Interviews with Kubo Tite?

[Lady Scaper]

Ok I have been searching the internet and i have only been able to find one interview with Kubo Tite. I love reading interviews and I am sure there are more. SO I decided to create this thread as a place for people to post links to interviews people find on the web. I am guessing any interviews with Kubo Tite or any of the voice actors fits here. So post away people!!!

Please move this thread if it does not fit here.

[Slev]

Here's his character commentary that he did in 2004:

All translation and everything by k_shi (http://www.livejournal.com/users/k_shi/)

"Kurosaki Ichigo
When Ichigo goes to the hair dresser, people ask him about his hair color and since he hates that, he doesn't go to the hair dresser. Normally, Yuzu cuts it.

Kuchiki Rukia
Sometimes people ask me this, in book 5 they announced the semester's final exam scores and regarding Rukia's rank, out of 322 people in the 1st grade, she's 302nd. Besides Japanese, she flunked most of it.

Kon
The plushie body of his is the fake copy of the main character of the popular TV show, "Carnivor Kingdom" named "Ponkichi". It was a prize from the shooting game in the Karakura Town Festival.

Inoue Orihime
Tied with Ichigo, her face is the hardest to draw. She's going to be a very important character later on so, I want to get used to drawing her faster.

Sado Yasutora
He likes music so he rarely watches TV, but the only program he likes the "Carnivor Kingdom" that starts at 8 AM on Sundays. He likes it so much that he bought the DVDs for it.

Ishida Uryuu
The TV program he likes is Don Kanonji's "Bura-Rei". It's not mentioned in the comic, but in chapter 29, the shadow that tried to jump in before Ichigo was Uryuu.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y276/tehabf/nerdishida.bmp

Urahara Kisuke
The rare candy sold only in Urahara shouten, "Space candy". From the name, it sounds like it'll have some strange taste, but inside is only a coca cola tasting candy.

Shihouin Yoruichi
Yoruichi-san cannot drink so much alcohol. She likes milk the most. When she's tired, first she starts with milk. As long as there's milk, she's in a good mood.

Zangetsu
Zangetsu was the most difficult to decide for the appearance. After nitpicking on his hair style and his clothes, the only thing that remained from the original sketch were his shades.

Shiba Ganjyu
He looks good with goggles, so every time he came out with new clothes, I put a new goggle hanging from his neck, but by the next week I forget to draw it.

Ichimaru Gin
In my opinion, I was trying to draw him all creepy since his first appearance, but for some reason he is a man who is very popular amongst women. I envy him.

Kuchiki Byakuya
Within the seireitei, there're only four major noble families including the Kuchiki family that are considered high class noble men. Besides them, the life style of the other nobles are not much different from normal city people.

Zaraki Kenpachi
Tied with Tousen Kaname, out of the BLEACH characters, he has the hardest hair style to draw. I think I'll continue to regret eternally for giving him that hair style.

Hitsugaya Toushirou
He's from the West Rukongai 1st area "Jyunrinan". He is actually friends with Jidanbou and was the one who taught him the "city rules".

Abarai Renji
All his sunglasses are from Seireitei's popular glasses store "Silver dragon fly glasses store" (megane no gin tonbo). Every time he wears it, he gets it broken, but that costs half a year worth his paycheck.

Kira Izuru
All of Seireitei's shinigami are all considered "nobles", but it also has a high, middle, and low class and Izuru is from a low class noble family. He's had a pretty tough time.

Hinamori Momo
I had a tough time trying to decide her name. The name "Hinamori Momo" was decided right before drawing the official comic. During the sketch stage, she had a totally different name.

Yamada Hanatarou
A rather pitiful Hanatarou whose birthday lies on April Fools. Every year, on his birthday a bunch of people keep tricking him the entire day."

Shonen Jump interview from 2006:

Shonen Jump: How did you get into creating manga?
Tite Kubo: The summer of my third year if high school was the first time I’d ever written a manga. I didn’t have any experience or knowledge of how to draw manga – I didn’t know you were supposed to draw rough pages first, so I just drew directly on the paper and submitted to Weekly Shonen Jump for a contest. I didn’t win, but I got a phone call from one of the editors who suggested we work together.

SJ: Which comes first, the story or the art?
TK: Of course, it’s either the pictures, or the characters – sometimes I have ideas for the characters’ appearances, or sometimes their personality. Once you get those characters set, then the story kind of moves on by itself. The key thing is that I come to love the characters, as if they re real.

SJ: If you weren’t a manga-ka, what else would you do?
TK: Industrial design, architecture – I never studied them, but I’m very interested in them.

SJ: What are Rukia’s favourite manga?
TK: She loves horror manga, shojo-orientated horror titles. She’s from the afterlife, but there’s actually nothing scary to read in the afterlife.

SJ: How involved are you in making the Bleach animated series?
TL: I’m involved with the character designs. Usually the character designs are done with manga artists just overseeing, but in my case I actually draw what all the characters should look like – I am essentially drawing all of the characters that appear in the anime. It is very rare for the artist to be involved this much.

SJ: What aould your dream cast be fore a live-action Bleach movie?
TK: If it were possible to do Bleach as a live movie, then I wouldn’t have drawn the manga. I want to draw something that can only be done as manga.

There are a couple of other interviews, but I'm too lazy to find them right now :o

[Velius]

Oh, that's pretty nice! Thanks for sharing Slev. I remember reading that a long while ago, somewhere. :)

[Lady Scaper]

Sweet!!! Thank you sooo much!!

[speedphantom]

Thanks for sharing that Slev!:p Some nice insightful comments there.

Manga artists don't get interviewed much do they? Kubo is non-photogenic so there's only one photo on the net that I know of XD.

[Velius]

Rather readily available interview of Kubo Tite and Morita Masakazu (Ichigo's seiyuu)

Question: When did Kubo-sensei and Morita-san first meet?

Kubo: After recording the first ever animated version of “BLEACH�*1 where I did the role of Kon. I think that was the first time.

Morita: I had other work scheduled that day and had to leave early, so I didn’t really get to talk with him.

Question: What were the first impressions of each other?

Morita: A shy person

Kubo: A very energetic person. He’s always very excited. I don’t tend to get along very well with overly energetic people, but Morita-san was very friendly and open, which helped a lot. We got along very well once we started talking.

About “BLEACH� the animated series
Question: Kubo-sensei, do you watch the animated version?

Kubo: Of course! I get a copy of it before it’s aired, and I watch that too.

Question: Any opinions?

Kubo: I have to do everything myself for the comic, but a lot of people work together for the animated version. People interpret the script in different ways, so I’m always impressed by how it turns out and watch in awe! *laughs*

Question: Does Ichigo talk to you with Morita-san’s voice when you imagine him in your mind?

Kubo: It happens. *laughs* I’ve told Morita-san about it.

Morita: When I heard about it, I just had to look for that scene.

Kubo: It’s when the crew returns from Soul Society, when Ichigo says “Ijime?�*2 *laughs* (* Ijime = bullying)

What you want to portray
Kubo: Earlier, Morita-san was saying how “a story is born when people interact�*3. I agree with that. For me, drawing comics is not about drawing lines and faces, but about portraying the mood. So whether or not you’re working on a novel or a comic, you work to portray the mood on paper with words and drawings. Like…for example backgrounds. Backgrounds can tell you where a character is, but I don’t think it’s that important. I don’t want to draw a background if the focus is on the character. In “BLEACH�, a lot of the times when a new character appears, I leave the background white*4. I want the reader to feel the mood the character gives when they’re there. Characters make the setting real, so I keep that in mind when I work on each character.

Morita: When I read the comic, I can feel the mood, the tension (or lack of) that the drawings create, and I can really imagine hearing the dialogue. So when I put voice to the characters, it’s important that I try to recreate that mood as much as possible without any distortion.

Kubo & Morita Q&A
Question: How do you spend your days off? Kubo: I don’t get any days off.

Morita: Same here.

Kubo: If I have any spare time, I work on colouring or some other task. It’s so rare to get any time off; I don’t remember what I did the last time I had time off. I might give myself a few hours to go get a hair cut, but it’s back to work once I get back.

Question: What’s the number one thing you want to do right now?

Kubo: I’m not sure… If I think about what I want to do everyday, I think I’d go crazy! How crazy is it that I haven’t been able to do anything I want to for the past two years??

Question: Kubo-sensei, do you ever think about moving on and working on a different project?

Kubo: I try not to think about it. When I start thinking about something else, my mind shifts away to it, and if I focus too hard on it, my mind my ideas [for BLEACH] start to blur. So, if something pops up, I satisfy it with just sketch of a character or two for it, and leave it at that. I try to keep my mind focused on “BLEACH� as much as possible. I could make a lot of side-stories for “BLEACH�, but if I make a side-story for “something else�, then “BLEACH� won’t turn out the way I’d like it to so I’ve never wanted to make one.

Question: What kind of work would you like to do in the future then?

Morita: Work wise, I’d like to do some stage work. I started off acting on stage, so I’d like to go back to acting on stage and on TV….but that’s quite a ways into the future. I just don’t have the time with how things are right now.

Kubo: Designing work. I’d like to do some fashion designing*5&6. I’d have to do a lot of studying for it, but…. Maybe a few years from now, I’d like to give fashion designing and interior decorating a try.

About the poetic verses
Question: The story about Aisen*7, I liked the title!

Kubo: Thank you.

Morita: The poetry you have at the beginning of the comic books is impressive too.

Question: How long does it take you to write one?

Kubo: I have some written already. When something inspires me, I write it down, and later I pick out the ones that work for the scene I’m working on.

Morita: So you have a book full of them?

Kubo: Yes I do! I think I have about 50 written down. They could be about a character’s image, or what they’re thinking about. If I can’t find one that fits into my idea, then I think about it until I do. It’s quite tough if I can’t find anything good in my stash.

Question: Is it like that now too?

Kubo: Yeah. I have to think of some for the upcoming Character Book. I was told they’d like some [poetry] in the Character Book and Anime Book just recently, so I’m struggling to come up with something good*8.

The feel of satisfaction
Question: Kubo-sensei, when do you feel satisfaction when you’re working?

Kubo: I guess that would be when I’m able to draw out exactly what I’ve imagined. I only get 19 pages to work with every week, so I have to cut out some stuff on occasion. It rarely works out perfectly, but when it does, it feels great!

Question: Parts of your work sometime seems like a scene from a movie. Like when Hinamori goes after [Ichimaru] Gin right after Aisen’s death*9.

Kubo: That’s actually one of the scene’s that worked out as I wanted. It’s one where I was able to portray everything with the right techniques, so I’m happy to hear you say that.

Morita: It’s one of those things that you can read on without really noticing. But after you go over it again, and think about the frame size on each page or the kind of effects he’s using, you realize how well it’s drawn out.

