It goes without saying that Tite Kubo’s Bleach series has been able to capture millions with its very colorful characters, deep lore, and over-the-top story arcs. Character designs are definitely some of the most striking features of the series, the Shinigami especially or the Soul Reapers.
They surely do look rather iconic across the realm of anime and manga, but surprisingly their distinguishing feature wasn’t the primary idea of the creator, Tite Kubo. In fact, he didn’t want to include it first. So just what is this defining characteristic, and how did it become a part of the Shinigami identity?
Tite Did Not Really Prefer How All The Shinigami Actually Look In Bleach
This is certainly rather odd to hear, as Tite Kubo later confessed in an interview, that he wasn’t much of a fan of making the Shinigami look traditionally Japanese. Actually, he didn’t want them in kimonos in the first place! He wanted something along the lines of a mark or sign for different styling, unlike the rest. He did his trials by adding aesthetics like long-sleeved sweater-like effects, that flow from the edges, trying different kinds of designs that give it that unique look.
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.
This is because Kubo aimed to have magnificently beautiful action scenes where the clothes of his characters could flow along. Although he often struggled with traditional Japanese aesthetics at the beginning, he managed to make it his own and bring out an iconic Shinigami design.
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.
This later turned out to become a perfect mix between tradition and style of the modern age, a brand in itself for the Bleach series.
The Inspiration For The Awesome Shinigami Character Designs Was Rather Simple
Kubo had actually taken a very simple approach to the design of his Bleach characters. He just did not think much about it and dressed them in clothes he personally loved but could not find in real life. Putting it in another way, what the characters wear by Kubo is his dream wardrobe.
I just put the characters in the clothes I wish I could buy, but can’t find in stores.
The simplicity of the thought brought out a very unique and stylish bunch of characters that fans just love. By drawing what he liked, Kubo managed to infuse the Bleach series with its own feel that separated it from other animes and mangas.
With a need to express his own style and taste, he had to come up with a really original and recognizable look for Shinigami and other characters. This fact alone gives birth to the visually stunning series that has captured the hearts of many fans around the world.
You can watch Bleach on Crunchyroll.
