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Scientists Realize That Magic Mushrooms Are Even Weirder Than We Thought

Scientists Realize That Magic Mushrooms Are Even Weirder Than We Thought

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Scientists found that the magic behind so-called “magic mushrooms”—psilocybin, a psychedelic compound—has evolved at least twice in mushrooms, and in very different ways.

Researchers in Germany and Austria examined two different types of magic mushrooms. They showed that while both kinds make psilocybin, the biochemistry each relied on to produce the natural compound were entirely distinct. The findings suggest psilocybin may be an example of convergent evolution, in which two, unrelated forms of life nevertheless evolve to develop similar traits or features.

“Mushrooms have learned twice independently how to make the iconic magic mushroom natural product psilocybin,” the authors wrote in the paper, published last month in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Same, same, but different

The kind of magic mushrooms that people may be most familiar with belong to the genus Psilocybe; and indeed, plenty of species within this genus make psilocybin. But a few other species from different mushroom genera also produce the psychedelic ingredient. The researchers were especially interested in studying psilocybin-making mushrooms within the genus Inocybe. This genus is known for its mushrooms’ distinctive texture, which are commonly known as fiber cap mushrooms. Importantly, this genus is also known for its toxicity, with many of its more than 1,000 species known to produce muscarine, a poisonous compound that can cause various negative side effects and even cardiac arrest. In other words, please don’t try to eat these.

In a series of experiments, the researchers studied the chemical and genetic underpinnings of Psilocybe and Inocybe mushrooms that eventually give rise to psilocybin. And to their surprise, they found little in common between the two mushrooms. Inocybe mushrooms don’t seem to rely on any of the same enzymes to make psilocybin as Psilocybe mushrooms do, and the chain of chemical events that result in the creation of psilocybin are entirely distinct in both. The only thing they do seem to share in common is the use of one particular chemical in an intermediate step of the process.

“I never expected these two psilocybin pathways not to share any reaction,” study co-author Dirk Hoffmeister, a biochemist at Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany, told Science magazine.

More questions to answer

As is often the case in science, this sort of unexpected finding creates plenty more intriguing questions to answer.

Convergent evolution tends to happen when different lifeforms evolve similar traits in order to take advantage of a similar niche or environment. For example, bats, insects, and birds likely evolved wings for many of the same reasons as one another. But for these mushrooms, the picture is complicated by the fact they actually fill quite distinct niches. Psilocybe mushrooms feed off decaying organic material (and sometimes poop), whereas Inocybe mushrooms form symbiotic relationships with trees. Ultimately, we’re still not sure why any mushrooms make psilocybin at all, although one leading theory is that the compound has a protective effect, warding off unwelcome insects.

The researchers are hopeful their findings will motivate more scientists to dig deeper into these fungal mysteries.

“As Inocybe and Psilocybe mushrooms follow different lifestyles, our work may help ecologists identify the selection pressure and true reason why one of the most iconic natural products emerged and why it emerged independently,” they wrote in the study.

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Thousand-Year Blood War. Now, fans are preparing for the beginning of the end with the imminent arrival of The Calamity, its fourth and final season. The Calamity gives the shonen epic the proper farewell fans thought would never come after the original anime ended in 2012, before it reached its climactic final arc.

Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who moonlights as a substitute Soul Reaper, a type of samurai who defends humanity from evil spirits called “Hollows.” He’s sort of a big deal, not only in his own series but in Shonen Jump history, with Bleach being part of Shonen Jump’s “Big Three” alongside Naruto and One Piece, heavy hitters that ran in the magazine concurrently whose impact continues to be felt in the industry today.

Thousand Year Blood War, though polarizing amongst manga readers, sees Ichigo’s tale finally come to an end in an aptly titled all-out war between Soul Reapers and Quincy—the archer yin to Soul Reapers’ sword-wielding yang, with which Ichigo has deep, complicated ties. As far as its anime adaptation is concerned, the show continues to find new ways to exceed expectations with the inclusion of original scenes, cementing its status as one of the greatest shonen anime of all time.

Ahead of the final season’s premiere, io9 spoke with Ichigo Kurosaki’s English and Japanese voice actors, Johnny Yong Bosch and Masakazu Morita, about getting back in the booth for Bleach one last time, as well as a humbling conversation that’s bound to put a moratorium on the eternal subs vs. dubs anime debate in the most wholesome way possible.

Ichigo’s Voice Actors Are Ready to Feel Like ‘#1’ One Last Time in ‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ It’s been four years since Bleach fans rejoiced when the anime made its grand return at Anime Expo 2022 with Viz Media and Pierrot Film’s sequel series, Thousand-Year Blood War. Now, fans are preparing for the beginning of the end with the imminent arrival of The Calamity, its fourth and final season. The Calamity gives the shonen epic the proper farewell fans thought would never come after the original anime ended in 2012, before it reached its climactic final arc. Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who moonlights as a substitute Soul Reaper, a type of samurai who defends humanity from evil spirits called “Hollows.” He’s sort of a big deal, not only in his own series but in Shonen Jump history, with Bleach being part of Shonen Jump’s “Big Three” alongside Naruto and One Piece, heavy hitters that ran in the magazine concurrently whose impact continues to be felt in the industry today. Thousand Year Blood War, though polarizing amongst manga readers, sees Ichigo’s tale finally come to an end in an aptly titled all-out war between Soul Reapers and Quincy—the archer yin to Soul Reapers’ sword-wielding yang, with which Ichigo has deep, complicated ties. As far as its anime adaptation is concerned, the show continues to find new ways to exceed expectations with the inclusion of original scenes, cementing its status as one of the greatest shonen anime of all time. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLRjhptssns[/embed] Ahead of the final season’s premiere, io9 spoke with Ichigo Kurosaki’s English and Japanese voice actors, Johnny Yong Bosch and Masakazu Morita, about getting back in the booth for Bleach one last time, as well as a humbling conversation that’s bound to put a moratorium on the eternal subs vs. dubs anime debate in the most wholesome way possible. Left: Johnny Yong Bosch, right: Masakazu Morita © Isaiah Colbert/io9 Isaiah Colbert, io9: Of all the heroes in shonen anime, especially in the “Big Three,” Ichigo Kurosaki always felt like someone effortlessly cool. For both of you, how has Ichigo differed from other anime roles you’ve played, and what has made him feel special compared with other characters you’ve brought to life? Johnny Yong Bosch: Ichigo is still very early in my career as far as voicing in anime. Almost immediately, he became a very iconic character in the story and how he wants to protect his friends and his loved ones. And really, most of it is the story, the spiritual aspect of it. For me, it cemented a place pretty early on. Masakazu Morita: I think he was a really smart character. He’s always thinking ahead of what someone’s gonna do next, and next, even after that. So sometimes when other people hear what he has to say, they don’t know what to do, but it’s because of his insight. So I really try to bring out that smartness around him and chase after thinking like him, and it’s really challenging to follow his thought process. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcG93FZupiA[/embed] io9: I’d be remiss not to note that one thing that sets Ichigo far and away from the other members of the “big three” shonen anime is that his theme song, “Number One,” is arguably the greatest piece of anime music of all time. Whenever you hear that theme song kick in, does it give you goosebumps and make you feel like you can walk through a wall? What goes through your mind when his song hits? Bosch: Yeah, absolutely. It’s funny because when I first heard it, it wasn’t something I would expect. But the more I heard it, I was like, “Oh yeah, this is what it is.” It just took that on for me. So anytime I hear it, it feels like we’re about to get into some action. Morita: (Laughs) What kind of song did you think it was gonna…? Bosch: (Laughs) I don’t know. I didn’t expect lyrics, maybe. I was thinking more like a film score or something, which it does have. Morita: Ah! I’ve had a long history with this song, just like you, Johnny. Ichigo’s theme song, for Bleach fans, you have to have it. In Japan, when we’re recording, usually, there’s no music. But just for Thousand-Year Blood War, the staff has actually put the song in for us when it’s in the series, so it really gets us riled up. The song really brings out a lot of the emotion within me, too. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzypzOIG8I4[/embed] io9: The Bleach anime is finally finishing its story after so many years, when fans had a looming sense that it wouldn’t follow the Fullbringer arc. What’s more, Pierrot Films is putting its whole foot into its animation to meet the moment with each part as we march toward its series finale. What has that culmination felt like for you, especially after returning to the series after such a long break as Ichigo Kurosaki? Bosch: (Laughs) That’s a great question. It’s almost like seeing an old friend that you thought had died. It’s like, “Whoa, you’re still alive? Let’s catch up!” Yes, we get to do it. But then to see the animation, it’s just amazing. For me, sometimes, when I record, it’s just three beeps, but sometimes I’m just watching like, “Oh wait, wait, wait. Sorry!” I get caught up in the animation. I always say I need to work, but I just want to watch it. Morita: What we now say is “the old series,” that was for seven years. So there was a bit of a gap in the anime, but even throughout that time, I was working on the mobile game, so I never really forgot about [Ichigo]. All the other voice actors were doing the same working on the app. So it was really nice that we never got to leave those characters. At the same time, when Thousand-Year Blood War started back up, we saw Ichigo moving in animation form, it gave me goosebumps. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpHR0OPqCbs[/embed] io9: How long has it been since you both last met? What was it like finally meeting each other after voicing the same character for so many years?  Bosch: The very first time we met? I don’t remember the exact year, but I met him in Hawaii. For me, because it’s such an important role in my list of voiceovers—it’s one of the most popular ones—it was a little scary meeting the man who’s carved out this character. It was an honor, but scary. Morita: (Laughs) When I first met you, I actually thought you were a very powerful person who was just so extroverted, coming out and doing all these things. I didn’t think you were scared! Bosch: I was acting. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW9TwZdWpjw[/embed] io9: While the subs versus dubs argument will likely outlive all of us, your embodiments of Ichigo as his seiyuu and as his English voice actor are less a point of comparison for anime fans to debate and more one where they have trouble deciding which they love more. What do you appreciate about each other’s portrayal of Ichigo? Bosch: I love it. I feel like a lot of people don’t understand that he’s setting the stage for me. He makes these choices based on the script that he’s got, and he gets to develop the character. For me, when I walk into the booth, it is the first time I’m seeing it. So once I see it, there’s an excitement for the choices he’s made. It’s almost like rooting for whatever he’s doing because he’s just laid out the playground for me to play in. It’s absolute excitement each time. Morita: Before we met, I did hear once what you thought of Ichigo and your portrayal of him as a character. I’m not sure you remember. Apparently, you heard me and heard a very passionate character. But you said then that you were trying to give him a little more street hardness in the English portrayal, and that really stuck with me. I was really blown away by the fact that you were not just trying to imitate in another language, but to give him another layer of identity. I really appreciate and was blown away by that. When I dub a Hollywood movie, I take what I learned from you and try to give it a little bit of my own color to the character. In Japan, there’s not really a culture of doing that, so I really took to heart what you said and learned from that. Bosch: Wow, thats very cool to hear. © Pierrot Films Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War premieres July 25, on  Hulu and Disney+. io9 is on the ground at Anime Expo 2026. We’ll be bringing you updates on all the biggest panels, screenings, and announcements, plus exclusive one-on-one interviews with the people behind some of the best and most popular anime around. You can check out all of io9’s Anime Expo coverage here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Ichigos #Voice #Actors #Ready #Feel #Time #Bleach #ThousandYear #Blood #WarAnime,Anime Expo,bleach,Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
Left: Johnny Yong Bosch, right: Masakazu Morita © Isaiah Colbert/io9