Kubo: There’s still a lot I’d like to develop on. If I had infinite time that is. Like more about [Zaraki] Kenpachi. I’m sure I’ll be able to somewhere down the storyline.

Question: I really wonder who “Yachiru� refers too…

Kubo: I plan to bring it up. It’s a secret for now.

Morita: And the “Four Noble Houses�…?

Question: Kuchiki and Shihouin and…..Shiba?

Kubo: No, not Shiba. When they were around, it was the “Five Nobel Houses�. There are a lot of other ideas I’d like to work on, but I’ll only bring up ones that are really good… You’d only want the best right?

Morita: I’m looking forward to it! *laughs*

A message to the fans
I read every single letter that is sent to me. Your thoughts and opinions are what really keep me going. Please keep the fan letters coming! *laughs*

FOOTNOTES
*1: After Recording the First Episode
The first ever animated version of “BLEACH� was shown at the Jump Festa Anime Theater 04. It was also Kubo-sensei’s first attempt at voice acting, doing the role of Kon. How did he do?

*2: Returning from Soul Society
The dialogue by Ichigo as he and the crew run through the tunnel connecting the real world with Soul Society.

*3: Chat with Morita-san
See the animated conversation recorded for the animation book “VIBES�.

*4: The White Backgrounds
The return of Aisen after his faked death. As Kubo-sensei mentioned, the background is white with nothing drawn behind him.

*5: The Other Talent
The shirts that Ichigo wears are all designed by Kubo-sensei. They’re a popular item from the Shonen Jump store!

*6: The Lace Fairy
Ishida goes wild fixing up Kon. The birth of a fancy “Lace Fairy�!

*7: The Story about Aisen
The body of Aisen pinned against a building. The title of the story was “Like a flower on the side of a cliff�.

*8: Struggling on Poetry
On the inside of the covers of the comic books, you can find poetic verses that Kubo-sensei worked on.

*9: The Feel of Satisfaction
See Comics Book 9, Story #101

[Unicorn]

Thank you Slev! Love KT's comments about his characters... especially Gin :rotflmao

Hope he does something similar for the HM characters...

[Jhaxe]

@Unicorn- You beat me t' it XDD I cracked up at the Gin comment!

[Riekie]

Yay! I was wondering when this thread would pop up, so thanks for the links everyone :hug

Can't wait to know how KT feels about his Espada! hahaha I hope there's an interview about that too.

[twsl]

thank you =)

[Lady Scaper]

OK I found some interviews with some of the English voice actors from http://http://bleachextreme.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=66this site.

I am now going to attempt this spoiler tag stuff

Patrick Seitz - Isshin


Itachi216: What do you think of Isshin? Seeing how his relationship with his son is what kind of character do you think he has?
Patrick: Before I get to my answer, let me just put out the general caveat that I've only had the time to watch a fraction of the fan-subbed episodes so far, so some of my answers will be based more on speculation and armchair psychology on my part than on an more informed opinion. Mea culpa if I say anything here too utterly incorrect!
Watching Isshin attack Ichigo over and over again reminds me of how Cato would always leap out of nowhere and attack Inspecter Clouseau in the original Pink Panther movies, to help him keep his fighting skills honed--the main difference being that Clouseau asked for it and Ichigo just thinks his dad is nuts. Given Isshin's past as a shinigami, he knows exactly what sort of badness is out there. Even if he can't admit his past to Ichigo, he can at least try to prepare him for what's out there.




Itachi216: Do you think that Isshin, being Ichigo's father will play an important role in the series? And why?

Patrick: I certainly hope so--the more Isshin talks, the more I work!
I've heard he sort of disappears for a while and then reappears later, but who knows what complete character arc the creators ultimately have in mind for him? My own vested interests aside, I wouldn't be surprised to find Isshin playing a moderate-to-prominent role in "Bleach". He seems like too fun and rich of a character to let him just sort of creep his way offstage, as it were--but I realize "Bleach" has a huge cast of characters, and there's just not enough time to keep all those story arcs chugging along all at once.

*SPOILER AHEAD! DON'T READ THIS QUESTION OR ANSWER IF YOU DON'T READ THE MANGA*


Itachi216: What if I told you that Isshin, despite the fact that he is a funny and crazy character, he's also a Death God like his son. A very strong one too!

Patrick: I'd be totally distraught that you just dropped the spoiler-bomb on me!
No, I'm kidding--I know some folks who have faithfully watched every fan-subbed episode, so they'd already keyed me into that particular revelation. As an actor, I'm always glad to play characters with more than one dimension to them. Isshin's antics are fun, and if that was all he was as a character, I'd still be thankful for the chance to voice him. But knowing he's got an interesting past, one that he's keeping from his family...well, it's not like I'm going to be playing the conclusion or anything, to use a theater term, but it does make the task of voicing him a richer one.



Itachi216: What type of voice are you giving to him? Funny? Soft? Crazy? Or are you given instructions about this from the producer?

Patrick: When I went in to audition for Isshin, I used a gruff voice--some of the audition dialogue was a scene where he was riding roughshod over his family, so it seemed appropriate. And when I went in to record the first time, they basically played my audition back at me and told me that was the voice they wanted for him.
I'm not playing him crazy, per se, and definitely not playing him as a ham. Just like in real life, the folks who *try* to be funny usually have their jokes fall flat. Having a character *act* funny doesn't pack nearly the comedic punch of having a character be deadly serious about something totally ludicrous. My portrayal of Isshin will change as the situation warrants, but so far, he's the sort of man who speaks his mind, for better or for worse. High-energy, definitely.



Itachi216: Are you having fun in the tube? Are you enjoying yourself when dubbing anime or are you just doing it for the money?

Patrick: I don't think anybody does this just for the money--I definitely don't. There's a part of me that's still quietly astounded that I'm getting paid to pretend to be other people. And I'm very thankful that I can pay the bills doing this. I think we all are. We're fortunate to be able to earn however much of our living we earn through voiceover work, but that's not what drives us. Anybody's whose primary motivation is pulling down the big bucks would be much better off putting their time and energy into any number of jobs that pay better, offer more job security, come with health insurance, et cetera.
So my longwinded reply to your question is yeah, I'm having a blast. Isshin's a fun character, and I've never had the opportunity to portray somebody in such a long-running series before, so I'm looking forward to watching him evolve over the course of it.



Itachi216: Did you have a special interest in casting for Bleach? Or did you get that magic phone call one day telling you to audition for it?

Patrick: I knew that the "Bleach" scanlations and fan-subs were a big hit over here, thanks to those super-fanatic friends I mentioned, but I wasn't specifically gunning for a part in it. Some VO actors really follow who's getting what show to dub, but I'm more laid-back about it. If I get all excited about a show and then it goes to a studio that doesn't know/use me, I'm just setting myself up for heartache. When I get the call to audition for something, that's when I get excited--because at that point there's an actual real possibility of my landing a role.



Itachi216: How would you describe the other main characters? (Ichigo, Ishida, Rukia)

Patrick: I wouldn't presume to describe them to a site full of fans who know them far better than I do at this point! I should have you guys describe the other main characters to *me*!



Itachi216: You're probably not going to answer this (or can't) but, how many episodes of Bleach have you dubbed so far?

Patrick: There's plenty of Isshin left to record, let's just say. ;)



Itachi216: Lastly, would you tell us if you're a manga / anime fan? And what is your favourite series and character?

I wasn't when I first started doing anime VO work five or six years ago. I didn't *dislike* it...I just didn't know anything about it. Over the years, I've come to really appreciate it as a storytelling medium. I haven't had as much exposure to manga, although I think I'd like it if I just sat myself down and actually took the time to read some. A friend told me about the premise of "Monster," and I found it intriguing. Generally, though, I'm more of a text guy, myself.
And as for favorites? I don't know if I can narrow it down!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to Patrick Seitz who was kind enough to give me answers to all these questions! Now we all know that the part of Isshin is given to a suitable person to dub and will give the fun that we got from the japanese cast!

If someone can let me know how to do that spoiler thing where you can click on the show and hide thing I would really appreciate it. *embarassed*

[spacecat]

Oooh thanks for posting these, that are a great read. One i have read is missing though, I shall search for it xD

[Rawren]

I always thought there weren't too many interviews done with Kubo coz one cannot really find one too easily. I mean every Bleach fansite has only the one Velius posted and searching for more... is impossible. Guess I was wrong.

[Velius]

Oh thanks for that Lady Scaper. That was cool. I bet there are more interviews like that out there somewhere. There has to be! :D

[Griffith]

SJ: Which comes first, the story or the art?
TK: Of course, it’s either the pictures, or the characters – sometimes I have ideas for the characters’ appearances, or sometimes their personality. Once you get those characters set, then the story kind of moves on by itself. The key thing is that I come to love the characters, as if they re real.

So it seems that Shinji has been planned since the beginning, since he was in the first ch cover art.. and wasn't just there to fill some random student spot, like some people imply..

I hope Kubo has great things planned for him... *cough like owning noitora and ulquiorra in heuco mundo to save ichigo cough*

[Axie]

So it seems that Shinji has been planned since the beginning, since he was in the first ch cover art.. and wasn't just there to fill some random student spot, like some people imply..

Yeah I noticed that awhile ago too! I thought it was so cool that Shinji was actually planned.

Thank you, Lady Scaper. <3 That was great XB

[Michsi]

There is another character that appears in that picture ,in chapter 1 ,where we see Shinji for the first time ,that I can't quite identify. She looks alot like Matsumoto but I can't tell for sure since it's drawn in Kubo Tite's old style. The hair is a little different but it could be her. But it would be strange since that would make her the only Shinigami out of that lot. Maybe that's another character that hasn't appeared yet.

[debbiechan]

I'm pretty sure that character is Masaki.

Regarding other Kubo interviews--I can't find the more recent Jump one where he gave very terse, rude answers. I remember them being "yes" "no" and "no"--you could tell the guy was unhappy being interviewed.

[Velius]

I'm sure after a while it would get tiring. Not only from interviews, but from random people asking you questions. Gah. Everyone is allowed to have bad days sometimes. XD

[DawnFire]

I'm pretty sure that character is Masaki.

Regarding other Kubo interviews--I can't find the more recent Jump one where he gave very terse, rude answers. I remember them being "yes" "no" and "no"--you could tell the guy was unhappy being interviewed.

I remember reading that interview back in the winter I think? The questions were kind of stupid so I don't really blame him for sounding bored. I read it on a livejoural community, I'll see if I can find it again

EDIT: Here it is:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v115/DawnFire/Pg2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v115/DawnFire/Pg3.jpg




heh like I said, they were rather lame questions so they got lame answers back XD

[Velius]

Ah, I remember randomly seeing that in a SJ I picked up. Lol. Thanks for sharing. Another reason why the answers are rather short, could be because of the limited space there is.

