Bleach enthusiasts have long been intrigued by Ichigo Kurosaki’s life following the conclusion of the manga series. Recently, Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach, has taken the time to address some of these queries. His latest question-and-answer session has shed light on Ichigo’s unexpected career path, clarifying how and why he ventured into this profession.
In the manga’s epilogue, Ichigo is depicted as having settled into a “normal”life, marrying Orihime and taking over his father’s clinic, while also caring for their son, Kazui Kurosaki. However, a surprising twist emerged in the 2021 anniversary one-shot titled “NO BREATHES FROM HELL,”which revealed that Ichigo actually became an English/Japanese translator. This career change raised eyebrows among fans, leading many to ponder the reasoning behind such a specific choice. Thankfully, Kubo has provided valuable insight through his fanpage, “Klub Outside.”
Ichigo’s Transition to Translation: A Fascinating Backstory
A Thoughtful Choice Behind Ichigo’s New Career
Participation in “Klub Outside”is limited to members in Japan, making Kubo’s responses occasionally difficult to obtain. Fortunately, X (formerly Twitter) user @Cellexion has translated and shared his recent answers. One inquiry posed was, “I always imagined Ichigo would become a doctor, so learning he became a translator was surprising. How did this come about?” Kubo’s response was intriguing: “It’s because he was interested in connecting two different worlds.”
Another user asked, “Ichigo became a translator after ten years, but did he have experience studying abroad to improve his foreign language skills?” Kubo simply replied, “He studied in England.” While these responses seem straightforward, they add a rich layer to Ichigo’s life story post-manga. Given his prior experiences navigating between the Soul Society and the Human World, it becomes understandable that he would wish to extend his ability to bridge cultures, this time between English-speaking nations and Japan.
Potential Crossovers: Ichigo’s Studies and Burn the Witch
Exploring Connections with Kubo’s Burn the Witch
It’s noteworthy that Kubo’s subsequent work, Burn the Witch, transpires in the UK and showcases a Western extension of the Soul Society. Given that Ichigo studied English in England, there lies the entertaining possibility that he may have interacted with characters from Burn the Witch. This creates fertile ground for speculation among fans regarding potential crossovers. While the two series are indeed set within the same universe, an actual crossover remains uncertain.
Ultimately, with Kubo’s explanation illustrating Ichigo’s career as a translator, this transition feels more justified. Ichigo’s knack for uniting diverse groups aligns well with the essence of translation, reinforcing his character’s growth. While the conclusion of Bleach may have surprised many, it is clear that Kubo has cultivated a well-thought-out trajectory for Ichigo’s future.
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