Isaiah Colbert, io9: Of all the heroes in shonen anime, especially in the “Big Three,” Ichigo Kurosaki always felt like someone effortlessly cool. For both of you, how has Ichigo differed from other anime roles you’ve played, and what has made him feel special compared with other characters you’ve brought to life?

Johnny Yong Bosch: Ichigo is still very early in my career as far as voicing in anime. Almost immediately, he became a very iconic character in the story and how he wants to protect his friends and his loved ones. And really, most of it is the story, the spiritual aspect of it. For me, it cemented a place pretty early on.

Masakazu Morita: I think he was a really smart character. He’s always thinking ahead of what someone’s gonna do next, and next, even after that. So sometimes when other people hear what he has to say, they don’t know what to do, but it’s because of his insight. So I really try to bring out that smartness around him and chase after thinking like him, and it’s really challenging to follow his thought process.

io9: I’d be remiss not to note that one thing that sets Ichigo far and away from the other members of the “big three” shonen anime is that his theme song, “Number One,” is arguably the greatest piece of anime music of all time. Whenever you hear that theme song kick in, does it give you goosebumps and make you feel like you can walk through a wall? What goes through your mind when his song hits?

Bosch: Yeah, absolutely. It’s funny because when I first heard it, it wasn’t something I would expect. But the more I heard it, I was like, “Oh yeah, this is what it is.” It just took that on for me. So anytime I hear it, it feels like we’re about to get into some action.

Morita: (Laughs) What kind of song did you think it was gonna…?

Bosch: (Laughs) I don’t know. I didn’t expect lyrics, maybe. I was thinking more like a film score or something, which it does have.

Morita: Ah! I’ve had a long history with this song, just like you, Johnny. Ichigo’s theme song, for Bleach fans, you have to have it. In Japan, when we’re recording, usually, there’s no music. But just for Thousand-Year Blood War, the staff has actually put the song in for us when it’s in the series, so it really gets us riled up. The song really brings out a lot of the emotion within me, too.

io9: The Bleach anime is finally finishing its story after so many years, when fans had a looming sense that it wouldn’t follow the Fullbringer arc. What’s more, Pierrot Films is putting its whole foot into its animation to meet the moment with each part as we march toward its series finale. What has that culmination felt like for you, especially after returning to the series after such a long break as Ichigo Kurosaki?

Bosch: (Laughs) That’s a great question. It’s almost like seeing an old friend that you thought had died. It’s like, “Whoa, you’re still alive? Let’s catch up!” Yes, we get to do it. But then to see the animation, it’s just amazing. For me, sometimes, when I record, it’s just three beeps, but sometimes I’m just watching like, “Oh wait, wait, wait. Sorry!” I get caught up in the animation. I always say I need to work, but I just want to watch it.

Morita: What we now say is “the old series,” that was for seven years. So there was a bit of a gap in the anime, but even throughout that time, I was working on the mobile game, so I never really forgot about [Ichigo]. All the other voice actors were doing the same working on the app. So it was really nice that we never got to leave those characters. At the same time, when Thousand-Year Blood War started back up, we saw Ichigo moving in animation form, it gave me goosebumps.

io9: How long has it been since you both last met? What was it like finally meeting each other after voicing the same character for so many years? 

Bosch: The very first time we met? I don’t remember the exact year, but I met him in Hawaii. For me, because it’s such an important role in my list of voiceovers—it’s one of the most popular ones—it was a little scary meeting the man who’s carved out this character. It was an honor, but scary.

Morita: (Laughs) When I first met you, I actually thought you were a very powerful person who was just so extroverted, coming out and doing all these things. I didn’t think you were scared!

Bosch: I was acting.

io9: While the subs versus dubs argument will likely outlive all of us, your embodiments of Ichigo as his seiyuu and as his English voice actor are less a point of comparison for anime fans to debate and more one where they have trouble deciding which they love more. What do you appreciate about each other’s portrayal of Ichigo?

Bosch: I love it. I feel like a lot of people don’t understand that he’s setting the stage for me. He makes these choices based on the script that he’s got, and he gets to develop the character. For me, when I walk into the booth, it is the first time I’m seeing it. So once I see it, there’s an excitement for the choices he’s made. It’s almost like rooting for whatever he’s doing because he’s just laid out the playground for me to play in. It’s absolute excitement each time.

Morita: Before we met, I did hear once what you thought of Ichigo and your portrayal of him as a character. I’m not sure you remember. Apparently, you heard me and heard a very passionate character. But you said then that you were trying to give him a little more street hardness in the English portrayal, and that really stuck with me. I was really blown away by the fact that you were not just trying to imitate in another language, but to give him another layer of identity. I really appreciate and was blown away by that.

When I dub a Hollywood movie, I take what I learned from you and try to give it a little bit of my own color to the character. In Japan, there’s not really a culture of doing that, so I really took to heart what you said and learned from that.

Bosch: Wow, thats very cool to hear.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War collage of Ichigo Kurosaki.
© Pierrot Films

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War premieres July 25, on  Hulu and Disney+.