[debbiechan]

I remember reading that interview back in the winter I think? The questions were kind of stupid so I don't really blame him for sounding bored. I read it on a livejoural community, I'll see if I can find it again

EDIT: Here it is:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v115/DawnFire/Pg2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v115/DawnFire/Pg3.jpg




heh like I said, they were rather lame questions so they got lame answers back XD

Oh, I remember that one--however, that's not the one I was talking about. :) I will have to search when I am less lazy. The one I'm talking about had the question "do you and the author of Death Note compete to see who can write the scariest chapter every week?" :lmao Kubo said " no."

[DawnFire]

lol yeah that's the first question of the interview I posted

[spacecat]

LOL yeah the guy asked the dumbest questions in that one : / It irked me reading it >_>

[debbiechan]

oh, ok, I skimmed it, lol. I just remembered how totally dumb the question was. Still, Kubo seemed less than amenable and he's usually so nice. I bet the interviewer guy must've been a major ass because just being dumb wouldnt have merited such rudeness from a nice Japanese man!

[spacecat]

oh, ok, I skimmed it, lol. I just remembered how totally dumb the question was. Still, Kubo seemed less than amenable and he's usually so nice. I bet the interviewer guy must've been a major ass because just being dumb wouldnt have merited such rudeness from a nice Japanese man!
Yeah i got that vibe also, if the guy was as annoying as his questions then I understand Kubo not wanting to say much. :rolleyes:

[yanniv]

Some of them were pretty lame, I agree. But also, some of those were just quick answer questions, so it wasn't all that bad. I feel kinda bad for Kubo though... maybe he thinks us Americans are really that boring. Lol.

Anyways, I always enjoy interviews with Kubo Tite. There is very few of them and I'm always hoping for a new one to come out.

[speedphantom]

Some of those answers didn't seem putting in the magazine x3 why bother >< was like I don't know, not really.

[Shinrin]

They ask to specific questions which is stupid if you want a useable answer.

Such as insted of asking "do you like horror movies" they "should ask what kind of movies do you like."

[Riekie]

Thank you Dawnfire for the interview! soon i'll be reading, and probably loving itXD

EDIT: sorry..I am being blind today>.> gah...

[Gintoki]

That were really some lame questions. Couldn't they ask him who the #1 Espada is :P
Just glad they didn't ask, which color his bathrobe has.

[Lady Scaper]

Gonna try this spoiler tag stuff again

Interviews from this site (http://bleachextreme.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=65)

Here is an interview with Michelle Ruff, the English voice actor for Rukia

Michelle: Hey John!
Oh my Gosh. I just received your e-mail with the questions. I'm so sorry for the delay. I'll answer them now for you if you still can use
it on your website!
~Michelle



Itachi216: What inspired you to cast for a role in Bleach? Money, or did you just like the show and decide to give it a shot?

Michelle: I was called for the audition. It was a big casting call in L.A. It's ot really about the money. I just figure if I'm doing what I love
to do, the money will follow.



Itachi216: Have you looked into the "Bleach" series? I mean, info on the character you're doing, the plot...etc.

Michelle: Yes. There have been a number of pow wows with the producer's and director on Rukia's character and I've looked some stuff up on line.



Itachi216: How would you describe Rukia? I'm guessing that you've dubbed at least 2 episodes since Johny answered: "Quite a few" in
the question of how many episodes has he worked on.

Michelle: Rukia is an old soul trapped in a young girl's body. She's incredibly complex. She's tough, intelligent, logical, sympathetic,
sarcastic and she has a really big heart and a total committment to her work.



Itachi216: Do you think you can imitate properly Rukia's feelings or generaly the character's voice?

Michelle: I hope I won't imitate the Japanese version of Rukia but recreate the character with some added layers for the english dub.



Itachi216: What made you follow the job of a Voice Actor? Do you have a natural talent on it, or did you just like the sound of it and
practiced to get better?

Michelle: I've practiced! I was in Chicago Improvisation and Theatre and acting on stage and in front of the camera. Voice Over has
always been a part of my acting career. It just came out ahead! I don't do on-camera work anymore.



Itachi216: I'd like to know how is it when you're in the tube giving your voice or the character. What are your feelings and what are you
paying attention mostly to give out the "real" voice? (such as face, actions of the character)

Michelle: I'm paying attention to the scene. Yes, I do look at the face and actions but with Rukia, now that we're getting into some later
episodes, many times her facial expressions don't match the emotional intensity of what's
needed in the scene. But, I'm usually really focused on Rukia. Keeping in mind all of her layers in her character and bringing the scene
to life.



Itachi216: Rukia is what people call "bossy" during the first episodes. What other anime character would you match Rukia with? (one
that you have dubbed yourself)

Michelle: I have to tell you, I can't really match Rukia with anyone else I've played. I am enjoying the emotional ride with her though.
She's already going through a slight character arc and her and Ichigo are finding their
"banter". It's been a roller coaster, but fun!



Itachi216: Well Michele, out of all the questions I had for you I had to pick the most important so there they are.Thanks in advance for
the answers and thanks a lot for replying my e-mail about this interview. I hope to hear from you soon!

Michelle: You are sooo very welcome. I hope you and the original fanbase of Bleach
enjoys the show. Everyone has an opinion and some aren't as nice as
others. But just know that Studiopolis and the director Michael Sorich and the
entire cast, myself included are really taking great measures to make this
show amazing. I saw the premiere on Saturday and I have to say, I'm proud
to be playing Rukia and to be a part of the show. I thought it was really
good.

:)
Michelle

yes I got it to work OMG!!!!!
Interview with Steve Price who does the voice for Uryuu

Itachi216: So far you've played quite a few roles in voice acting. What made you start voice acting for anime anyway?

Steve: I was first introduced to anime by my friend, Bob Bergen (curently the voice of Porky Pig & Tweety Bird for WB), who at the time was voicing a main character for Eagle Riders. When I did my first vo job as Elgar on MMPR, the directors who would guest direct (Michael Sorrich and Richard Epcar) kept me in mind for future projects that they referred me to or brought me in on.



Itachi216: Why did you go to the audition for Bleach? Just for the money, or did the series look appealing to you?


Steve: Neither. I actually try to avoid audtions if I can help it because my "real" job is very time consuming. I'm a loan originator for a mortgage company. Also, I knew nothing about the project before auditioning for it. I simply went because Jaime Simone, the producer, asked me to.



Itachi216: From what you told me, you haven't started on the project yet. Have
you done any research on Bleach though? Do you visit fan-sites on the
web to gather info on your character? Do you generaly do that for other
series?

Steve: I usually do not do research on ANY project, but since you asked, and since I get the impression that MANY people think this project is a big deal (dare I say as big as Naruto?), I made the exception. I found the most helpful information on Wikipedia.org.



Itachi216: I'm guessing that you have seen the character you're dubbing
(Ishida). From just his looks, what type of voice would you use for him
and why?

Steve: I will probably use the voice I was cast as. From what I remember (the auditions were about 2 months ago) the voice was a slightly more mature sounding voice, and slightly more mysterious, than what I did as Ken Ichijouji.



Itachi216: Are you a Manga / Anime fan? What are your favorites?


Steve: No I am not an anime/magna fan, but my most favorite and fun roles to date are that of Ken/Emperor and Keitaro Urashima from Love Hina.



Itachi216: Have you met the other selected voice actors for Bleach? And what do
you think about them? Will they be able to give the right tone to the
characters?

Steve: I trust in the decisions of the producers in USA & Japan to determine whether the right tone will be given for each role. As for whom I've met, I know everybody in the cast with the exception of Johnny Young Bosch, Kate Higgins and Patrick Seitz. I hope to get to know them, and for those I already know and have worked with in the past, it is a pleasure to be part of such a talented group of actors.



Itachi216: When you cast for a role, not just Bleach, are you given information
about the character to help you imitate him better?

Steve: I'm given some information, enough for the people casting me to see what I can bring to the table. If I don't have enough info, I will usually ask if there's anything about the character I should know that may help with the particular lines I'm saying for the audition.



Itachi216: Have you been asked to do the voice of another character in Bleach?

Steve: No I haven't, because I specifically told them I didn't want to. I'm currently working a 50-60 hour week, NOT including doing voices for Naruto, Paradise Kiss AND M.A.R. I just don't have the time right now.

Itachi216: My little niece loved the voice you made for the character Ken chijouji (Digimon Emperor)! Keep it up!

Steve: John, I can't tell you how often I STILL get compliments from that show! Thanks for the interview, and thank you niece as well for being a fan.

And finally the voice actor for Keigo voiced by Yuri Lowenthal

Itachi: Hey Yuri!

Thanks for willing to answer these questions! I tried to pick the best
ones out of the many that the fans sent me to ask you so...here goes:

What made you follow the path of a voice actor? Seeing that you're very
good too, how do you do it? Do you practice at home? Or is it something
than came naturaly?

Yuri: Thanks! I think it comes from a strong acting background. A lot of
people think that you can just come up with a "cool" voice and you're
made, but I think if you pay attention, you'll notice that the VAs
with real staying power are really good actors first. As far as
following that path, it's just part of my path as an actor in general,
albeit a magical and extremely rewarding part. I'd like to think that
some of it comes naturally, but most of it comes from hard work.


Itachi: One of your last successful roles in voice acting lately is Sasuke from
"Naruto". Keigo is a totally different role because the character is
exactly the opposite. Do you think you'll be able to do as good in this
role too?

Yuri: I think so. I can't wait to hear what people think. I am, of course, a
little nervous... I love that he's the opposite, though, and the folks
at VIZ and Studiopolis trusted me with that.


Itachi: Were you called by the production for the role? Or did you have a
certain interest in Bleach?

Yuri: Actually, as soon as I heard that VIZ had licensed BLEACH, I started
emailing them and bugging the folks over at Studiopolis about
auditioning for it. Luckily they brought me in and had me read for
several different characters.


Itachi: What was the audition like? How were you instructed to play Keigo (type
of voice)?

Yuri: The director gave me some general guidelines for each of the
characters and I just did my best to bring myself to each one. I don't
remember the specifics for Keigo. I think I read for 4 or 5 different
characters. The director DID stress that I should stay as far away as
possible from my "Sasuke" voice for all of the characters...



Itachi: So far, Keigo hasn't been very active in the series. Were you offered to
play another character in Bleach as well?

Yuri: Like I just mentioned, I read for several characters, and was honestly
afraid that because I'm on many of VIZ's other shows that they
wouldn't cast me at all for fear of me getting "played out." I'm glad
they cast me on the show at all...


Itachi: What do you think of "Bleach"? Had you heard it before the audition?
Have you visited any Bleach fan-site for more info on the series?

