Exclusive Interview: Johnny Yong Bosch Reveals His Exciting Return as Ichigo in Bleach & Shares Essential Voice Acting Tips

Summary

Johnny Yong Bosch has made a glorious return as Ichigo in the latest Bleach episodes, completing the character's story that fans were unsure they would see or hear again.

Bosch has also reprised his role as Vash in Trigun Stampede, along with numerous other beloved characters from his career.

Bleach captivates fans with its entertaining storyline, the protagonist's unwavering determination to safeguard those dear to him, exhilarating action sequences, and the anticipation surrounding its awaited comeback.

Johnny Yong Bosch has already become a source of inspiration for a whole generation of voice actors, and he shows no signs of slowing down. He recently made his return as Ichigo in the latest episodes of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Although the Bleach anime was canceled in 2012 before it could adapt the manga's final and arguably best arc, it came back with remarkable improvements in quality and pacing. Most of the series' cast, including Johnny Yong Bosch who voices Kurosaki Ichigo, returned to lend their voices to their iconic characters. However, Bosch's talent extends beyond Bleach as he has played a significant role in other beloved anime series such as Trigun Stampede, Devil May Cry, Dragon Ball Super, One Piece, Power Rangers, and more. His return to complete Ichigo's story in Bleach: TYBW has been a triumphant moment for fans who were uncertain if they would ever see or hear the character again.

Throughout the Bleach series, Ichigo and his friends have faced various formidable challenges - from battling Soul Reapers and mutated lost souls that transform into powerful Hollows, to confronting God-like adversaries like the infamous Sōsuke Aizen. However, in the final Bleach arc, a new and even more ominous threat emerges - the enigmatic and incredibly powerful King of the Quincy, Yhwach. In an interview with Screen Rant, Johnny discusses the unique aspects of Bleach, his personal favorite episode to record, and much more.

Johnny Yong Bosch Talks Bleach & Ichigo's Return

What challenges come for a Voice Actor in returning to voice a high schooler after ten years? And what were some of your favorite moments when recording new lines for Ichigo?

Johnny Yong Bosch: I still haven't reached puberty, so everything is fine. My favorite moment in the Thousand-Year Blood War so far was episode 7.

Have you considered reprising any other characters from your career, such as Vash from Trigun Stampede and Ichigo from Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood War? Are there any other characters whose stories you would like to see continue and have left a lasting impression on you?

Johnny Yong Bosch: Definitely. Akira, Code Geass's Lelouch, and countless others. The list goes on, but listing them all would take up our entire evening. I've been truly lucky to be part of these incredible franchises, and I'm eager to revisit many of them.

Why do you believe Bleach continues to strike a chord with fans even a decade after the anime's cancellation?

Johnny Yong Bosch: In addition to it being an enjoyable show, perhaps it's his fervor for safeguarding his loved ones, the thrilling action, the hollows... but unfortunately, the story ended prematurely, leaving us all eager to witness its conclusion. I believe we're all just filled with anticipation to see that.

What are the key distinctions when lending your voice to an anime character compared to a character in a video game? And which do you personally find more enjoyable?

Johnny Yong Bosch: It really comes down to the narrative and the persona being portrayed. I find pleasure in both, although games often require more vociferation and uproar, without necessarily understanding the exact reason behind it. Whether it entails enduring punches, slaps, electric shocks, or plummeting from unknown heights, the motive might not always be clear. Conversely, in anime, there is typically a better comprehension of the situation or at least a more comprehensive context. So, while both can be enjoyable, you might find yourself getting exhausted more quickly with games.

What guidance do you have for individuals aspiring to pursue a voice acting career in 2023?

Johnny Yong Bosch suggests prioritizing pursuing one's dreams in acting while also being receptive to other potential avenues. Exploring writing or directing might unveil a newfound passion during the journey.

Share with me your recent interests in games, shows, or movies. What experiences have brought you happiness lately?

Johnny Yong Bosch: Recently…Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Perfect Strangers, [and] 80’s movies.

About Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War

In Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Kurosaki Ichigo and the remaining Soul Reapers are determined to recover and prepare themselves for the upcoming battles against Yhwach and his formidable Quincy army. However, as the story unfolds, they face potential deadly training sessions, unexpected betrayals, and revelations about their shocking origins. This adaptation of Tite Kubo's final arc of the Bleach manga will be released in four separate parts, with part 2 concluding on September 30, 2023.

Watch the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War anime on Hulu and Disney+.

Source: AnimeStudio/YouTube