io9 is on the ground at Anime Expo 2026. We’ll be bringing you updates on all the biggest panels, screenings, and announcements, plus exclusive one-on-one interviews with the people behind some of the best and most popular anime around. You can check out all of io9’s Anime Expo coverage here.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Ichigos #Voice #Actors #Ready #Feel #Time #Bleach #ThousandYear #Blood #WarAnime,Anime Expo,bleach,Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War">Ichigo’s Voice Actors Are Ready to Feel Like ‘#1’ One Last Time in ‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ It’s been four years since Bleach fans rejoiced when the anime made its grand return at Anime Expo 2022 with Viz Media and Pierrot Film’s sequel series, Thousand-Year Blood War. Now, fans are preparing for the beginning of the end with the imminent arrival of The Calamity, its fourth and final season. The Calamity gives the shonen epic the proper farewell fans thought would never come after the original anime ended in 2012, before it reached its climactic final arc. Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who moonlights as a substitute Soul Reaper, a type of samurai who defends humanity from evil spirits called “Hollows.” He’s sort of a big deal, not only in his own series but in Shonen Jump history, with Bleach being part of Shonen Jump’s “Big Three” alongside Naruto and One Piece, heavy hitters that ran in the magazine concurrently whose impact continues to be felt in the industry today. Thousand Year Blood War, though polarizing amongst manga readers, sees Ichigo’s tale finally come to an end in an aptly titled all-out war between Soul Reapers and Quincy—the archer yin to Soul Reapers’ sword-wielding yang, with which Ichigo has deep, complicated ties. As far as its anime adaptation is concerned, the show continues to find new ways to exceed expectations with the inclusion of original scenes, cementing its status as one of the greatest shonen anime of all time. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLRjhptssns[/embed] Ahead of the final season’s premiere, io9 spoke with Ichigo Kurosaki’s English and Japanese voice actors, Johnny Yong Bosch and Masakazu Morita, about getting back in the booth for Bleach one last time, as well as a humbling conversation that’s bound to put a moratorium on the eternal subs vs. dubs anime debate in the most wholesome way possible. Left: Johnny Yong Bosch, right: Masakazu Morita © Isaiah Colbert/io9 Isaiah Colbert, io9: Of all the heroes in shonen anime, especially in the “Big Three,” Ichigo Kurosaki always felt like someone effortlessly cool. For both of you, how has Ichigo differed from other anime roles you’ve played, and what has made him feel special compared with other characters you’ve brought to life? Johnny Yong Bosch: Ichigo is still very early in my career as far as voicing in anime. Almost immediately, he became a very iconic character in the story and how he wants to protect his friends and his loved ones. And really, most of it is the story, the spiritual aspect of it. For me, it cemented a place pretty early on. Masakazu Morita: I think he was a really smart character. He’s always thinking ahead of what someone’s gonna do next, and next, even after that. So sometimes when other people hear what he has to say, they don’t know what to do, but it’s because of his insight. So I really try to bring out that smartness around him and chase after thinking like him, and it’s really challenging to follow his thought process. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcG93FZupiA[/embed] io9: I’d be remiss not to note that one thing that sets Ichigo far and away from the other members of the “big three” shonen anime is that his theme song, “Number One,” is arguably the greatest piece of anime music of all time. Whenever you hear that theme song kick in, does it give you goosebumps and make you feel like you can walk through a wall? What goes through your mind when his song hits? Bosch: Yeah, absolutely. It’s funny because when I first heard it, it wasn’t something I would expect. But the more I heard it, I was like, “Oh yeah, this is what it is.” It just took that on for me. So anytime I hear it, it feels like we’re about to get into some action. Morita: (Laughs) What kind of song did you think it was gonna…? Bosch: (Laughs) I don’t know. I didn’t expect lyrics, maybe. I was thinking more like a film score or something, which it does have. Morita: Ah! I’ve had a long history with this song, just like you, Johnny. Ichigo’s theme song, for Bleach fans, you have to have it. In Japan, when we’re recording, usually, there’s no music. But just for Thousand-Year Blood War, the staff has actually put the song in for us when it’s in the series, so it really gets us riled up. The song really brings out a lot of the emotion within me, too. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzypzOIG8I4[/embed] io9: The Bleach anime is finally finishing its story after so many years, when fans had a looming sense that it wouldn’t follow the Fullbringer arc. What’s more, Pierrot Films is putting its whole foot into its animation to meet the moment with each part as we march toward its series finale. What has that culmination felt like for you, especially after returning to the series after such a long break as Ichigo Kurosaki? Bosch: (Laughs) That’s a great question. It’s almost like seeing an old friend that you thought had died. It’s like, “Whoa, you’re still alive? Let’s catch up!” Yes, we get to do it. But then to see the animation, it’s just amazing. For me, sometimes, when I record, it’s just three beeps, but sometimes I’m just watching like, “Oh wait, wait, wait. Sorry!” I get caught up in the animation. I always say I need to work, but I just want to watch it. Morita: What we now say is “the old series,” that was for seven years. So there was a bit of a gap in the anime, but even throughout that time, I was working on the mobile game, so I never really forgot about [Ichigo]. All the other voice actors were doing the same working on the app. So it was really nice that we never got to leave those characters. At the same time, when Thousand-Year Blood War started back up, we saw Ichigo moving in animation form, it gave me goosebumps. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpHR0OPqCbs[/embed] io9: How long has it been since you both last met? What was it like finally meeting each other after voicing the same character for so many years?  Bosch: The very first time we met? I don’t remember the exact year, but I met him in Hawaii. For me, because it’s such an important role in my list of voiceovers—it’s one of the most popular ones—it was a little scary meeting the man who’s carved out this character. It was an honor, but scary. Morita: (Laughs) When I first met you, I actually thought you were a very powerful person who was just so extroverted, coming out and doing all these things. I didn’t think you were scared! Bosch: I was acting. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW9TwZdWpjw[/embed] io9: While the subs versus dubs argument will likely outlive all of us, your embodiments of Ichigo as his seiyuu and as his English voice actor are less a point of comparison for anime fans to debate and more one where they have trouble deciding which they love more. What do you appreciate about each other’s portrayal of Ichigo? Bosch: I love it. I feel like a lot of people don’t understand that he’s setting the stage for me. He makes these choices based on the script that he’s got, and he gets to develop the character. For me, when I walk into the booth, it is the first time I’m seeing it. So once I see it, there’s an excitement for the choices he’s made. It’s almost like rooting for whatever he’s doing because he’s just laid out the playground for me to play in. It’s absolute excitement each time. Morita: Before we met, I did hear once what you thought of Ichigo and your portrayal of him as a character. I’m not sure you remember. Apparently, you heard me and heard a very passionate character. But you said then that you were trying to give him a little more street hardness in the English portrayal, and that really stuck with me. I was really blown away by the fact that you were not just trying to imitate in another language, but to give him another layer of identity. I really appreciate and was blown away by that. When I dub a Hollywood movie, I take what I learned from you and try to give it a little bit of my own color to the character. In Japan, there’s not really a culture of doing that, so I really took to heart what you said and learned from that. Bosch: Wow, thats very cool to hear. © Pierrot Films Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War premieres July 25, on  Hulu and Disney+. io9 is on the ground at Anime Expo 2026. We’ll be bringing you updates on all the biggest panels, screenings, and announcements, plus exclusive one-on-one interviews with the people behind some of the best and most popular anime around. You can check out all of io9’s Anime Expo coverage here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Ichigos #Voice #Actors #Ready #Feel #Time #Bleach #ThousandYear #Blood #WarAnime,Anime Expo,bleach,Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War

. Now, fans are preparing for the beginning of the end with the imminent arrival of The Calamity, its fourth and final season. The Calamity gives the shonen epic the proper farewell fans thought would never come after the original anime ended in 2012, before it reached its climactic final arc.

Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who moonlights as a substitute Soul Reaper, a type of samurai who defends humanity from evil spirits called “Hollows.” He’s sort of a big deal, not only in his own series but in Shonen Jump history, with Bleach being part of Shonen Jump’s “Big Three” alongside Naruto and One Piece, heavy hitters that ran in the magazine concurrently whose impact continues to be felt in the industry today.

Thousand Year Blood War, though polarizing amongst manga readers, sees Ichigo’s tale finally come to an end in an aptly titled all-out war between Soul Reapers and Quincy—the archer yin to Soul Reapers’ sword-wielding yang, with which Ichigo has deep, complicated ties. As far as its anime adaptation is concerned, the show continues to find new ways to exceed expectations with the inclusion of original scenes, cementing its status as one of the greatest shonen anime of all time.

Ahead of the final season’s premiere, io9 spoke with Ichigo Kurosaki’s English and Japanese voice actors, Johnny Yong Bosch and Masakazu Morita, about getting back in the booth for Bleach one last time, as well as a humbling conversation that’s bound to put a moratorium on the eternal subs vs. dubs anime debate in the most wholesome way possible.