Yuri: I had heard of it before the audition and that's why I was so excited
when I heard VIZ had licensed it and that they were going to be
recording here in LA. I have visited some of the BLEACH sites.


Itachi: Bleach is a very big hit in Japan. Do you think it will have a success
in the US too? Bigger than Naruto?

Yuri: I don't know. We'll have to wait and see. I think that one of the
differences is that BLEACH is an "older" show, and may not attract
some of the very young viewers, which is fine.


Itachi: Any plans on any other roles in anime voice acting? Other than Bleach
that is.

Yuri: I'm working on another show called ERGO PROXY which is dark and
gorgeous and kickass. It think it's being released in Nov. this year
by Geneon. And I'm working on AFRO SAMURAI for Spike TV and Studio
Gonzo. I don't think we'll see that until maybe late next year,
though.

Enjoy!!!!!

Interview with Michelle Ruff from AnimeOmnitude

Anime Omnitude: Thanks alot for agreeing to answer these questions, sorry if there's alot, I can imagine you have alot of interviews to fill out but these are questions the fans wanted to know. Sorry if the seem as if they haven't been ordered. I will order them when I put them on the site

Anime Omnitude: How is it working with the other voice actors, are you guys like one little family or are you slowly getting to know one another.

Michelle Ruff: When a new face appears on the scene we slowly get to know them...who they are, what they do, are they my competition??? LOL! Joking. It's definitely a close knit community. I would say, yes we're like one BIG family but once or twice removed...like cousins.

Anime Omnitude: What inspired you to go into the voice acting business?

Michelle Ruff: I used to work at a talent agency in Michigan when I was going to college. My boss talked me into going up for a radio audition that I subsequently booked. That was the beginning of the end of my life as a normal person.

Anime Omnitude: How do you get into characters so well that each one has a unique voice?

Michelle Ruff: Practice Practice Practice!!! And...each character's "characteristics" help create the voice.

Anime Omnitude: What interested you in voice acting for Bleach?

Michelle Ruff: I was called from the studio to come and audition. I had no idea how big it was til afterwards...which is probably a good thing. Otherwise I would have been nervous! Then, once I found out about the show and it's story line, I was really interested in being a part of it. Rukia and I have a lot of similarities in what we believe and how we think. I really connect with her.


Anime Omnitude: Did you initially audition for Rukia/Yuzu or was it given to you by the producers?

Michelle Ruff: Audition!!!

Anime Omnitude: What has been your favourite role to play over the years?

Michelle Ruff: I really love this role of Rukia. I loved playing Chi from "Chobitz" and I love Naomi on "Zatch Bell". And also Fujiko Mine from Lupin the 3rd was a blast.


Anime Omnitude: Do you sometimes visit fan sites when you are auditioning for a character to understand more about them?

Michelle Ruff: Ummm. No.


Anime Omnitude: When you voice an anime do you base your voice in the Japanese dub?

Michelle Ruff: Sometimes. When I auditioned for Rukia, I didn't hear the Japanese dub. Sometimes I do. But I have heard some of the Japanese Dub during recording to get a feel for where she is in the story.

Anime Omnitude: What is it like when you audition for a role?

Michelle Ruff: Depends on the situation. The clients, the producer, the director...Sometimes It's super fun. Sometimes not so fun. I just try and give it my all. I'm usually exhausted afterwards because there will be like 5 or 6 different characters I'm reading for. Usually, you'll get to see the scene the character you're auditioning for is in. You'll get the character breakdown and the lines before you go in to the studio. I usually ask lots of questions beforehand about the feel of the show, they style of anime it is and the general story line.

Anime Omnitude: What kind of voice will you be doing for Rukia, will it be a kind of tomboyish voice that you have done before or something different?

Michelle Ruff: I'm not thinking tomboy when I play her. I'm thinking more otherworldly, intense, intelligent, somewhat detatched from her emotions. She's all business most of the time. She's definitely in my lower register.

Anime Omnitude: How do you feel about working on an anime that has had such recognition in Asia and now in the West?

Michelle Ruff: I'm absolutely THRILLED! And honored to be a part of it. It's gotten recognition for good reason. It's an amazing show and we're really trying our best to do it justice in the american dub.

Anime Omnitude: Rukia is probably the second character to change a lot in the series(other than Ichigo) At first she is really serious towards him but then she starts to respect Ichigo and has much care for him. Do you think changing your voice and emotion as the series progresses will be hard?

Michelle Ruff: We've actually already gotten to some scences that involve a character arc. And I'm enjoying the change up. So far, it hasn't been difficult.

Anime Omnitude: Before auditioning for Bleach had you researched the character you were going to play?

Michelle Ruff: No. I actually auditioned for all the female characters. I had no preconceived notion about any of them before the audition. I went in and got my sides and the character breakdowns, had some time to prepare them and went in to the studio to record my interpretation of them. The character I've created for the show is a little different from my audition. A bit more intense.

Anime Omnitude: How does it feel to be a voice actress with celebrity status? I mean you have a lot of fans and I imagine you must be surrounded with fans at conventions

Michelle Ruff: Aww. Shucks. I guess I don't think of myself as having celebrity status. Ya know? I just really appreciate the fans sooo much so when I actually get to see them and talk to them about shows and what's new in anime I'm coming from a gracious place. Gratitude is an important element to my happiness.

Anime Omnitude: Any tips for someone who wants to get into the voice acting business?

Michelle Ruff: Take acting lessons. Take improvisation classes. Take Voice over classes. Practice Practice Practice...ask questions, network...and don't take anything too personal. It's just business.

Anime Omnitude: Will you be at any upcoming conventions?

Michelle Ruff: Yes, I'll be doing a voice actor panel for Bleach in October at the convention in Northridge, CA.

Anime Omnitude: Anything you want to say to the fans?

Michelle Ruff: You rock.

Anime Omnitude: Thanks for answering the questions Ms. Ruff

Michelle Ruff: You're welcome!

Anyone got any interviews with the Japanese voice actors?

[Air]

Thanks for these interviews, Lady Scaper ;)


By the way, I heard about a fairly new interview with Kubo on American Shonen Jump.. Would someone care to post it here too? :p

[DawnFire]

that's probably what I posted earlier on the previous page? It was just from February so that's still pretty recent? heh or maybe there is a new one!

[Syn]

There was one in June and I posted the link in a previous thread. Way better than this one too. :)

Thanks to Orihime who found the interview (original post here) (http://bleachasylum.com/showpost.php?p=36176&postcount=772):

SJ: What would you give Rukia as a present?

Tite Kubo: A vacation! She's been busy all year.

SJ: Is there a character that you enjoy drawing especially?

TK: I tend to prefer characters that are rough and tough. They seem more three-dimensional. I'd say someone like Kenpachi. Komamura's fun to draw, too. Behind his headgear, he's got the face of the wolf -- something you normally wouldn't think to draw.

SJ: So you like fierce characters?

TK: Yes, I like characters that aren't typical or a bit unusual. I enjoy drawing secondary characters. It's also fun drawing Mayuri.

SJ: If you could switch places with one of the characters for a day, who would it be and why?

TK: I'd switch places with Kon. He seems so carefree, and everybody loves him in one way or another.

SJ: What items from the human world does Kisuke sell in his shop?

TK: Basically lots of candy and snacks, and household items. Small things, like detergent.

SJ: Could we find copies of SJ there?

TK: You won't find SJ. Kisuke doesn't have a distribution channel. But he does buy copies from himself at a nearby convenice store. [Laughs]

SJ: Are kimono easy to draw?

TK: Initially I wasn't all that interested in a traditional Japanese look, so it was hard at the start, but I got used to it. I wanted a kimono style that was slightly different from the usual. For instance, I wanted some decoration along the edges and sleeves that fluttered a lot to make the action scenes gorgeous to watch.

SJ: Do you use models or have one of your assistants pose for you? Have you ever dressed as a Soul Reaper and posed for a drawing?

TK: I don't do such things. I know in my head pretty much what a character is going to look like, so for any action scene I'll make the character move around in my head, choosing the angle I want and drawing from there.

SJ: How can Ichigo swing a sword that looks heavier than he is? Is he secretly working out at home?

TK: Well, no. To begin with, a zanpaku-tou isn't something you'd swing with your muscles. Ichigo's zanpaku-tou comes from inside him, so he wouldn't find it heavy. If Ichigo tried to wield Renji's zanpaku-tou, Zabimaru, he'd find it heavy.

SJ: So it depends on the person?

TK: Yes. Zabimaru looks pretty heavy, too. Ichigo wouldn't be able to wield him. Renji would probably find the same thing with Ichigo's zanpaku-tou, Zangetsu.

SJ: The relationships between siblings mean a lot in Bleach. Do you have any brothers or sisters yourself?

TK: Yes, I'm the eldest of three children. I have a younger sister and a younger brother.

SJ: If you could choose a character as a sibling, who would it be?

TK: I'd choose Rangiku, I wish she were my older sister. [Laughs] Well, that's because you cna count on her when you're in trouble.

SJ: And you want to be Kon, too?

TK: Hey, I didn't mean that! [Laughs]

SJ: Could you tell us which characters you would want to see fight each other?

TK: Hmm...I'd pick Shunsui and Ukitake.

SJ: Why is that?

TK: Because they're both nitouryuu [two-handed swordmen] which would make for fantastic visuals. Also because I can't imagine a reason they would fight each other in the story. They get along so well; they have been best friends for so long. I'd want to see what I fight between them would be like. If I had to pick one that's simply impossible, then I'd choose Ichigo and (dundundun! ) Kaien. Kaien being dead, that is.

SJ: Bleach is increasingly popular in the U.S., now that the anime is airing on TV. What aspect of the anime do you want readers of the manga to enjoy the most?

TK: I think what's fun in the anime and what's fun in the manga are two different things. What's fun to see in the anime is, of course, the way things move and sound. What I recommend most is to read the manga first then watch the anime. You'll discover and enjoy how a particular scene in the manga is transformed and how the action is portrayed. Some things in the manga have evolved into something new or have been shown in a way only the anime can achieve. These are the things that I hope readers will enjoy most when watching the anime.

SJ: Do you have a message for our readers?

TK: I never imagined when writing Bleach that it would be eventually published in the U.S., so I'm really glad that American readers have taken to it and enjoyed my work. Please continue to support Bleach. I've also been told that I shouls visit America someday.

[Shinrin]

thx

Don't recall having read the compolete version of that one.
Hehe his last line seem he didn't plan to in the first place but other encurage him to.

[Air]

Thank you Syn :)

He wants to be Kon, with Rangiku as his oneesan lol XD

[spacecat]

lol yeah that one is fun and interesting xD Thanks for posting it.

[Velius]

That was awesome Syn. :D

No surprise that Kubo like's drawing the side characters more. He got those down pat. No question and that the three main characters went through the most change in the series.

