Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach is a renowned name for its originality and creativity in the manga and anime industry. Millions of people have been captivated by his work because of its vivid storyline, finely detailed characters, and distinctive universe. However, beneath the surface of Kubo’s talent as a manga artist lies a creative identity that is often overlooked, and that is his deep-seated passion for design and architecture.
Whether it’s Soul Reapers, Hollows or the epic battles — every detail, from the flow of the story to the visual design of the characters, represents Kubo’s dynamic interests. But fans may not know that Kubo would not have been a mangaka at all if life had taken a different turn. He could have gone into architecture and shaped the real world instead of the made-up ones we’ve grown to love.
The Influence of Tite Kubo’s Passion for Architecture in Bleach
Tite Kubo reflected on his journey as Bleach author in a Character commentary in 2004. It was the same year when Bleach received the Shogakukan Manga Award for the most iconic manga within the Shonen genre. He revealed every detail of his artistic venture in this interview; from early inspirations to character ideation. Reddit user scheneizel has shared the translated version highlighting Kubo’s diverse interests in multiple fields.
Tite Kubo stated that his career as a mangaka started out of nowhere. Without any prior knowledge of drawing manga, he participated in a contest organized by Weekly Shonen Jump by submitting a manga sketch during his high school years. Even though he did not manage to win, he got a call from one of the editors to work with them.
He also mentioned that if he hadn’t become a mangaka, he would have pursued a career as an architect. His passion for this field is apparent in the way he designed the characters of Bleach, as it showcases Kubo’s ability to draw inspiration from a wide array of sources, blending them seamlessly into his fictional world.
Kubo’s fascination with architecture and design is not merely a passing interest; it has been a significant influence on his work. Upon asking about his ideation behind the creating the characters in a interview conducted by WSJ, Kubo stated that he put special considerations for names of the Arrancar.
For instance, the name Ulquiorra was derived from a furniture designer, while Grimmjow’s name was inspired by the architect Nicholas Grimshaw. In his own words,
This isn’t something I normally do, but I got the idea of the Arrancar names from those of architects and designers. There is, in fact, a furniture designer named Ulquiiorra. And Grimmjow is inspired by an architect named Niicholas Grimshaw.
Additionally, from the names of the Zanpakutou wielded by the Soul Reapers to the powerful Hadou used in combat, Kubo revealed that these terms were often inspired by ancient Japanese literature. This connection between the characters’ names and their design displays Kubo’s holistic approach to world-building, where every element is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the story.
Legacy of the Arrancar Arc of Bleach
Bleach‘s Arrancar Arc is regarded as one of the most iconic and impactful plots. The distinctive fusion of inspirations that Tite Kubo included in his work is a contributing factor for its popularity. His passion for architecture and design allowed him to add a unique touch to the arc that made it stand out from other Shonen manga of the time.
Kubo’s venture into the world of architecture and design not only enriched the Bleach series but also provided him with the tools and perspectives necessary to craft a story that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Although he may not have chosen architecture as a full-time career, it has definitely influenced his work as a mangaka and had a long-lasting effect on the manga community.
As we continue to appreciate the depth and thoughtfulness that Kubo poured into every aspect of the series, we witness more of the intricately designed settings that stand as evidence of his creative genius.
You can watch Bleach on Crunchyroll.