Ichigo’s Voice Actors Are Ready to Feel Like ‘#1’ One Last Time in ‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ It’s been four years since Bleach fans rejoiced when the anime made its grand return at Anime Expo 2022 with Viz Media and Pierrot Film’s sequel series, Thousand-Year Blood War. Now, fans are preparing for the beginning of the end with the imminent arrival of The Calamity, its fourth and final season. The Calamity gives the shonen epic the proper farewell fans thought would never come after the original anime ended in 2012, before it reached its climactic final arc. Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who moonlights as a substitute Soul Reaper, a type of samurai who defends humanity from evil spirits called “Hollows.” He’s sort of a big deal, not only in his own series but in Shonen Jump history, with Bleach being part of Shonen Jump’s “Big Three” alongside Naruto and One Piece, heavy hitters that ran in the magazine concurrently whose impact continues to be felt in the industry today. Thousand Year Blood War, though polarizing amongst manga readers, sees Ichigo’s tale finally come to an end in an aptly titled all-out war between Soul Reapers and Quincy—the archer yin to Soul Reapers’ sword-wielding yang, with which Ichigo has deep, complicated ties. As far as its anime adaptation is concerned, the show continues to find new ways to exceed expectations with the inclusion of original scenes, cementing its status as one of the greatest shonen anime of all time. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLRjhptssns[/embed] Ahead of the final season’s premiere, io9 spoke with Ichigo Kurosaki’s English and Japanese voice actors, Johnny Yong Bosch and Masakazu Morita, about getting back in the booth for Bleach one last time, as well as a humbling conversation that’s bound to put a moratorium on the eternal subs vs. dubs anime debate in the most wholesome way possible. Left: Johnny Yong Bosch, right: Masakazu Morita © Isaiah Colbert/io9 Isaiah Colbert, io9: Of all the heroes in shonen anime, especially in the “Big Three,” Ichigo Kurosaki always felt like someone effortlessly cool. For both of you, how has Ichigo differed from other anime roles you’ve played, and what has made him feel special compared with other characters you’ve brought to life? Johnny Yong Bosch: Ichigo is still very early in my career as far as voicing in anime. Almost immediately, he became a very iconic character in the story and how he wants to protect his friends and his loved ones. And really, most of it is the story, the spiritual aspect of it. For me, it cemented a place pretty early on. Masakazu Morita: I think he was a really smart character. He’s always thinking ahead of what someone’s gonna do next, and next, even after that. So sometimes when other people hear what he has to say, they don’t know what to do, but it’s because of his insight. So I really try to bring out that smartness around him and chase after thinking like him, and it’s really challenging to follow his thought process. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcG93FZupiA[/embed] io9: I’d be remiss not to note that one thing that sets Ichigo far and away from the other members of the “big three” shonen anime is that his theme song, “Number One,” is arguably the greatest piece of anime music of all time. Whenever you hear that theme song kick in, does it give you goosebumps and make you feel like you can walk through a wall? What goes through your mind when his song hits? Bosch: Yeah, absolutely. It’s funny because when I first heard it, it wasn’t something I would expect. But the more I heard it, I was like, “Oh yeah, this is what it is.” It just took that on for me. So anytime I hear it, it feels like we’re about to get into some action. Morita: (Laughs) What kind of song did you think it was gonna…? Bosch: (Laughs) I don’t know. I didn’t expect lyrics, maybe. I was thinking more like a film score or something, which it does have. Morita: Ah! I’ve had a long history with this song, just like you, Johnny. Ichigo’s theme song, for Bleach fans, you have to have it. In Japan, when we’re recording, usually, there’s no music. But just for Thousand-Year Blood War, the staff has actually put the song in for us when it’s in the series, so it really gets us riled up. The song really brings out a lot of the emotion within me, too. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzypzOIG8I4[/embed] io9: The Bleach anime is finally finishing its story after so many years, when fans had a looming sense that it wouldn’t follow the Fullbringer arc. What’s more, Pierrot Films is putting its whole foot into its animation to meet the moment with each part as we march toward its series finale. What has that culmination felt like for you, especially after returning to the series after such a long break as Ichigo Kurosaki? Bosch: (Laughs) That’s a great question. It’s almost like seeing an old friend that you thought had died. It’s like, “Whoa, you’re still alive? Let’s catch up!” Yes, we get to do it. But then to see the animation, it’s just amazing. For me, sometimes, when I record, it’s just three beeps, but sometimes I’m just watching like, “Oh wait, wait, wait. Sorry!” I get caught up in the animation. I always say I need to work, but I just want to watch it. Morita: What we now say is “the old series,” that was for seven years. So there was a bit of a gap in the anime, but even throughout that time, I was working on the mobile game, so I never really forgot about [Ichigo]. All the other voice actors were doing the same working on the app. So it was really nice that we never got to leave those characters. At the same time, when Thousand-Year Blood War started back up, we saw Ichigo moving in animation form, it gave me goosebumps. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpHR0OPqCbs[/embed] io9: How long has it been since you both last met? What was it like finally meeting each other after voicing the same character for so many years?  Bosch: The very first time we met? I don’t remember the exact year, but I met him in Hawaii. For me, because it’s such an important role in my list of voiceovers—it’s one of the most popular ones—it was a little scary meeting the man who’s carved out this character. It was an honor, but scary. Morita: (Laughs) When I first met you, I actually thought you were a very powerful person who was just so extroverted, coming out and doing all these things. I didn’t think you were scared! Bosch: I was acting. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW9TwZdWpjw[/embed] io9: While the subs versus dubs argument will likely outlive all of us, your embodiments of Ichigo as his seiyuu and as his English voice actor are less a point of comparison for anime fans to debate and more one where they have trouble deciding which they love more. What do you appreciate about each other’s portrayal of Ichigo? Bosch: I love it. I feel like a lot of people don’t understand that he’s setting the stage for me. He makes these choices based on the script that he’s got, and he gets to develop the character. For me, when I walk into the booth, it is the first time I’m seeing it. So once I see it, there’s an excitement for the choices he’s made. It’s almost like rooting for whatever he’s doing because he’s just laid out the playground for me to play in. It’s absolute excitement each time. Morita: Before we met, I did hear once what you thought of Ichigo and your portrayal of him as a character. I’m not sure you remember. Apparently, you heard me and heard a very passionate character. But you said then that you were trying to give him a little more street hardness in the English portrayal, and that really stuck with me. I was really blown away by the fact that you were not just trying to imitate in another language, but to give him another layer of identity. I really appreciate and was blown away by that. When I dub a Hollywood movie, I take what I learned from you and try to give it a little bit of my own color to the character. In Japan, there’s not really a culture of doing that, so I really took to heart what you said and learned from that. Bosch: Wow, thats very cool to hear. © Pierrot Films Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War premieres July 25, on  Hulu and Disney+. io9 is on the ground at Anime Expo 2026. We’ll be bringing you updates on all the biggest panels, screenings, and announcements, plus exclusive one-on-one interviews with the people behind some of the best and most popular anime around. You can check out all of io9’s Anime Expo coverage here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Ichigos #Voice #Actors #Ready #Feel #Time #Bleach #ThousandYear #Blood #WarAnime,Anime Expo,bleach,Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
Left: Johnny Yong Bosch, right: Masakazu Morita © Isaiah Colbert/io9

Isaiah Colbert, io9: Of all the heroes in shonen anime, especially in the “Big Three,” Ichigo Kurosaki always felt like someone effortlessly cool. For both of you, how has Ichigo differed from other anime roles you’ve played, and what has made him feel special compared with other characters you’ve brought to life?

Johnny Yong Bosch: Ichigo is still very early in my career as far as voicing in anime. Almost immediately, he became a very iconic character in the story and how he wants to protect his friends and his loved ones. And really, most of it is the story, the spiritual aspect of it. For me, it cemented a place pretty early on.

Masakazu Morita: I think he was a really smart character. He’s always thinking ahead of what someone’s gonna do next, and next, even after that. So sometimes when other people hear what he has to say, they don’t know what to do, but it’s because of his insight. So I really try to bring out that smartness around him and chase after thinking like him, and it’s really challenging to follow his thought process.

io9: I’d be remiss not to note that one thing that sets Ichigo far and away from the other members of the “big three” shonen anime is that his theme song, “Number One,” is arguably the greatest piece of anime music of all time. Whenever you hear that theme song kick in, does it give you goosebumps and make you feel like you can walk through a wall? What goes through your mind when his song hits?

Bosch: Yeah, absolutely. It’s funny because when I first heard it, it wasn’t something I would expect. But the more I heard it, I was like, “Oh yeah, this is what it is.” It just took that on for me. So anytime I hear it, it feels like we’re about to get into some action.

Morita: (Laughs) What kind of song did you think it was gonna…?

Bosch: (Laughs) I don’t know. I didn’t expect lyrics, maybe. I was thinking more like a film score or something, which it does have.

Morita: Ah! I’ve had a long history with this song, just like you, Johnny. Ichigo’s theme song, for Bleach fans, you have to have it. In Japan, when we’re recording, usually, there’s no music. But just for Thousand-Year Blood War, the staff has actually put the song in for us when it’s in the series, so it really gets us riled up. The song really brings out a lot of the emotion within me, too.

io9: The Bleach anime is finally finishing its story after so many years, when fans had a looming sense that it wouldn’t follow the Fullbringer arc. What’s more, Pierrot Films is putting its whole foot into its animation to meet the moment with each part as we march toward its series finale. What has that culmination felt like for you, especially after returning to the series after such a long break as Ichigo Kurosaki?

Bosch: (Laughs) That’s a great question. It’s almost like seeing an old friend that you thought had died. It’s like, “Whoa, you’re still alive? Let’s catch up!” Yes, we get to do it. But then to see the animation, it’s just amazing. For me, sometimes, when I record, it’s just three beeps, but sometimes I’m just watching like, “Oh wait, wait, wait. Sorry!” I get caught up in the animation. I always say I need to work, but I just want to watch it.

Morita: What we now say is “the old series,” that was for seven years. So there was a bit of a gap in the anime, but even throughout that time, I was working on the mobile game, so I never really forgot about [Ichigo]. All the other voice actors were doing the same working on the app. So it was really nice that we never got to leave those characters. At the same time, when Thousand-Year Blood War started back up, we saw Ichigo moving in animation form, it gave me goosebumps.

io9: How long has it been since you both last met? What was it like finally meeting each other after voicing the same character for so many years? 

Bosch: The very first time we met? I don’t remember the exact year, but I met him in Hawaii. For me, because it’s such an important role in my list of voiceovers—it’s one of the most popular ones—it was a little scary meeting the man who’s carved out this character. It was an honor, but scary.

Morita: (Laughs) When I first met you, I actually thought you were a very powerful person who was just so extroverted, coming out and doing all these things. I didn’t think you were scared!

Bosch: I was acting.

io9: While the subs versus dubs argument will likely outlive all of us, your embodiments of Ichigo as his seiyuu and as his English voice actor are less a point of comparison for anime fans to debate and more one where they have trouble deciding which they love more. What do you appreciate about each other’s portrayal of Ichigo?

Bosch: I love it. I feel like a lot of people don’t understand that he’s setting the stage for me. He makes these choices based on the script that he’s got, and he gets to develop the character. For me, when I walk into the booth, it is the first time I’m seeing it. So once I see it, there’s an excitement for the choices he’s made. It’s almost like rooting for whatever he’s doing because he’s just laid out the playground for me to play in. It’s absolute excitement each time.

Morita: Before we met, I did hear once what you thought of Ichigo and your portrayal of him as a character. I’m not sure you remember. Apparently, you heard me and heard a very passionate character. But you said then that you were trying to give him a little more street hardness in the English portrayal, and that really stuck with me. I was really blown away by the fact that you were not just trying to imitate in another language, but to give him another layer of identity. I really appreciate and was blown away by that.

When I dub a Hollywood movie, I take what I learned from you and try to give it a little bit of my own color to the character. In Japan, there’s not really a culture of doing that, so I really took to heart what you said and learned from that.

Bosch: Wow, thats very cool to hear.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War collage of Ichigo Kurosaki.
© Pierrot Films

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War premieres July 25, on  Hulu and Disney+.

io9 is on the ground at Anime Expo 2026. We’ll be bringing you updates on all the biggest panels, screenings, and announcements, plus exclusive one-on-one interviews with the people behind some of the best and most popular anime around. You can check out all of io9’s Anime Expo coverage here.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Ichigos #Voice #Actors #Ready #Feel #Time #Bleach #ThousandYear #Blood #WarAnime,Anime Expo,bleach,Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War">Ichigo’s Voice Actors Are Ready to Feel Like ‘#1’ One Last Time in ‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’

It’s been four years since Bleach fans rejoiced when the anime made its grand return at Anime Expo 2022 with Viz Media and Pierrot Film’s sequel series, Thousand-Year Blood War. Now, fans are preparing for the beginning of the end with the imminent arrival of The Calamity, its fourth and final season. The Calamity gives the shonen epic the proper farewell fans thought would never come after the original anime ended in 2012, before it reached its climactic final arc.

Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who moonlights as a substitute Soul Reaper, a type of samurai who defends humanity from evil spirits called “Hollows.” He’s sort of a big deal, not only in his own series but in Shonen Jump history, with Bleach being part of Shonen Jump’s “Big Three” alongside Naruto and One Piece, heavy hitters that ran in the magazine concurrently whose impact continues to be felt in the industry today.

Thousand Year Blood War, though polarizing amongst manga readers, sees Ichigo’s tale finally come to an end in an aptly titled all-out war between Soul Reapers and Quincy—the archer yin to Soul Reapers’ sword-wielding yang, with which Ichigo has deep, complicated ties. As far as its anime adaptation is concerned, the show continues to find new ways to exceed expectations with the inclusion of original scenes, cementing its status as one of the greatest shonen anime of all time.

Ahead of the final season’s premiere, io9 spoke with Ichigo Kurosaki’s English and Japanese voice actors, Johnny Yong Bosch and Masakazu Morita, about getting back in the booth for Bleach one last time, as well as a humbling conversation that’s bound to put a moratorium on the eternal subs vs. dubs anime debate in the most wholesome way possible.

Ichigo’s Voice Actors Are Ready to Feel Like ‘#1’ One Last Time in ‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ It’s been four years since Bleach fans rejoiced when the anime made its grand return at Anime Expo 2022 with Viz Media and Pierrot Film’s sequel series, Thousand-Year Blood War. Now, fans are preparing for the beginning of the end with the imminent arrival of The Calamity, its fourth and final season. The Calamity gives the shonen epic the proper farewell fans thought would never come after the original anime ended in 2012, before it reached its climactic final arc. Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who moonlights as a substitute Soul Reaper, a type of samurai who defends humanity from evil spirits called “Hollows.” He’s sort of a big deal, not only in his own series but in Shonen Jump history, with Bleach being part of Shonen Jump’s “Big Three” alongside Naruto and One Piece, heavy hitters that ran in the magazine concurrently whose impact continues to be felt in the industry today. Thousand Year Blood War, though polarizing amongst manga readers, sees Ichigo’s tale finally come to an end in an aptly titled all-out war between Soul Reapers and Quincy—the archer yin to Soul Reapers’ sword-wielding yang, with which Ichigo has deep, complicated ties. As far as its anime adaptation is concerned, the show continues to find new ways to exceed expectations with the inclusion of original scenes, cementing its status as one of the greatest shonen anime of all time. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLRjhptssns[/embed] Ahead of the final season’s premiere, io9 spoke with Ichigo Kurosaki’s English and Japanese voice actors, Johnny Yong Bosch and Masakazu Morita, about getting back in the booth for Bleach one last time, as well as a humbling conversation that’s bound to put a moratorium on the eternal subs vs. dubs anime debate in the most wholesome way possible. Left: Johnny Yong Bosch, right: Masakazu Morita © Isaiah Colbert/io9 Isaiah Colbert, io9: Of all the heroes in shonen anime, especially in the “Big Three,” Ichigo Kurosaki always felt like someone effortlessly cool. For both of you, how has Ichigo differed from other anime roles you’ve played, and what has made him feel special compared with other characters you’ve brought to life? Johnny Yong Bosch: Ichigo is still very early in my career as far as voicing in anime. Almost immediately, he became a very iconic character in the story and how he wants to protect his friends and his loved ones. And really, most of it is the story, the spiritual aspect of it. For me, it cemented a place pretty early on. Masakazu Morita: I think he was a really smart character. He’s always thinking ahead of what someone’s gonna do next, and next, even after that. So sometimes when other people hear what he has to say, they don’t know what to do, but it’s because of his insight. So I really try to bring out that smartness around him and chase after thinking like him, and it’s really challenging to follow his thought process. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcG93FZupiA[/embed] io9: I’d be remiss not to note that one thing that sets Ichigo far and away from the other members of the “big three” shonen anime is that his theme song, “Number One,” is arguably the greatest piece of anime music of all time. Whenever you hear that theme song kick in, does it give you goosebumps and make you feel like you can walk through a wall? What goes through your mind when his song hits? Bosch: Yeah, absolutely. It’s funny because when I first heard it, it wasn’t something I would expect. But the more I heard it, I was like, “Oh yeah, this is what it is.” It just took that on for me. So anytime I hear it, it feels like we’re about to get into some action. Morita: (Laughs) What kind of song did you think it was gonna…? Bosch: (Laughs) I don’t know. I didn’t expect lyrics, maybe. I was thinking more like a film score or something, which it does have. Morita: Ah! I’ve had a long history with this song, just like you, Johnny. Ichigo’s theme song, for Bleach fans, you have to have it. In Japan, when we’re recording, usually, there’s no music. But just for Thousand-Year Blood War, the staff has actually put the song in for us when it’s in the series, so it really gets us riled up. The song really brings out a lot of the emotion within me, too. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzypzOIG8I4[/embed] io9: The Bleach anime is finally finishing its story after so many years, when fans had a looming sense that it wouldn’t follow the Fullbringer arc. What’s more, Pierrot Films is putting its whole foot into its animation to meet the moment with each part as we march toward its series finale. What has that culmination felt like for you, especially after returning to the series after such a long break as Ichigo Kurosaki? Bosch: (Laughs) That’s a great question. It’s almost like seeing an old friend that you thought had died. It’s like, “Whoa, you’re still alive? Let’s catch up!” Yes, we get to do it. But then to see the animation, it’s just amazing. For me, sometimes, when I record, it’s just three beeps, but sometimes I’m just watching like, “Oh wait, wait, wait. Sorry!” I get caught up in the animation. I always say I need to work, but I just want to watch it. Morita: What we now say is “the old series,” that was for seven years. So there was a bit of a gap in the anime, but even throughout that time, I was working on the mobile game, so I never really forgot about [Ichigo]. All the other voice actors were doing the same working on the app. So it was really nice that we never got to leave those characters. At the same time, when Thousand-Year Blood War started back up, we saw Ichigo moving in animation form, it gave me goosebumps. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpHR0OPqCbs[/embed] io9: How long has it been since you both last met? What was it like finally meeting each other after voicing the same character for so many years?  Bosch: The very first time we met? I don’t remember the exact year, but I met him in Hawaii. For me, because it’s such an important role in my list of voiceovers—it’s one of the most popular ones—it was a little scary meeting the man who’s carved out this character. It was an honor, but scary. Morita: (Laughs) When I first met you, I actually thought you were a very powerful person who was just so extroverted, coming out and doing all these things. I didn’t think you were scared! Bosch: I was acting. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW9TwZdWpjw[/embed] io9: While the subs versus dubs argument will likely outlive all of us, your embodiments of Ichigo as his seiyuu and as his English voice actor are less a point of comparison for anime fans to debate and more one where they have trouble deciding which they love more. What do you appreciate about each other’s portrayal of Ichigo? Bosch: I love it. I feel like a lot of people don’t understand that he’s setting the stage for me. He makes these choices based on the script that he’s got, and he gets to develop the character. For me, when I walk into the booth, it is the first time I’m seeing it. So once I see it, there’s an excitement for the choices he’s made. It’s almost like rooting for whatever he’s doing because he’s just laid out the playground for me to play in. It’s absolute excitement each time. Morita: Before we met, I did hear once what you thought of Ichigo and your portrayal of him as a character. I’m not sure you remember. Apparently, you heard me and heard a very passionate character. But you said then that you were trying to give him a little more street hardness in the English portrayal, and that really stuck with me. I was really blown away by the fact that you were not just trying to imitate in another language, but to give him another layer of identity. I really appreciate and was blown away by that. When I dub a Hollywood movie, I take what I learned from you and try to give it a little bit of my own color to the character. In Japan, there’s not really a culture of doing that, so I really took to heart what you said and learned from that. Bosch: Wow, thats very cool to hear. © Pierrot Films Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War premieres July 25, on  Hulu and Disney+. io9 is on the ground at Anime Expo 2026. We’ll be bringing you updates on all the biggest panels, screenings, and announcements, plus exclusive one-on-one interviews with the people behind some of the best and most popular anime around. You can check out all of io9’s Anime Expo coverage here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Ichigos #Voice #Actors #Ready #Feel #Time #Bleach #ThousandYear #Blood #WarAnime,Anime Expo,bleach,Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
Left: Johnny Yong Bosch, right: Masakazu Morita © Isaiah Colbert/io9

Isaiah Colbert, io9: Of all the heroes in shonen anime, especially in the “Big Three,” Ichigo Kurosaki always felt like someone effortlessly cool. For both of you, how has Ichigo differed from other anime roles you’ve played, and what has made him feel special compared with other characters you’ve brought to life?

Johnny Yong Bosch: Ichigo is still very early in my career as far as voicing in anime. Almost immediately, he became a very iconic character in the story and how he wants to protect his friends and his loved ones. And really, most of it is the story, the spiritual aspect of it. For me, it cemented a place pretty early on.

Masakazu Morita: I think he was a really smart character. He’s always thinking ahead of what someone’s gonna do next, and next, even after that. So sometimes when other people hear what he has to say, they don’t know what to do, but it’s because of his insight. So I really try to bring out that smartness around him and chase after thinking like him, and it’s really challenging to follow his thought process.

io9: I’d be remiss not to note that one thing that sets Ichigo far and away from the other members of the “big three” shonen anime is that his theme song, “Number One,” is arguably the greatest piece of anime music of all time. Whenever you hear that theme song kick in, does it give you goosebumps and make you feel like you can walk through a wall? What goes through your mind when his song hits?