What a lame question if zanpakutos are heavy. lmao. Are you blind?! If actual muscle strenght had anything to do with it, most of those oversived bankais would be rendered useless. Someone else's zanapakuto though...

[DawnFire]

There was one in June and I posted the link in a previous thread. Way better than this one too. :)

Thanks to Orihime who found the interview (original post here) (http://bleachasylum.com/showpost.php?p=36176&postcount=772):

SJ: What would you give Rukia as a present?

Tite Kubo: A vacation! She's been busy all year.

SJ: Is there a character that you enjoy drawing especially?

TK: I tend to prefer characters that are rough and tough. They seem more three-dimensional. I'd say someone like Kenpachi. Komamura's fun to draw, too. Behind his headgear, he's got the face of the wolf -- something you normally wouldn't think to draw.

SJ: So you like fierce characters?

TK: Yes, I like characters that aren't typical or a bit unusual. I enjoy drawing secondary characters. It's also fun drawing Mayuri.

SJ: If you could switch places with one of the characters for a day, who would it be and why?

TK: I'd switch places with Kon. He seems so carefree, and everybody loves him in one way or another.

SJ: What items from the human world does Kisuke sell in his shop?

TK: Basically lots of candy and snacks, and household items. Small things, like detergent.

SJ: Could we find copies of SJ there?

TK: You won't find SJ. Kisuke doesn't have a distribution channel. But he does buy copies from himself at a nearby convenice store. [Laughs]

SJ: Are kimono easy to draw?

TK: Initially I wasn't all that interested in a traditional Japanese look, so it was hard at the start, but I got used to it. I wanted a kimono style that was slightly different from the usual. For instance, I wanted some decoration along the edges and sleeves that fluttered a lot to make the action scenes gorgeous to watch.

SJ: Do you use models or have one of your assistants pose for you? Have you ever dressed as a Soul Reaper and posed for a drawing?

TK: I don't do such things. I know in my head pretty much what a character is going to look like, so for any action scene I'll make the character move around in my head, choosing the angle I want and drawing from there.

SJ: How can Ichigo swing a sword that looks heavier than he is? Is he secretly working out at home?

TK: Well, no. To begin with, a zanpaku-tou isn't something you'd swing with your muscles. Ichigo's zanpaku-tou comes from inside him, so he wouldn't find it heavy. If Ichigo tried to wield Renji's zanpaku-tou, Zabimaru, he'd find it heavy.

SJ: So it depends on the person?

TK: Yes. Zabimaru looks pretty heavy, too. Ichigo wouldn't be able to wield him. Renji would probably find the same thing with Ichigo's zanpaku-tou, Zangetsu.

SJ: The relationships between siblings mean a lot in Bleach. Do you have any brothers or sisters yourself?

TK: Yes, I'm the eldest of three children. I have a younger sister and a younger brother.

SJ: If you could choose a character as a sibling, who would it be?

TK: I'd choose Rangiku, I wish she were my older sister. [Laughs] Well, that's because you cna count on her when you're in trouble.

SJ: And you want to be Kon, too?

TK: Hey, I didn't mean that! [Laughs]

SJ: Could you tell us which characters you would want to see fight each other?

TK: Hmm...I'd pick Shunsui and Ukitake.

SJ: Why is that?

TK: Because they're both nitouryuu [two-handed swordmen] which would make for fantastic visuals. Also because I can't imagine a reason they would fight each other in the story. They get along so well; they have been best friends for so long. I'd want to see what I fight between them would be like. If I had to pick one that's simply impossible, then I'd choose Ichigo and (dundundun! ) Kaien. Kaien being dead, that is.

SJ: Bleach is increasingly popular in the U.S., now that the anime is airing on TV. What aspect of the anime do you want readers of the manga to enjoy the most?

TK: I think what's fun in the anime and what's fun in the manga are two different things. What's fun to see in the anime is, of course, the way things move and sound. What I recommend most is to read the manga first then watch the anime. You'll discover and enjoy how a particular scene in the manga is transformed and how the action is portrayed. Some things in the manga have evolved into something new or have been shown in a way only the anime can achieve. These are the things that I hope readers will enjoy most when watching the anime.

SJ: Do you have a message for our readers?

TK: I never imagined when writing Bleach that it would be eventually published in the U.S., so I'm really glad that American readers have taken to it and enjoyed my work. Please continue to support Bleach. I've also been told that I shouls visit America someday.

ohh that one is good! thanks for posting! that one was with the american shonen jump too? heh I seriously adore KT!

[Velius]

This has lots of good stuff in it not to be stickied. Plus would be a good idea to keep it in peoples minds, incase they come across more or have the urge to go looking for something we don't have. :)

[AnimeGirlPan]

thanks for the interview thingys with kubo and stuffs
i just read the part about ichigo's outfits being so popular you can actually buy them at the shonen jumps store??
i hope its true lol
and that cracks me up
(note-im a fan of ichigos outfits)

[Lady Scaper]

Oh wow!! A thread of mine got stickied!!! This is the first time that has ever happened to me!!!

*faints*

[furato]

SJ: Could you tell us which characters you would want to see fight each other?

TK: Hmm...I'd pick Shunsui and Ukitake.

SJ: Why is that?

TK: Because they're both nitouryuu [two-handed swordmen] which would make for fantastic visuals. Also because I can't imagine a reason they would fight each other in the story. They get along so well; they have been best friends for so long. I'd want to see what I fight between them would be like.
Ooh, I really, really, really want to see this. *_* We got jipped out seeing Shunsui & Ukitake fight onscreen before, I hope he really draw this someday.

[Riekie]

Wanna know what Kubo Tite looks like anno december '06? Check this out! He's the 2nd guy to appear on the stage and says something, what? I dunno, I don't speak Japanese either:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQqQQo7BG-0

[debbiechan]

Wanna know what Kubo Tite looks like anno december '06? Check this out! He's the 2nd guy to appear on the stage and says something, what? I dunno, I don't speak Japanese either:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQqQQo7BG-0


Awww, thank you so much. He's goofy.

I took a screencap:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y130/debbiechanlovesvegeta/kuboismysillyboyfriend.png

and made an avie:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y130/debbiechanlovesvegeta/KUBOAVATAR2.png

[twsl]

i liked him more when he was a bit slimmer :( nice find riek ^^

[debbiechan]

i liked him more when he was a bit slimmer :( nice find riek ^^

We've been feeding him well with our buying Bleach merchandise.

I like him like this. He was Ishida-skinny before but now he's just right. :love

[tari101190]

wow...he looks nothin like i expected...not bad or anythin. just different

now we get to see the face of the man behind kuukaku, matsumoto, inoue etc's large sized breats, pesche's zanpakuto un sheathing thingy and all the sexual inuendoes in bleach...

he kinda looks like a japanese style pimp...which strangely makes sense considering what i just wrote...

[Velius]

Debbie, I don't think that screne shot does him justice. lol. In that pic, he looks way worse then in the actual video, which was pretty sweet. Thanks for sharing Riekie.

Nothing to do with Kubo specifically, but here is a very entertaining video of the Bleach seiyuus, for everyone's enjoyment. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hThkO7JU3KM

[jonat3]

I kind of skimmed the interviews, but from what i've seen, i couldn't detect the interview where he stated that the name bleach came from an album of nirvana. If we had that interview, we could finally kill those threads asking what the name was based on. If i recall, it was a shonen jump interview.

[Shadoblak]

I don't think the made the direct connection, I think he just said he really liked American music, and that he really liked Nirvana :/

[jonat3]

I don't think the made the direct connection, I think he just said he really liked American music, and that he really liked Nirvana :/

That's one of the reasons i want to read the interview myself. Then i can make sure myself as well.

[Lady Scaper]

I read it and they don't exactly say. They sort of imply by the way the interview was written. He does not say it himself. So we still don't know.

EDIT Can anyone translate what Kubo says?

[DeeviousDemon]

wow, thanks for the links....I'm new to Bleach and these interviews are very interesting...totally^_^

[Lady Scaper]

Posted by Geta Boshi in the IchiRuki thread, translated by MelodyMix of the AnimeSuki forum.

I am not exactly sure which interview is from but it seems interesting. It's with Kubo Tite and Masakazu Morita ((the voice actor for Ichigo)


Kubo-Sensei makes sure he watches anime every week. Morita-san, do you buy Jump every week as well?

M – Yes. Every Monday I read it at the Convenience store
K – You buy it with your own money?
M - Of course! *laughs* what, can I get one for free? I’ve been buying Jump since year 2 (7~8 years old in Japan), with my own money *laughs*

Ever since you voiced Ichigo, have you changed the way you read Jump?

M – It did change. When I read Bleach now I get really nervous. I go home, take a bath, and prepare myself to read *laugh*
K – It’s like a script *laugh*
M – It is like a script! I read before going to bed, making sure the area around me is quiet. Being a voice actor, first impressions are always important when reading a script. That’s why I make sure I’m in a quiet area so I can concentrate.

Favourite character?

M – People ask me that a lot. This also applies to real life as well but there are humans with different background stories, and when those humans interact a story is born. They present this very well in this manga so reading it is always fun. That’s why whenever someone asks me “Who is your favourite character?� I really don’t know the answer since they are all unique. But when they tell me to chose one I couldn’t think of anyone but the character I’m voicing, so I would answer Ichigo Kurosaki. Oh, and maybe Rangiku Matsumoto too
K - *laughs* Awesome. It was interesting listening to your answer. You really do read it carefully.

There is an image of Ichigo Kurosaki that is inside Sensei (Kubo) and inside Morita-san. Is there any scene you thought both your image of Ichigo was well presented?

M – I think the part where Renji and Ichigo roared out in synchro. Ichigo and Renji’s relationship is very interesting, that you can’t put it in words. They are rivals yet friends. Like if you are spelling out ‘enemy’ but you read it as ‘friends’ *laughs*. An amazing person called Kentarou Itou does this role (Renji’s voice) and because of this, that “TO MY SOUL!� speech made me think that those two (Ichigo and Renji) has unleased themselves using words. That speech was extremely hot. It was a very memorable scene as well.

(On this page there is a tiny screen cap, where Renji and Ichigo both shouted “TO MY SOUL!� and next to the screen cap it says “The scream of the soul. Episode 52, For Rukia, they have once fought against each other with their swords – Now they scream with their soul.)

