of you who supported us.
I would like to express my strong desire to complete the series with these words, which have become synonymous with Byakuya: “Scatter.”
Junichi Suwabe (as Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez)
Congratulations on the 20th anniversary! I vividly remember Kubo-sensei saying, “Grimmjow isn’t dead!” at the wrap party for the 2012 TV anime series. That really stuck with me. When he reappeared in the manga, I was overjoyed but also a little sad that I wouldn’t get the chance to voice him again. So imagine my surprise when he returned to face the protagonist, leaving a lasting impression on the story. I’m so happy that so many people still love him. I hope you’ll enjoy his appearance in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc!
Daisuke Ono (as Ulquiorra Cifer)
The recording studio at the time was small but filled with so much energy that it felt like I was in the middle of a huge vortex. And then, all of a sudden, I joined them as a cool character. I was told to keep a steady and sober tone and that adding any unnecessary intonation would be counterproductive. It was a unique challenge for me to find my place among all these passionate characters. The encouragement I received from so many people was truly inspiring. And more than anything, I was happy to be able to give voice to a character loved by so many people.
20 years! This is undoubtedly due to the power of the original work and the support of our fans. Being able to voice the same character for so long is truly special for a voice actor. I am truly grateful.
Is this… what a heart is?
Show Hayami (as Sousuke Aizen)
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary! It’s been so long, huh?
It seems like yesterday that I was engaged in those intense battles with Ichigo.
Aizen remains a solitary figure, never compromising. Those days filled with significant challenges and pressures were incredibly fulfilling. Of course, I plan to continue to portray Aizen accurately. Keep enjoying BLEACH.
Hiroki Tochi (as Kugo Ginjo)
Hello everyone, I’m Hiroki Tochi, the voice actor of Ginjou Kuugo.
I still remember how excited I was when I found out that I would be part of the very popular series “BLEACH”. When I played Ginjo, I was aware of the contrast between his relaxed attitude and his cruelty.
I also have fond memories of sweating profusely in the studio during the intense battle scene with Ichigo. It was a very demanding role, but also very rewarding. I am so happy to have the opportunity to voice this fascinating character again and will do my best to make everyone happy. You can’t wait!
Takayuki Sugo (as Yhwach)
I have been working on “BLEACH” for 20 years and I play the role of Zangetsu.
When I first started recording for the anime, I wasn’t used to it and often relied on Morita Masakazu, who voiced Ichigo. That’s how I ended up playing Zangetsu. And then there was Yhwach. While the characters are similar in some ways, the magnitude of Yhwach’s presence made the role even more rewarding.
I have many “BLEACH” fans around me, and some even send me Yhwach fan art. I am amazed by the power of this work.
Thank you all! Keep supporting “BLEACH”!
Sources: oricon