Bosch: Yeah, absolutely. It’s funny because when I first heard it, it wasn’t something I would expect. But the more I heard it, I was like, “Oh yeah, this is what it is.” It just took that on for me. So anytime I hear it, it feels like we’re about to get into some action.

Morita: (Laughs) What kind of song did you think it was gonna…?

Bosch: (Laughs) I don’t know. I didn’t expect lyrics, maybe. I was thinking more like a film score or something, which it does have.

Morita: Ah! I’ve had a long history with this song, just like you, Johnny. Ichigo’s theme song, for Bleach fans, you have to have it. In Japan, when we’re recording, usually, there’s no music. But just for Thousand-Year Blood War, the staff has actually put the song in for us when it’s in the series, so it really gets us riled up. The song really brings out a lot of the emotion within me, too.

io9: The Bleach anime is finally finishing its story after so many years, when fans had a looming sense that it wouldn’t follow the Fullbringer arc. What’s more, Pierrot Films is putting its whole foot into its animation to meet the moment with each part as we march toward its series finale. What has that culmination felt like for you, especially after returning to the series after such a long break as Ichigo Kurosaki?

Bosch: (Laughs) That’s a great question. It’s almost like seeing an old friend that you thought had died. It’s like, “Whoa, you’re still alive? Let’s catch up!” Yes, we get to do it. But then to see the animation, it’s just amazing. For me, sometimes, when I record, it’s just three beeps, but sometimes I’m just watching like, “Oh wait, wait, wait. Sorry!” I get caught up in the animation. I always say I need to work, but I just want to watch it.

Morita: What we now say is “the old series,” that was for seven years. So there was a bit of a gap in the anime, but even throughout that time, I was working on the mobile game, so I never really forgot about [Ichigo]. All the other voice actors were doing the same working on the app. So it was really nice that we never got to leave those characters. At the same time, when Thousand-Year Blood War started back up, we saw Ichigo moving in animation form, it gave me goosebumps.

io9: How long has it been since you both last met? What was it like finally meeting each other after voicing the same character for so many years? 

Bosch: The very first time we met? I don’t remember the exact year, but I met him in Hawaii. For me, because it’s such an important role in my list of voiceovers—it’s one of the most popular ones—it was a little scary meeting the man who’s carved out this character. It was an honor, but scary.

Morita: (Laughs) When I first met you, I actually thought you were a very powerful person who was just so extroverted, coming out and doing all these things. I didn’t think you were scared!

Bosch: I was acting.

io9: While the subs versus dubs argument will likely outlive all of us, your embodiments of Ichigo as his seiyuu and as his English voice actor are less a point of comparison for anime fans to debate and more one where they have trouble deciding which they love more. What do you appreciate about each other’s portrayal of Ichigo?

Bosch: I love it. I feel like a lot of people don’t understand that he’s setting the stage for me. He makes these choices based on the script that he’s got, and he gets to develop the character. For me, when I walk into the booth, it is the first time I’m seeing it. So once I see it, there’s an excitement for the choices he’s made. It’s almost like rooting for whatever he’s doing because he’s just laid out the playground for me to play in. It’s absolute excitement each time.

Morita: Before we met, I did hear once what you thought of Ichigo and your portrayal of him as a character. I’m not sure you remember. Apparently, you heard me and heard a very passionate character. But you said then that you were trying to give him a little more street hardness in the English portrayal, and that really stuck with me. I was really blown away by the fact that you were not just trying to imitate in another language, but to give him another layer of identity. I really appreciate and was blown away by that.

When I dub a Hollywood movie, I take what I learned from you and try to give it a little bit of my own color to the character. In Japan, there’s not really a culture of doing that, so I really took to heart what you said and learned from that.

Bosch: Wow, thats very cool to hear.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War collage of Ichigo Kurosaki.
© Pierrot Films

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War premieres July 25, on  Hulu and Disney+.

io9 is on the ground at Anime Expo 2026. We’ll be bringing you updates on all the biggest panels, screenings, and announcements, plus exclusive one-on-one interviews with the people behind some of the best and most popular anime around. You can check out all of io9’s Anime Expo coverage here.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Ichigos #Voice #Actors #Ready #Feel #Time #Bleach #ThousandYear #Blood #WarAnime,Anime Expo,bleach,Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
All eyes are on Maine this week. Political operatives in Trumpworld tell Inner Loop they hope embattled senate candidate Graham Platner will stay in the race as long as possible—the state’s electoral chaos can only help Republicans, they claim.

Platner, a US Marine veteran, overcame a string of controversies to easily win the Democratic primary last month. Platner is supposed to face incumbent Republican Susan Collins in the general election in one of the nation’s most closely watched races in November, but a litany of Democratic officials are now calling for him to drop out.

On Monday, a woman in Maine accused Platner of sexual assault and told Politico that he had once forced her to have sex over her objections. (Platner’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment, though it previously denied the allegation in a statement to Politico.)

Platner had previously been accused of mistreating women, had covered up a Nazi tattoo, and was linked to multiple offensive online comments. Over the past 24 hours, Democrats from Senator Bernie Sanders to Senator Chuck Schumer have called for him to step out of the race.

Trumpworld operatives say their hope—unsurprisingly—is that Platner stays in the race, given his increasingly toxic political brand, his growing horde of political enemies in his own party, and the knock-on effects on his fundraising operation.

Basically, it’s a dumpster fire, and Republicans are all but making s’mores.

“Platner should stay in and fight the liberal lobbyist establishment!” one strategist jokingly told Inner Loop. Like others interviewed for this story, they spoke candidly on the condition of anonymity.

Funding is also going to be a problem, operatives noted with glee. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, or DSCC, has announced that it will not bankroll Platner’s campaign, should he stay in the race.

The operatives are thrilled by this: As a result, Platner would have to rely on small-dollar donors. Despite his fervent fan base, these donations would almost certainly not cover the tens of millions of dollars that both sides are expecting to have to pour into TV ads closer to the midterms. (The Boston-area media market is among the top 10 most expensive in the country, and Mainers do watch TV.)

But Trump operatives also think even if Platner does step aside, the Senate race in Maine firmly tilts in Collins’ favor.

Democrats have until July 13 for Platner to drop out, and a July 27 deadline for a special election to replace Platner’s name on the ballot. Democratic operatives in the state tell Inner Loop this could happen the weekend of July 25, but Trumpworld doesn’t think the alternative candidates would pose a major challenge.

Janet Mills, the governor of Maine who dropped out of the Democratic Senate primary, is seen as one option. But Mills has a similar profile to Collins, who the operatives still think would edge out a victory, especially given her performance bucking Joe Biden in 2020.

Another option is Troy Jackson, a former Maine state senator. But another longtime GOP strategist was skeptical whether voters would look past the baggage accompanying any Democratic candidate following the Platner saga.

“At the end of the day, Democrats have to run a perfect race to beat Collins, which they have not done. She’s still the least offensive candidate of the Senate Republican conference, and so the strongest candidate we could have in the race,” one longtime GOP strategist says.

Still, Trumpworld and the Republicans’ Senate campaign arm expect a bruising fight in the Maine Senate race that could cost them hundreds of millions of dollars. And while they believe Collins can win, it could end up being tight. Get the graham crackers.

This is an edition of Hugo Lowell’s Inner Loop newsletter. Read previous newsletters here.

#Republicans #Gleefully #Celebrate #Midterms #Chaos #Maineinner loop,politics,congress,elections,government,republicans,democrats">Republicans Gleefully Celebrate Midterms Chaos in MaineAll eyes are on Maine this week. Political operatives in Trumpworld tell Inner Loop they hope embattled senate candidate Graham Platner will stay in the race as long as possible—the state’s electoral chaos can only help Republicans, they claim.Platner, a US Marine veteran, overcame a string of controversies to easily win the Democratic primary last month. Platner is supposed to face incumbent Republican Susan Collins in the general election in one of the nation’s most closely watched races in November, but a litany of Democratic officials are now calling for him to drop out.On Monday, a woman in Maine accused Platner of sexual assault and told Politico that he had once forced her to have sex over her objections. (Platner’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment, though it previously denied the allegation in a statement to Politico.)Platner had previously been accused of mistreating women, had covered up a Nazi tattoo, and was linked to multiple offensive online comments. Over the past 24 hours, Democrats from Senator Bernie Sanders to Senator Chuck Schumer have called for him to step out of the race.Trumpworld operatives say their hope—unsurprisingly—is that Platner stays in the race, given his increasingly toxic political brand, his growing horde of political enemies in his own party, and the knock-on effects on his fundraising operation.Basically, it’s a dumpster fire, and Republicans are all but making s’mores.“Platner should stay in and fight the liberal lobbyist establishment!” one strategist jokingly told Inner Loop. Like others interviewed for this story, they spoke candidly on the condition of anonymity.Funding is also going to be a problem, operatives noted with glee. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, or DSCC, has announced that it will not bankroll Platner’s campaign, should he stay in the race.The operatives are thrilled by this: As a result, Platner would have to rely on small-dollar donors. Despite his fervent fan base, these donations would almost certainly not cover the tens of millions of dollars that both sides are expecting to have to pour into TV ads closer to the midterms. (The Boston-area media market is among the top 10 most expensive in the country, and Mainers do watch TV.)But Trump operatives also think even if Platner does step aside, the Senate race in Maine firmly tilts in Collins’ favor.Democrats have until July 13 for Platner to drop out, and a July 27 deadline for a special election to replace Platner’s name on the ballot. Democratic operatives in the state tell Inner Loop this could happen the weekend of July 25, but Trumpworld doesn’t think the alternative candidates would pose a major challenge.Janet Mills, the governor of Maine who dropped out of the Democratic Senate primary, is seen as one option. But Mills has a similar profile to Collins, who the operatives still think would edge out a victory, especially given her performance bucking Joe Biden in 2020.Another option is Troy Jackson, a former Maine state senator. But another longtime GOP strategist was skeptical whether voters would look past the baggage accompanying any Democratic candidate following the Platner saga.“At the end of the day, Democrats have to run a perfect race to beat Collins, which they have not done. She’s still the least offensive candidate of the Senate Republican conference, and so the strongest candidate we could have in the race,” one longtime GOP strategist says.Still, Trumpworld and the Republicans’ Senate campaign arm expect a bruising fight in the Maine Senate race that could cost them hundreds of millions of dollars. And while they believe Collins can win, it could end up being tight. Get the graham crackers.This is an edition of Hugo Lowell’s Inner Loop newsletter. Read previous newsletters here.#Republicans #Gleefully #Celebrate #Midterms #Chaos #Maineinner loop,politics,congress,elections,government,republicans,democrats

senate candidate Graham Platner will stay in the race as long as possible—the state’s electoral chaos can only help Republicans, they claim.