M - Inside themselves they are doing ‘Gatsu-Pose’ but they would never tell anyone about it * laughs * (this means, they act tough and strong on the inside but they would never tell anyone about it). Playing Ichigo Kurosaki, there are ways I want him to say stuffs. Like if I want to put my own taste in him, or put my own thoughts about this character inside him. During the Grand Fisher arc, the part where he met Rukia in the forest, Sensei also found this scene memorable but the scene where he is mumbling out his words. In that scene there was this taste I wanted to present in his sentence
What was his sentence?
K – The part where Rukia told Ichigo that a Hollow might have killed his mum, right?
M – The part where he said “なんでもねーよâ€� and “残念でしたâ€� and left
K – In that scene when I first saw it on TV, I was so thrilled I actually got goose bumps. Morita-san put his own taste inside Ichigo and that made me really proud. I was very thankful and made me want to listen to it. And because of that, my image of Ichigo was different to his and made that scene really deep. I was really thrilled. That time I really thought making an anime is an awesome thing to do.
M – While reading a script an image just popped up into my mind. Even if Ichigo was just mumbling out his words I wanted to put my all into it because I wanted to show how I want to voice Ichigo Kurosaki and my image of him. I wanted to show Ichigo is a normal high school boy. The taste I wanted to show in that scene was how normal Ichigo is.
K – He did a good job
If it gave you goose bumps then that ‘image’ of Ichigo must have been powerful?
K – I guess you’re right. I’m happy with anime following the manga but what makes me even happier is making me think “Oh, so that’s how it’s shown� when watching the anime. That time, Ichigo’s attitude made me think “Oh, so that’s how Ichigo expresses himself�
M – That scene was a pretty normal scene, but that’s why it was so important and shows Ichigo’s character very well. Ichigo is pretty blunt and usually speaks few words. Even the time when he rescues Rukia, all he says is “Yo!�
K – “Saying that “Yo!â€� was an important bit in that scene. Ichigo was a normal high school boy who turned into a Shinigami. Him being a Shinigami isn’t that main point. So I wanted to express that in that scene. Ichigo isn’t very talkative. Even the time with Renji, all he says is “ああâ€� (referring to episode 32)
M – That speech really got to me. He was listening to Renji’s story you couldn’t help but cry. But he has to say something back to him so he said “ああâ€�. After I finished voicing that scene I was so worried if my voice turned out right that I couldn’t even watch it on air.
K – That episode was really amazing! Renji and Rukia. Watching those two was truly amazing and Morita-san’s speech “ああâ€� was amazing too. In that episode Orikasa-san (Rukia’s voice actor) said she got very emotional while doing that scene where Renji’s hand’s were on Rukia’s shoulder and says “ああ　そうかありがとうâ€� while letting go of his hands. I was thrilled, listening to the way she said “そうかâ€�
M – That Rukia’s sentence “そうかâ€� affects her relationship with Renji later in the episode so unless she puts a lot of emotions into it, it would sound plain and unimportant.
K – There are bits in the manga where I draw scene that wouldn’t get the reader’s attention too much. I always put all my effort into my manga but how each audience read my manga are different. So it’s really important to make sure they would end up all having a similar idea of my story, but then again, it’s really up to them how they read the manga, but then there are scenes where I want the audience to be touched, so it’s really hard.
M – The creators want everything to seem natural.

Where is your goal aimed at?

M - Voice actors are always living under the rules. Firstly, there is a rule called “Script� and inside the script there are lines you have to read. And there are also director’s rules. But inside those rules I want voice actors to be able to find a place where they can be free and express themselves. And when you find that space I don’t care whether it’s small or big, as long as it’s a place where they can play around then it’s okay. The director says “Instead of thinking “Oh no, what should I do?� you should try and find an route where you can escape, and when you find that route you think, “This is it!� and truly express yourself�. I want a place where I can spread my wings, and still continue working on Bleach while my wings are spread. I really think my wings can still get bigger. My wings aren’t fully opened yet. It can still spread and grow. I truly think Bleach is an enjoyable masterpiece that I would die for.
K – You must be number one fan of Bleach. Maybe you love Bleach more than me * laughs *

Any words to your fans?

M- a movie has been decided to be released. And I hope you are all able to see a new Ichigo after returning from Soul Society.

• Another question was "Any scene you found memorable?" and here's what Kubo (K) and Morita (M) said

M "グランドフィッシャー編のときの森の中だルキアと会ってしゃべるセリフ"

M said the scene in the Memories In the Rain episode, where Ichigo was talking to Rukia in the forest, and straight after than

K said "In that scene, when I first saw it on tv, I was so thrilled I actually got goosebumps"


* Also in one part they were discussing how Ichigo only says few words (In Japanese his sentences are often short to show his personality)and Morita brought up an example when he rescued Rukia, that all he said was "Yo", And KT said
"Saying that "Yo!" was an important bit in that scene"

M "一護ってぶっきらぼうというか、朴訥というか。ルキアを助けるときもただ　"よう!" って"

K "そこで "よう!" っていうのは重要なことなんです"
"一護って短いセリフが多いんですよ"

[scooz]

Not really an interview, but it's got interesting tid bits and Kubo quotes.

http://www.tv.com/tite-kubo/person/312974/trivia.html

[ZAN]

wow. the last interview touched me. i understand Morita-san's feelings as an actor who needs to put emotions in (altho not the same type of actor XD)
thanks! :D

[Riekie]

Thank you Lady Scaper and Scooz for the interview and tidbits:D I had never read that interview so it was a good read and understand a bit more now.

[kitty868theonly]

That was interesting... I never really sat and read an interview of his before. I have for Naruto and One Piece- and a few other series, but not for him on BLEACH... I look forward for more! Thanks for sharing!

[chbimun]

Moved this out of the DDR Movie thread even though it came from the official movie guide. However the article here is "Tite Kubo Talk of the Bleach World". It may be generic Bleach world talk or it may be movie specific. The key thing here is, that this all came from Kubo.

Anyway, here is the 2 page interview as big as I could scan it. Have at it translators! ^__^

http://pics.livejournal.com/nomoreprinces/pic/000btz4t.png

http://pics.livejournal.com/nomoreprinces/pic/000bwkdq

[Riekie]

Thank you Chbimun:hug

As long as it's KT related it's good enough for me!:D Thank you so much;)

EDIT: Didn't read the final line>.<

pwease, translation?XP

[twsl]

whoah that's awesome, thanks chib :)

[lala~]

wow thanks chbimun!

now if we can just get someone to translate :p

[eurys]

Oh, thank you Chbimun, I was wondering about that interview.

According to a french translator, it's mostly about the movie and how Kubo did invest himself a lot in it.
Also, Kubo states that Unohana won't fight soon because he planned the moment where she will fight in the next arc. It's apparently very important to him (Damn you Kubo, I wanna see her awesomeness now -_-).

[lala~]

Also, Kubo states that Unohana won't fight soon because he planned the moment where she will fight in the next arc. It's apparently very important to him (Damn you Kubo, I wanna see her awesomeness now -_-).

you and me both >.< but hey, at least she's going to fight sometime. better than nothing.

and there's a french translation of this?

[Annie]

Thank you for the scan, Chbimun.

Oh really, sensei? Wow so we'll have the next arc :yay I wish he has tell us when this arc will end though XD

About the movie, it's good to know that Kubo is involved. So I guess the movie should be better than MON.

In new OP, did I see Hisagi is about to release? o_o

[Syn]

Oh, thank you Chbimun, I was wondering about that interview.

According to a french translator, it's mostly about the movie and how Kubo did invest himself a lot in it.
Also, Kubo states that Unohana won't fight soon because he planned the moment where she will fight in the next arc. It's apparently very important to him (Damn you Kubo, I wanna see her awesomeness now -_-).
Thanks for sharing that tidbit. I always knew that when we'd see Unohana fight, it'd be something special. I can't wait!!! I've been waiting for that long already, I'll just wait more XD

Also, thank you chbimun for sharing the pics :)

[WatanukiXXX]

thanks Chbimun :)

so it's confirmation that at least one more arc is planned. Good. I was half-afraid that the SS intrusion into Las Noches signals the premature beginnings of the Winter War and the climactic showdown with Aizen

And Unohana's fight being very important to him. Wow this is intriguing :uhuh

[Sergelia]

Myah, I could only understand the katakana for words like 'origin', 'main', 'story', 'scenario' and such before I got bored out of my wits. Why can't I understand actual Japanese? /wrist

That aside, huge thanx, chibimoon~! I just hope someone translates it soon, as selfish as that sounds, I really *am* dying to know what KT-sensei talked about this time, for whatever reason. o__O'

Unohana's fight is important to Kubo? Wow, I knew he had something big in store for her! Unohana power FTW.

[debbiechan]

Hey, I knew when her stats were revealed that Kubo had something in store for her. I'm all excited now. Who knew we'd get Unohana goodies from this interview? Sometimes I just want to corner Kubo and shake him down for info.

[Velius]

HAha, that's pretty badass that Kubo was even a bit involved in the movie. Looks like most of it can be taken a little serious now.

[Air]

Wow! Now I would really like to know what the rest of that interview talks about.. Kubo interviews are pretty rare..

[blah]

Wow! Awesome finds, eveybody ^^ Thank you so much!

[Melodymix]

Hiya. There was an interview with KT on chapter 307 and I have translated a part of it. I already posted it on the IchiRuki FC but I thought I might post it here as well.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p214/annie08ws/23-1.jpg

About the character. 1 Until Ichigo and Rukia were made

Okay, let’s ask about this months topic “Characters”. First of all, let’s start with our main characters Ichigo and Rukia

“The first Ichigo I drew wore glasses. He wore glasses and had black hair * laugh *
He also had kind eyes… and it looks like a different person from the Ichigo we have now”

Is it true that Rukia’s design was decided before Ichigo’s design?

“Before the story was decided a Shingami uniform popped up into my mind. Unlike the design we have now it was like a uniform from Catholic school where they wore a black jacket over a white blouse with a black bowtie… and they carried a huge scissors. I thought that was what Shinigami was like. After that, to match Rukia’s design I changed Ichigo’s character design. Like Rukia had black hair so it’s best if Ichigo didn’t have black hair.”

[Miyona]

OMG!

The first Ichigo Kubo drew was Uryuu!

OMG! LOL!

[Linabana]

Ichigo with glasses = HOT :love

[NakeBenihime]

Thank you Melodymix! :D I've been wanting to see this interview translated so badly! Are you planning on translating it completely?

[furato]

Thanks Melodymix! Looking forward to see the rest. *infodump addict*

OMG!

The first Ichigo Kubo drew was Uryuu!

OMG! LOL!Actually it was more like Kaien with glasses... I remember seeing a pic of what supposed to be Kubo's early sketch shown during Jump Festa in LJ soul_society comm. Give me some time dig the archives if I can still find it... Or if anyone have that pic, please post it?

