Hideo Ishikawa, Naruto‘s iconic voice actor for Itachi Uchiha, just shared some funny and heartfelt insights on voicing Bleach‘s gentle giant Jushiro Ukitake. And yes, he’s still resentful that Ukitake never got to shout the magic word that all Shinigami hold dear: Bankai!
But beyond the jealousy and laughs, Ishikawa reveals what makes Ukitake truly special, his hidden insecurities, and why the Thousand-Year Blood War arc provided the character with a completely new level of depth. Let’s break it down.
Hideo Ishikawa Talks Ukitake: From Naruto‘s Itachi to Bleach‘s Frail Hero
Ishikawa kicked things off by gushing about the Bleach‘s Thousand-Year Blood War arc, calling it a perfect way to explore the backstories that the manga only hinted at. Ukitake, for example, usually hides in the background, but this arc made his sense of responsibility shine, especially when Soul Society is in serious danger.
Playing Ukitake wasn’t about being heroic-looking; Ishikawa had to walk a line between his goofy side and the stern captain persona. Ishikawa described during an interview with Oricon News Japan:
In ‘Soukokutan,’ I think Ukitake was driven by his sense of responsibility as the captain of the Gotei 13, so I didn’t show any of the cheerfulness or brightness he had before. I think this sense of responsibility is similar to the feelings Ukitake had when Kaien Shiba died.
Fans who loved happy-go-lucky Ukitake were probably disappointed, but Ishikawa hopes to voice that side again someday. Although Ukitake is not the flashiest or loudest captain, his intensity is there in every serious scene. As we are talking about Ishikawa, let’s take a brief look at some of the notable roles he played in some of the well-known anime/games.
Now, here’s where things get juicy. Ukitake has never shown his Bankai, and Ishikawa is salty about it. Like, really salty. He joked:
You say that? (laughs) Ukitake is the only current captain of the Gotei 13 who hasn’t used bankai! So, I wanted to say “bankai” even just once. (laughs) I hear a lot of different people’s bankai, whether it’s during dubbing or watching the anime. As for Morita, I can’t count how many times I’ve heard “bankai!” (laughs). I was really jealous.
He even imagined how he’d do it if given the chance: a little louder than normal, full of heart, because Ukitake is weak but determined. You can totally picture this: Ukitake, pale and frail, shouting Bankai! and everyone in Soul Society pausing in shock. Iconic.
The Heart of Ukitake: Pairing, Zanpakuto, and Friendship Goals
Ishikawa characterizes Ukitake as a ‘pair’, because his Zanpakuto, Sogyo no Kotowari, is in twins, and his friendship with Shunsui is basically friendship goals. That relationship, full of balance and mutual respect, is one of the highlights of the Thousand-Year Blood War.
Even his go-to line, the one about separating battles for life and pride, captures the depth of Ukitake’s character. It’s heavy, it’s wise, and it’s exactly why fans love him.
True to Ukitake’s character, Ishikawa acknowledged he’s a bit frail in real life as well, making jokes about nasal voices and sore throats when recording. So in the end, whether you’re team cheerful Ukitake, team serious captain, or just salty he never got to scream Bankai!, Ishikawa’s love for the character shines through. And honestly? We can’t wait to hear it again.
So, which side of Hideo Ishikawa do you love more? The mysterious calm of Itachi or the gentle strength of Ukitake? Tell us in the comments below!