Platner, a US Marine veteran, overcame a string of controversies to easily win the Democratic primary last month. Platner is supposed to face incumbent Republican Susan Collins in the general election in one of the nation’s most closely watched races in November, but a litany of Democratic officials are now calling for him to drop out.

On Monday, a woman in Maine accused Platner of sexual assault and told Politico that he had once forced her to have sex over her objections. (Platner’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment, though it previously denied the allegation in a statement to Politico.)

Platner had previously been accused of mistreating women, had covered up a Nazi tattoo, and was linked to multiple offensive online comments. Over the past 24 hours, Democrats from Senator Bernie Sanders to Senator Chuck Schumer have called for him to step out of the race.

Trumpworld operatives say their hope—unsurprisingly—is that Platner stays in the race, given his increasingly toxic political brand, his growing horde of political enemies in his own party, and the knock-on effects on his fundraising operation.

Basically, it’s a dumpster fire, and Republicans are all but making s’mores.

“Platner should stay in and fight the liberal lobbyist establishment!” one strategist jokingly told Inner Loop. Like others interviewed for this story, they spoke candidly on the condition of anonymity.

Funding is also going to be a problem, operatives noted with glee. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, or DSCC, has announced that it will not bankroll Platner’s campaign, should he stay in the race.

The operatives are thrilled by this: As a result, Platner would have to rely on small-dollar donors. Despite his fervent fan base, these donations would almost certainly not cover the tens of millions of dollars that both sides are expecting to have to pour into TV ads closer to the midterms. (The Boston-area media market is among the top 10 most expensive in the country, and Mainers do watch TV.)

But Trump operatives also think even if Platner does step aside, the Senate race in Maine firmly tilts in Collins’ favor.

Democrats have until July 13 for Platner to drop out, and a July 27 deadline for a special election to replace Platner’s name on the ballot. Democratic operatives in the state tell Inner Loop this could happen the weekend of July 25, but Trumpworld doesn’t think the alternative candidates would pose a major challenge.

Janet Mills, the governor of Maine who dropped out of the Democratic Senate primary, is seen as one option. But Mills has a similar profile to Collins, who the operatives still think would edge out a victory, especially given her performance bucking Joe Biden in 2020.

Another option is Troy Jackson, a former Maine state senator. But another longtime GOP strategist was skeptical whether voters would look past the baggage accompanying any Democratic candidate following the Platner saga.

“At the end of the day, Democrats have to run a perfect race to beat Collins, which they have not done. She’s still the least offensive candidate of the Senate Republican conference, and so the strongest candidate we could have in the race,” one longtime GOP strategist says.

Still, Trumpworld and the Republicans’ Senate campaign arm expect a bruising fight in the Maine Senate race that could cost them hundreds of millions of dollars. And while they believe Collins can win, it could end up being tight. Get the graham crackers.

This is an edition of Hugo Lowell’s Inner Loop newsletter. Read previous newsletters here.

#Republicans #Gleefully #Celebrate #Midterms #Chaos #Maineinner loop,politics,congress,elections,government,republicans,democrats">Republicans Gleefully Celebrate Midterms Chaos in Maine

All eyes are on Maine this week. Political operatives in Trumpworld tell Inner Loop they hope embattled senate candidate Graham Platner will stay in the race as long as possible—the state’s electoral chaos can only help Republicans, they claim.

Platner, a US Marine veteran, overcame a string of controversies to easily win the Democratic primary last month. Platner is supposed to face incumbent Republican Susan Collins in the general election in one of the nation’s most closely watched races in November, but a litany of Democratic officials are now calling for him to drop out.

On Monday, a woman in Maine accused Platner of sexual assault and told Politico that he had once forced her to have sex over her objections. (Platner’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment, though it previously denied the allegation in a statement to Politico.)

Platner had previously been accused of mistreating women, had covered up a Nazi tattoo, and was linked to multiple offensive online comments. Over the past 24 hours, Democrats from Senator Bernie Sanders to Senator Chuck Schumer have called for him to step out of the race.

Trumpworld operatives say their hope—unsurprisingly—is that Platner stays in the race, given his increasingly toxic political brand, his growing horde of political enemies in his own party, and the knock-on effects on his fundraising operation.

Basically, it’s a dumpster fire, and Republicans are all but making s’mores.

“Platner should stay in and fight the liberal lobbyist establishment!” one strategist jokingly told Inner Loop. Like others interviewed for this story, they spoke candidly on the condition of anonymity.

Funding is also going to be a problem, operatives noted with glee. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, or DSCC, has announced that it will not bankroll Platner’s campaign, should he stay in the race.

The operatives are thrilled by this: As a result, Platner would have to rely on small-dollar donors. Despite his fervent fan base, these donations would almost certainly not cover the tens of millions of dollars that both sides are expecting to have to pour into TV ads closer to the midterms. (The Boston-area media market is among the top 10 most expensive in the country, and Mainers do watch TV.)

But Trump operatives also think even if Platner does step aside, the Senate race in Maine firmly tilts in Collins’ favor.

Democrats have until July 13 for Platner to drop out, and a July 27 deadline for a special election to replace Platner’s name on the ballot. Democratic operatives in the state tell Inner Loop this could happen the weekend of July 25, but Trumpworld doesn’t think the alternative candidates would pose a major challenge.

Janet Mills, the governor of Maine who dropped out of the Democratic Senate primary, is seen as one option. But Mills has a similar profile to Collins, who the operatives still think would edge out a victory, especially given her performance bucking Joe Biden in 2020.

Another option is Troy Jackson, a former Maine state senator. But another longtime GOP strategist was skeptical whether voters would look past the baggage accompanying any Democratic candidate following the Platner saga.

“At the end of the day, Democrats have to run a perfect race to beat Collins, which they have not done. She’s still the least offensive candidate of the Senate Republican conference, and so the strongest candidate we could have in the race,” one longtime GOP strategist says.

Still, Trumpworld and the Republicans’ Senate campaign arm expect a bruising fight in the Maine Senate race that could cost them hundreds of millions of dollars. And while they believe Collins can win, it could end up being tight. Get the graham crackers.

This is an edition of Hugo Lowell’s Inner Loop newsletter. Read previous newsletters here.

#Republicans #Gleefully #Celebrate #Midterms #Chaos #Maineinner loop,politics,congress,elections,government,republicans,democrats

After a decade of surprise-filled unboxings, L.O.L. Surprise! is stepping onto the main stage. The collectible toy brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival, a yearlong campaign packed with new dolls, festival-inspired collectibles, and headline-worthy collaborations.

The biggest draw? Music icons Jennie from BLACKPINK and Rosalía are making their L.O.L. Surprise! doll debuts with collectible looks inspired by their signature styles. Beyond the artist collaborations, the lineup brings new doll looks, refreshed packaging, and a range of festival-themed collectibles for fans to discover.

Here’s everything launching in the L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival collection and where to buy it.

Music Festival Tots with Collectible Vinyl Albums

Why we like it

The L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Tots brings the music theme to life with eight dolls inspired by different genres, including K-pop, Latin, pop, hip-hop, country, indie, pop-punk, and scene.

Each Tot comes inside a pink disco ball that doubles as a collectible display piece and a mini reveal experience — spin the included vinyl record to open compartments filled with fashion and accessories. With fresh doll designs, seven surprises to unbox, and a chance to find a rare shiny disco ball, these are made for collectors who enjoy the thrill of the reveal.

Music Festival Headliners Tots Global Music Artist Dolls

Why we like it

If your kid (or your inner collector) has a favorite music icon, these L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Headliners Tots bring that fan energy into a tiny collectible package. Each Tot is inspired by the style of Jennie or Rosalía, featuring cool outfits based on their real-world looks, plus a mini poster and a collectible trading card to enhance the experience.

The heart-shaped L.O.L. ball doubles as a keychain, so fans can take their favorite artist-inspired Tot anywhere. With seven surprises to unbox, including outfits, shoes, and accessories, there’s plenty of reveal excitement before the tiny headliner hits the stage. Collect all four Tots to build out the full Music Festival lineup.

Music Festival Furniture Packs

Why we like it

The L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Furniture Packs are a fun way to turn the collection into a full-on festival setup. Instead of just collecting dolls, kids can build out their own mini concert world with spaces like the Main Stage, DJ Booth, Neon Arcade, and Roller Disco. Each pack also comes with an exclusive Tot, giving collectors another character to add to the lineup.