Edit:
Yay, found it!
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q104/MadeOfBees/up69907.jpg
and a bonus Rukia
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q104/MadeOfBees/up69906.jpg

[Soranushi]

Interesting well Ichigo looks okay with Glasses but it would have been better if had that serious look he always has, and Rukia...........that sketch reminds me of one of those shows where the girl transforms into what was it? a something girl? BLEACH would have been an interesting Manga if it was made like that:rolleyes: not really but still imagines Ichigo with a cape:nuts :p

[Lady Scaper]

Well it would make sense to have these two characters designed to complement each other since it would ease the visuals and it would be easy for the audience to distinguish them. That would be important since (at least early in bleach) Ichigo and Rukia are seen together a lot. Also a hair colour change makes more sense on Ichigo since it would be difficult to have Rukia look cool with an alternate hair colour. (complementing each other visually dosen't have to be a shipping thing )

[kaya]

I would love to share with everyone here with my own SJ's issue about Kubo's interview. I think everyone should read this as this interview is such a treasure and Kubo is such a darling here. In here, Kubo shown us how he works from drawing nemu to the final process, his workplace and his ipod. He is such a lover for music and a BIG inspiration to his works.

I am sorry I couldn't provide complete translations now as my japanese is not good enough, but I'm sure someone is going to provide translations later. I have to thank you first! :hug

I dedicated this to to debbiechan TEH LOVER, and to everyone who loves Kubo and Bleach dearly.

The pictures are big so please click them for larger pictures.
http://aycu12.webshots.com/image/40171/2002690686492813061_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002690686492813061)
http://aycu16.webshots.com/image/42775/2000088689056541919_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000088689056541919)
http://aycu30.webshots.com/image/40709/2000070437678915893_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000070437678915893)
http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/42569/2003990145690265294_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003990145690265294)

EDIT:
On page 2: Kubo Tite's one week work's schedule

Sunday-Tuesday: he will work with his helpers on original sketches(inking)
By Tuesday night,he must completed everything and pass to typesetter to do the words.

Wednesday is his rest day and doing on random chores(color spreads,SJ promotion etc.)

Thursday to Saturday is his story paneling. They called those pre-sketches, "nemu" (not our nemu XD)

Sunday: More works.

Page 3(The box with ipod's pic)
The ideas are born from music?

BLEACH THEME MUSICS- Characters' themes
Espada, Fraccion and some Arrancar- their themes, for HM people
Kill Me Music- battle musics
Kiss Me Music- for tear-jerking part
Soul Society Commanders and sub commanders- their themes, for SS people

Anytime the music suits the styles he wants, he just add into his ipod, even western musics. Most of his titles are western musics' title, for example:
Chapter 297: "King of the Kill" is by Annihilator (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annihilator_%28band%29)

The ipod is really in Jet-black.

EDIT: Page 1 brief translation
On his workplace
Kubo has an impressive and neat studio. His helpers work on the 1st floor and up the spiral stairs, his table is on 2nd floor.
"When my helpers are not around, I will move to 1st floor as working on the 2nd floor is kinda lonely.*laugh*" said Kubo.

Kubo will put little small accessories and arranged them so colorfully for his copic markers(see page 4, upper left picture. 200 copic markers!:yell I only owned 26 and they already cost me $200. )
"For the things I use, basically, I would pick clean, neat designs. For my manga tools, and for my furnitures too." Kubo replied.

Then a bit on how he created his manga weekly.

Page 2: MelodyMix more or less has translated everything there,except the parts how he works on his manga. :)

Page 3:More about characters designs

Page 4: On his Ipod and how musics inspired Bleach.


More coming up! :yay

[fly]

Thanks kaya dear...:love :love

I was waiting to see this, and glad that you posted...

Nice to see how Kubo works...and he's just someone with no time to spare!!! :yell...

[kaya]

Indeed, fly. :hug

He is such a busy man. Awww...
I wonder how he has the time to date. LOL.

[spacecat]

Thanks Kaya and Melody, I just got a look at the large scans and could read so much more than on the small ones i had <3 I totally missed the part about designing ichigo and rukia so thanks. I wish he listed the arrancar theme songs though :\

[Gintoki]

Here something what I already posted at the Aizen FC:

Tokyopop, the German Publisher of the Bleach Manga made an interview with KT in their newest release volume.

One of the questions was: Mr. Kubo what's your favourite Bleach character?

And his answer was: Aizen and Mayuri

That really surprised me :D

And his favourite Chapter is 169. The Aizen x Hina Stab scene.

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7905/54827415mp6.jpg



http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7954/85391995ay7.jpg

[spacecat]

lol yeah as said in the Aizen fc Kubo says: (laughs) Aizen because despite his appearance he says/does some really unexpected things, and Mayuri because no one else loves him.

Kubo seems to say something different each time he is asked who is his favourite character :p

[Suzumega]

Oh, I think Mayuri gets more love than he deserves. Although I've never seen a rabid fan of him... About choosing who's the favourite character, it's really much harder when they're your mind children, no wonder he says something else each time.
And about that week shedule, mangaka are generally busy people. They deserve more breaks than they get, too. *belongs to the "Kubo, you workaholic" group of readers*

[furato]

I really wonder what are the theme songs he spoke of. Though if he did reveal it, I suppose the fans would immediately go into full-fledged prophesizing mode to predict the ending based on the song choices.

[Soranushi]

Thanks Kaya&Gintoki for the info

Kubo's desk is so neat and cool I wish I had that stuff:cry

Its interesting to know he listens to different types of music to get inspiration for how he's gonna draw the a chapter. If you listen to some music while reading any manga its more entertaining then just reading it and if you pick the right song that suits the chapter it makes it even better.

:che Now that I know he use's music to inspire him maybe he's listening to stuff that has a religious theme too it I mean look at the last couple chapters and there titles

[Ryuzaki]

Hiya. There was an interview with KT on chapter 307 and I have translated a part of it. I already posted it on the IchiRuki FC but I thought I might post it here as well.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p214/annie08ws/23-1.jpg

About the character. 1 Until Ichigo and Rukia were made

Okay, let’s ask about this months topic “Characters”. First of all, let’s start with our main characters Ichigo and Rukia

“The first Ichigo I drew wore glasses. He wore glasses and had black hair * laugh *
He also had kind eyes… and it looks like a different person from the Ichigo we have now”

Is it true that Rukia’s design was decided before Ichigo’s design?

“Before the story was decided a Shingami uniform popped up into my mind. Unlike the design we have now it was like a uniform from Catholic school where they wore a black jacket over a white blouse with a black bowtie… and they carried a huge scissors. I thought that was what Shinigami was like. After that, to match Rukia’s design I changed Ichigo’s character design. Like Rukia had black hair so it’s best if Ichigo didn’t have black hair.”
Interesting so it seems that Kubo drew Rukia before Ichigo, which seems natural (in character designs). It's rather nothing uncommon sometimes manga artists end up drawing supporting characters to see how best to mold the main character. However, I wish he would explain the reasons for more than half his story being based upon Yu Yu Hakusho and Dragon Ball Z. It just seems that there are way too many parallels and less of the story seems original as it progresses. Sort of like as if he has been winging it for a while.

[Marionette]

How does being the first one to be drawn make Rukia a "supporting character" again?

[caramelmilktea]

you're right Marionette,how come?:hm

[furato]

One way to look at it is that compared to Ichigo, everyone in Bleach's a supporting character.

[Annie]

Yeah, whatever how a person wanted to view it.

Drawing a main character to match a supporting character? Never heard of that before. And didn't the interviewed stated that 'main characters, Ichigo and Rukia?'


Enough with this, thank you for the translation, Mel. It would be nice to know how other characters were designed.

[eurys]

"Okay, let’s ask about this months topic “Characters”. First of all, let’s start with our main characters Ichigo and Rukia"
That's all I'll say about that :hm
And also, thank god the manga isn't called "Ichigo", yeah...

Thank you Mel, Kaya and Gintoki for those translations. I love to know more about Kubo's way of working and opinions. He sure likes to support unpopular characters though (Mayuri), he must feel very protective of them all. And seeing how many he created, that must be exhausting :ohh

I'm not making request, but I do wish someone alse had quickly read that movie interview just to see if there were some interesting things or at least confirm the Unohana's part. But I'm grateful anyway.

[Orihime-Chan]

Kubo says he envies Gin XDD that was funny!

btw, did Kubo mention anything about the HM group?

[kaya]

I realized there is no SOULs interview translation at all so I translated it to share with everyone here.
WOOHOO :)

SOULs and VIBEs' interview are connected and SOULs' continued from VIBEs.

VIBEs' interview has been translated by our lovely Melodymix so it is advised to read VIBEs (http://bleachasylum.com/showpost.php?p=113314&postcount=203)' first and then this one.

Enjoy!:)


p1:
KUBO TITE X MASAKAZU MORITA [TALK OF BLEACH]
Creator Kubo Tite and Kurosaki Ichigo's voice actor. Masakazu Morita's "BLEACH" special interview
"SOULs is focused on Kubo sensei
K- is Kubo
M- is Morita


p2
-Both first meeting and impression

When is Kubo sensei and Morita san's first meeting?
K: At the earliest recording(*1), I took the role as Kon; that should be the time we first met.
M: Because on that day, I have other jobs to do, I just stay for a while. Therefore we were really just passing by, even our conversations didn't consist more than a few words

Both impressions on each other?
M: He is a very reserved person.
K: He is a very lively, really passionate person. Although I am someone who is difficult to mix with people who are very outgoing, luckily Morita san is very approachable. In a favorable coincidence and common interests, we quickly become closer.

-About TV animation "Bleach"

Q---Have Kubo sensei seen the anime before?
K: Of course I watched it. Before the anime is broadcast, I've gotten the tape and seen it.

What is your feeling?
K: From the beginning to the end, the original work is done by me alone, while the animation is a product of a team that requires multitudinous people to understand, to interpret, and then to compile everything together.For that reason, it will make me even more "restless" to watch it. *laugh*

Did any line spoken by Ichigo as Moritan san's voice even appear in sensei's mind?
K:Sometime.*laugh* I have messaged about that part to Morita san.
M: When I heard it, I even searched for that one particular scene vigorously.
K: That was from the scene where he is leaving Soul Society back to the modern world, of the spoken line, "Bullies!" *laugh*(*2)

(*1) The recording is that pilot episode for the show, shown in Japan at the Jump Festa 2004 Anime Tour("BLEACH Jump Festa 2004 Anime Tour: Memories in the Rain")Kubo sensei debuts as voice actor, voices Kon in this special.
How does everyone thinks of his performance?!

(*2) The line that is spoken by Ichigo, the part about back to the modern world, when they required going through the dangerous "Dai-gai" once again.

P3-
"I think drawing is just like illustrating the "air"."

About "drawing ideas"

K: Didn't Morita san just mentioned "Connection to one another and a story is born."(*3), I think it was marvelously well-said.
I think when I am drawing, I wasn't just clarifying the lines, but illustrating the "air".
Therefore, no matter in drawing or writing,neither words nor lines, but singularly illustrating the "air". I always have this feeling of bringing the "air" into the paper when drawing.
How to phrase it, every panel should have a background.
Backgrounds are drawn to remind the reader where is the characters situated. However, I feel that it was not that important. In this manner, at the very panel when a character is exceptionally distinctive, I don't feel like filling the background at all.

In BLEACH, when a new character debuts, the background is actually white.(*4)
The reason is I want the readers to savor the atmosphere of one's surrounding through the characters themselves.
I believe that the world coexists with the characters and shaped, so I would hold this belief of "I want to shape this world" and pen it down.

M: When I read the manga, I can experience this kind of atmosphere; sometime intense, sometime 'delicate'. Because of that, I can even frequently hear the voices of the work as a role of a voice actor. How to conserve its most genuine state, to converse it most genuinely, that is very significant.

(*3) Please look up Moritan san's conversation in Animation book, 'VIBEs".

(*4) The White Background
The scene which Aizen is appeared alive.
It was just like what Sensei has mentioned that the background is white, but nothing is drawn behind the character.

P4
Kubo and Morita Q&A

How do you spent your vacation?
K: I have no vacation.
M: Me too.
K: When I am free, I would do some colorings. I don't even remember what I'd done for the last vacation. I didn't rest. The most is I spent a few hours outside, cutting my hair. Once I reached home, it's work again.

What is the thing you want to do the most now?
K: Now that you asked, I am unsure too. On account of the normal days whereby I just need to ponder what to do, my mind would be in a tangled mess. The things I wanted to do 2 years before, I can't do them anymore now.
What is happening?

Kubo sensei, have you ever think of working on a totally different work?
K: I try my best not to. Once you decided, your heart and mind will tend to lean over there as well. And once you concentrated too much, the other work would be discarded. So that's why I would try my utmost best not to think, and once I think of one, I would use my characters to divert the attention. Thus, I would only dedicated to BLEACH.
However, if it is BLEACH's side chapters, then I can draw. Someone mentioned of "trying other type of side-comics, but then it would make me grow distanced to BLEACH, as it has some difficulties, so until now, I didn't try.

Let's not talk about the present. What about the future?
M: If it is about career, I would challenge acting.
Originally, I can be considered someone from the theater field, and I considered of being in a performance or film before... But that is a faraway future. In the current state, I can only dream but I don't have the time to start.
K: In the area of design.
I would like to be the field of fashion design.(*5 & *6) Or maybe I should be practical and start investing first. I don't know whether I would have the desire to do it a few years later, but I would like to be in the fashion industry, and maybe I should try furniture design as well.

(*5)The designer shirt wore on Ichigo is another Kubo sensei's talent. It is currently the best-seller in "JUMP SHOP"

(*6) "The lacy fairy"
Ishida's pride, helping to fix up Kon, born into fantasy "The Lacy fairy"!

P5
About the work's poetry

The title of Aizen's story(*7) is pretty interesting.
K: Thank you for your compliment.
M: The poem at the front of every volume too.

Around how long does it takes to write a poem?
K: Those are what I collected a few years before.
When I think of an idea, I would just jot it down, and then find a suitable one later.
M: So you have a small note book?
K: That is a must. I already owned about 50. For example, it can be about the vibes the characters leaves, or just writes about the thoughts of the characters. If the poems I complied didn't suit the intended character, then I would keep contemplate of one that is most suitable. If even now I couldn't think of any, then it would really means trouble.

So you still this feeling even now?
K: Definitely.
Moreover, I was asked all of the sudden for SOULs and VIBEs, that every volume has to insert a poem, and now it has given a big headache.(*8)

-The satisfying moment

When Kubo sensei is at work, which moment give you the best satisfaction?
K: It should be the scenes that I always wanted to draw and I can still follow my heart and present it.
Every week, there are only 19 pages, so some scenes has to be cleared. Although it is hard to have a moment whereby everything you want is ideally portrayed,but when you get the smooth ride, it is pretty satisfying.

People say your work give off the impression "like watching a movie". For example, after Aizen's death, the before and after panels of Hinamori/Gin's battle.
K: That particular scene(*9) is among one of my most satisfying moment.
The reason is that scene expressed the portrayal of manga-paneling extremely well, and hearing this from you made me very happy, Thank you.
M: About this point, if you don't pay enough attention, you will missed it. And after you study the paneling and when you realized "so it was presented in this way", it would really give you a shock. How can someone draw out something so delicate like this?
K: There are still quite a lot of things I wanted to draw, and if i have unlimited amount of time, like Kenpachi's story, sooner or later I would put into the plot.

I am so curious about Yachiru's back story.
K: I will draw them. I still can't say it out now.
M: And the four nobles are?

Kuchiki and the Shihouin... and the Shiba?
K: The Shiba is not. At the beginning when the Shiba is part of the five nobles, I even thought of all other related ideas. However if it is not required, then there isn't a need to draw the out...
I want to portray the very best.
M: I am so looking forward to it. *laugh*

Words to the readers
Every readers' letters that sent to me, I have read every single one of them. Your feedback are going to be my biggest support. I look forward to everyone's letters. *laugh*



-Tite Kubo working laboratory
--Kubo sensei is an avid music lover. In every corner of the studio's wall-shelves are filled with CDs.
-- Kubo's sophistication to interior design, on the desk that is multi-functioned, BLEACH is born.



EDIT:
This is for you, debbie. :love

SOULs' scans(Click to enlarge)

http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/41386/2002448452044028600_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002448452044028600)
http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/44343/2002443966175397135_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002443966175397135)
http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/42503/2002407422102412072_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002407422102412072)
http://aycu16.webshots.com/image/42175/2002407331662400352_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002407331662400352)
http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/41613/2002415348610457519_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002415348610457519)
http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/42506/2002408621206070490_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002408621206070490)


VIBEs' scans(Click to enlarge):

http://aycu20.webshots.com/image/44339/2003693572710450783_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003693572710450783)
http://aycu03.webshots.com/image/42762/2003646592137529333_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003646592137529333)
http://aycu11.webshots.com/image/44330/2003688796605848813_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003688796605848813)
http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/40700/2003664653808562761_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003664653808562761)
http://aycu03.webshots.com/image/42442/2003672290803780070_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003672290803780070)
http://aycu33.webshots.com/image/43712/2003688538466185522_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003688538466185522)

[debbiechan]

*blows kisses and throws candies at Kaya*


I think when I am drawing, I wasn't just clarifying the lines, but illustrating the "air".
Therefore, no matter in drawing or writing,neither words nor lines, but singularly illustrating the "air". I always have this feeling of bringing the "air" into the paper when drawing.
How to phrase it, every panel should have a background.
Backgrounds are drawn to remind the reader where is the characters situated. However, I feel that it was not that important. In this manner, at the very panel when a character is exceptionally distinctive, I don't feel like filling the background at all.

You go, BF, DON'T DRAW THOSE BACKGROUNDS. Your characters and their faces make the pages.

(I'm so in love).

As for the pix, yeah Morita is a hottie but Kubo is a genius. Kubo is the one I love.

*flails around*

[Air]

Illustrating the "air"? Bringing the "air" into the paper?
Given my nickname, that's such a poetic though.. that made me melt.

Well, now I know for sure that me and Kubo have similar minds..

[Triggerhappy69]

http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/41386/2002448452044028600_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002448452044028600)
http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/44343/2002443966175397135_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002443966175397135)
http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/42503/2002407422102412072_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002407422102412072)
http://aycu16.webshots.com/image/42175/2002407331662400352_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002407331662400352)
http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/41613/2002415348610457519_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002415348610457519)
http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/42506/2002408621206070490_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002408621206070490)


Hm, I'm not sure how much my opinion matters, but Kubo looks pretty handsome/cool in those pics. A lot more casual looking than I thought he'd be. Only other picture I've seen of him is this (http://www.bleachexile.com/information/kubo-tite/) one, and he just looks pissed off.

Anyways, thanks for the stuff Kaya :glomp

[KurosakiNaruto]

What a passionate guy, very outspoken through his art and devilishly good-looking. Yup, Kubo's getting more and more like me everyday. XD

JK I'm not that vain

[shinebunny]

Thanks, everyone, for the interviews. They're so interesting, I really wish Kubo gave more interviews. I shouldn't be so intrigued by the fact that the stab scene was her favorite - that was incredible. It was the turning point for the entire SS arc. *o*

Kubo is my hero. <3

[Soranushi]

There is another character that appears in that picture ,in chapter 1 ,where we see Shinji for the first time ,that I can't quite identify. She looks alot like Matsumoto but I can't tell for sure since it's drawn in Kubo Tite's old style. The hair is a little different but it could be her. But it would be strange since that would make her the only Shinigami out of that lot. Maybe that's another character that hasn't appeared yet.

Even though this is old I felt like putting in my 2 cents I believe that is Neliel that girl has Green hair like Nel's and since the Vizards&Arrancar's were planed early I think it is Nel.

[furato]

Even though this is old I felt like putting in my 2 cents I believe that is Neliel that girl has Green hair like Nel's and since the Vizards&Arrancar's were planed early I think it is Nel.There is a Kubo interview that says that the girl is a cancelled character. It might even be in this very thread. (The girl is blonde, btw.)

[Soranushi]

Oh! okay thanks for telling me about it..........ohwell:(

However it still looks like she has green hair in all the color spreads I saw from the first chapter

[Malificus]

There is a Kubo interview that says that the girl is a cancelled character. It might even be in this very thread. (The girl is blonde, btw.)

He did say that the girl was going to be one of Ichigo's classmates, he scrapped her and landed up using her face for another character...

[kaya]

furato and Malificus are correct.
Thank you so much for the info.:che

I don't remember it's which interview ....(getting old:yell) but I do remember he mentioned that as well in "All Colors but the Black" as in that art book, the illustration was edited and left with only Ichigo and Rukia.

While in vol 1 for the Japanese version, you can still see the characters. Strangely, my Chinese version for that chapter's cover is the edited version(only Ichigo and Rukia). How weird.
What about Viz's cover? I usually don't own English translated comic(as they are more expensive than Japanese version and Chinese version, and Viz's version of Bleach is not translated well.) so I am uncertain.
Can someone share with me? :che


http://i28.tinypic.com/inswno.jpg

I think one of the most interesting thing is how early Kubo has planned for Shinji already. This shows that the concept of Vaizard is created on the same time he create Bleach.
And is that me or that cancelled character looks like Rangiku?

[Soranushi]

Is this acceptable Kaya I still dont know if its in the Volume editions but I found this in one of my old Monthly Shonen Jumps so it should be the same. Maybe it was Matsumoto in all the other ones I've seen she has Greenish hair but in this one she has blond hair and blue eyes like Rangiku.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s175/Inuyasha_The_Hanyo/BleachMonthlyShonenjumpcover001.jpg