Rosalía Fashion Doll with Collectible Poster

Why we like it

Rosalía fans will instantly recognize the bold, trendy vibe behind this L.O.L. Surprise! Rosalía Fashion Doll. The look is inspired by one of Rosalía’s iconic outfits, with a bold style that feels very much like the singer’s stage persona. It also comes with an exclusive Rosalía poster, making it a fun pick for both collectors and fans who want a little piece of her stage style on display.

Jennie Fashion Doll with Collectible Poster

Why we like it

L.O.L. Surprise! is bringing a little star power to the toy aisle with this Jennie-inspired fashion doll. It captures her signature style with a more detailed look, a stage-ready outfit inspired by one of her real outfits, and a collectible poster tucked inside for fans to display. Fans snapped this one up quickly, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for the next restock.

#L.O.L #Surprise #Music #Festival #collection #buy #Jennie #Rosalía #dolls">L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival collection: Where to buy Jennie and Rosalía dolls After a decade of surprise-filled unboxings, L.O.L. Surprise! is stepping onto the main stage. The collectible toy brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival, a yearlong campaign packed with new dolls, festival-inspired collectibles, and headline-worthy collaborations.The biggest draw? Music icons Jennie from BLACKPINK and Rosalía are making their L.O.L. Surprise! doll debuts with collectible looks inspired by their signature styles. Beyond the artist collaborations, the lineup brings new doll looks, refreshed packaging, and a range of festival-themed collectibles for fans to discover.Here’s everything launching in the L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival collection and where to buy it.Music Festival Tots with Collectible Vinyl Albums Why we like itThe L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Tots brings the music theme to life with eight dolls inspired by different genres, including K-pop, Latin, pop, hip-hop, country, indie, pop-punk, and scene. Each Tot comes inside a pink disco ball that doubles as a collectible display piece and a mini reveal experience — spin the included vinyl record to open compartments filled with fashion and accessories. With fresh doll designs, seven surprises to unbox, and a chance to find a rare shiny disco ball, these are made for collectors who enjoy the thrill of the reveal.Music Festival Headliners Tots Global Music Artist Dolls Why we like itIf your kid (or your inner collector) has a favorite music icon, these L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Headliners Tots bring that fan energy into a tiny collectible package. Each Tot is inspired by the style of Jennie or Rosalía, featuring cool outfits based on their real-world looks, plus a mini poster and a collectible trading card to enhance the experience.The heart-shaped L.O.L. ball doubles as a keychain, so fans can take their favorite artist-inspired Tot anywhere. With seven surprises to unbox, including outfits, shoes, and accessories, there’s plenty of reveal excitement before the tiny headliner hits the stage. Collect all four Tots to build out the full Music Festival lineup. Music Festival Furniture Packs Why we like itThe L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Furniture Packs are a fun way to turn the collection into a full-on festival setup. Instead of just collecting dolls, kids can build out their own mini concert world with spaces like the Main Stage, DJ Booth, Neon Arcade, and Roller Disco. Each pack also comes with an exclusive Tot, giving collectors another character to add to the lineup. Mashable Deals By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Rosalía Fashion Doll with Collectible Poster Why we like itRosalía fans will instantly recognize the bold, trendy vibe behind this L.O.L. Surprise! Rosalía Fashion Doll. The look is inspired by one of Rosalía’s iconic outfits, with a bold style that feels very much like the singer’s stage persona. It also comes with an exclusive Rosalía poster, making it a fun pick for both collectors and fans who want a little piece of her stage style on display.Jennie Fashion Doll with Collectible Poster Why we like itL.O.L. Surprise! is bringing a little star power to the toy aisle with this Jennie-inspired fashion doll. It captures her signature style with a more detailed look, a stage-ready outfit inspired by one of her real outfits, and a collectible poster tucked inside for fans to display. Fans snapped this one up quickly, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for the next restock. #L.O.L #Surprise #Music #Festival #collection #buy #Jennie #Rosalía #dolls

L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival, a yearlong campaign packed with new dolls, festival-inspired collectibles, and headline-worthy collaborations.

The biggest draw? Music icons Jennie from BLACKPINK and Rosalía are making their L.O.L. Surprise! doll debuts with collectible looks inspired by their signature styles. Beyond the artist collaborations, the lineup brings new doll looks, refreshed packaging, and a range of festival-themed collectibles for fans to discover.

Here’s everything launching in the L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival collection and where to buy it.

Music Festival Tots with Collectible Vinyl Albums

Why we like it

The L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Tots brings the music theme to life with eight dolls inspired by different genres, including K-pop, Latin, pop, hip-hop, country, indie, pop-punk, and scene.

Each Tot comes inside a pink disco ball that doubles as a collectible display piece and a mini reveal experience — spin the included vinyl record to open compartments filled with fashion and accessories. With fresh doll designs, seven surprises to unbox, and a chance to find a rare shiny disco ball, these are made for collectors who enjoy the thrill of the reveal.

Music Festival Headliners Tots Global Music Artist Dolls

Why we like it

If your kid (or your inner collector) has a favorite music icon, these L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Headliners Tots bring that fan energy into a tiny collectible package. Each Tot is inspired by the style of Jennie or Rosalía, featuring cool outfits based on their real-world looks, plus a mini poster and a collectible trading card to enhance the experience.

The heart-shaped L.O.L. ball doubles as a keychain, so fans can take their favorite artist-inspired Tot anywhere. With seven surprises to unbox, including outfits, shoes, and accessories, there’s plenty of reveal excitement before the tiny headliner hits the stage. Collect all four Tots to build out the full Music Festival lineup.

Music Festival Furniture Packs

Why we like it

The L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Furniture Packs are a fun way to turn the collection into a full-on festival setup. Instead of just collecting dolls, kids can build out their own mini concert world with spaces like the Main Stage, DJ Booth, Neon Arcade, and Roller Disco. Each pack also comes with an exclusive Tot, giving collectors another character to add to the lineup.

Rosalía Fashion Doll with Collectible Poster

Why we like it

Rosalía fans will instantly recognize the bold, trendy vibe behind this L.O.L. Surprise! Rosalía Fashion Doll. The look is inspired by one of Rosalía’s iconic outfits, with a bold style that feels very much like the singer’s stage persona. It also comes with an exclusive Rosalía poster, making it a fun pick for both collectors and fans who want a little piece of her stage style on display.

Jennie Fashion Doll with Collectible Poster

Why we like it

L.O.L. Surprise! is bringing a little star power to the toy aisle with this Jennie-inspired fashion doll. It captures her signature style with a more detailed look, a stage-ready outfit inspired by one of her real outfits, and a collectible poster tucked inside for fans to display. Fans snapped this one up quickly, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for the next restock.

#L.O.L #Surprise #Music #Festival #collection #buy #Jennie #Rosalía #dolls">L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival collection: Where to buy Jennie and Rosalía dolls

After a decade of surprise-filled unboxings, L.O.L. Surprise! is stepping onto the main stage. The collectible toy brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival, a yearlong campaign packed with new dolls, festival-inspired collectibles, and headline-worthy collaborations.

The biggest draw? Music icons Jennie from BLACKPINK and Rosalía are making their L.O.L. Surprise! doll debuts with collectible looks inspired by their signature styles. Beyond the artist collaborations, the lineup brings new doll looks, refreshed packaging, and a range of festival-themed collectibles for fans to discover.

Here’s everything launching in the L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival collection and where to buy it.

Music Festival Tots with Collectible Vinyl Albums

Why we like it

The L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Tots brings the music theme to life with eight dolls inspired by different genres, including K-pop, Latin, pop, hip-hop, country, indie, pop-punk, and scene.

Each Tot comes inside a pink disco ball that doubles as a collectible display piece and a mini reveal experience — spin the included vinyl record to open compartments filled with fashion and accessories. With fresh doll designs, seven surprises to unbox, and a chance to find a rare shiny disco ball, these are made for collectors who enjoy the thrill of the reveal.

Music Festival Headliners Tots Global Music Artist Dolls

Why we like it

If your kid (or your inner collector) has a favorite music icon, these L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Headliners Tots bring that fan energy into a tiny collectible package. Each Tot is inspired by the style of Jennie or Rosalía, featuring cool outfits based on their real-world looks, plus a mini poster and a collectible trading card to enhance the experience.

The heart-shaped L.O.L. ball doubles as a keychain, so fans can take their favorite artist-inspired Tot anywhere. With seven surprises to unbox, including outfits, shoes, and accessories, there’s plenty of reveal excitement before the tiny headliner hits the stage. Collect all four Tots to build out the full Music Festival lineup.

Music Festival Furniture Packs

Why we like it

The L.O.L. Surprise! Music Festival Furniture Packs are a fun way to turn the collection into a full-on festival setup. Instead of just collecting dolls, kids can build out their own mini concert world with spaces like the Main Stage, DJ Booth, Neon Arcade, and Roller Disco. Each pack also comes with an exclusive Tot, giving collectors another character to add to the lineup.

Rosalía Fashion Doll with Collectible Poster

Why we like it

Rosalía fans will instantly recognize the bold, trendy vibe behind this L.O.L. Surprise! Rosalía Fashion Doll. The look is inspired by one of Rosalía’s iconic outfits, with a bold style that feels very much like the singer’s stage persona. It also comes with an exclusive Rosalía poster, making it a fun pick for both collectors and fans who want a little piece of her stage style on display.

Jennie Fashion Doll with Collectible Poster

Why we like it

L.O.L. Surprise! is bringing a little star power to the toy aisle with this Jennie-inspired fashion doll. It captures her signature style with a more detailed look, a stage-ready outfit inspired by one of her real outfits, and a collectible poster tucked inside for fans to display. Fans snapped this one up quickly, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for the next restock.

#L.O.L #Surprise #Music #Festival #collection #buy #Jennie #Rosalía #dolls

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