Can Ozempic Treat Alcoholism? Here’s What You Should Know
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and other GLP-1 medications have rapidly become some of the most popular drugs in the world. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s are now better known for treating obesity. In the near future, though, these drugs could have yet another vital use as treatments for alcohol addiction and other substance use disorders.
Over the past few years, a growing base of evidence has suggested that GLP-1s can tamp down people’s unhealthy urges for alcohol, cocaine, and even vices like gambling. And earlier this month, researchers in Denmark published data from the first double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial of semaglutide for alcohol use disorder in The Lancet. Over a 26-week period, the study found that people on semaglutide consumed less alcohol than those given a placebo and experienced noticeably fewer heavy drinking days when they did drink.
There are other similar studies underway, including in the United States. Some are testing semaglutide for other kinds of substance use disorder, like opioids. Others are testing newer drugs like tirzepatide (a dual agonist that pairs GLP-1 with the hunger-related hormone GIP).
I reached out to an outside expert, Asim Shah, a professor and executive vice chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, to talk about the emerging science surrounding GLP-1s and addiction treatment. We discussed the leading theory behind why GLP-1s can reduce addiction, his opinion of the recent Lancet trial, and what it will take for these drugs to be widely adopted as treatments for substance use disorders. The following has been lightly edited for clarity and grammar.
Ed Cara, Gizmodo: Do we have any sort of sense yet as to how or why GLP-1s seem to be working well against substance use disorders?
Asim Shah: So the craving, or pleasure, center of the brain is related to dopamine, which is a brain neurotransmitter. Whenever you crave something and you eat it or you take it, that gives you pleasure. That is the dopamine functioning in the brain. And all of this is related to the same thing, whether it’s a craving for food, craving for smoking, craving for alcohol, any drug. That’s the neurobiological mechanism of craving and pleasure, and it’s all the same mechanism.
And incidentally, we found out that the people who were losing weight on these GLP-1s, they often also stopped smoking cigarettes and their addiction got better with alcohol. It was an incidental finding, but it’s something people are now trying to study more closely.
Gizmodo: Speaking of studies, what do you make of the newest trial published in The Lancet this month?
Shah: So this was a 26 week study, which had about 100 patients, half and half men and women both. In our world, 100 patients is a medium sized study; a larger one might usually have 300, 400, 600 patients. So this is a medium sized study, which is decent. It’s not bad. And in my opinion, it was done pretty well, not a lot of bias in the study that I saw.
Now, of course, this is not a definitive study. And you need to follow up with these patients after the weeks of study. We call these start-up studies, and they are what we base future, longer and bigger studies on. So it’s a good base, and there are other studies on the way.
Gizmodo: Broadly speaking, what are the questions that these longer and larger studies need to try answering?
Shah: So there are a couple of things.
These are different substances that people are looking at; one is alcohol, one smoking, the other is opiates. So the next studies we should be doing is to see whether GLP-1s like semaglutide can limit more than one of these addictions. Because the mechanism is the same mechanism for all the cravings and the addictions. So can it reduce all of these or just one if somebody is taking it?
If we do keep seeing an effect here, it’s also important to know how quickly this happens and whether it can be sustained after you stop using a GLP-1. That’s why we have to follow people after these sorts of trials, to see if the effect can last after they stop taking the medication or if it requires people needing to stay on the drug for the effect.
Gizmodo: These sort of studies are happening. But what should be the current takeaway for people with these addictions and their doctor? Is this something that could be used in the real world right now?
Shah: Because they’re not approved right now, the takeaway should be that if you already have a current indication to take a GLP-1 which is for diabetes or obesity, certainly take it. If you also get an added advantage of stopping your smoking or alcohol use disorder, that is well and good because we don’t have approval for these disorders currently.
So in other words, if somebody comes to us and says, “Hey, I want to start these medicines for smoking cessation or alcohol use disorder,” we may not be able to prescribe it because there’s no approval. But they can be part of a study which is going on in some centers for those disorders. And if somebody already is using them for diabetes or so, and in addition, they get a benefit for alcoholism, that’s great, too.
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and other GLP-1 medications have rapidly become some of the most popular drugs in the world. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s are now better known for treating obesity. In the near future, though, these drugs could have yet another vital use as treatments for alcohol addiction and other substance use disorders.
Over the past few years, a growing base of evidence has suggested that GLP-1s can tamp down people’s unhealthy urges for alcohol, cocaine, and even vices like gambling. And earlier this month, researchers in Denmark published data from the first double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial of semaglutide for alcohol use disorder in The Lancet. Over a 26-week period, the study found that people on semaglutide consumed less alcohol than those given a placebo and experienced noticeably fewer heavy drinking days when they did drink.
There are other similar studies underway, including in the United States. Some are testing semaglutide for other kinds of substance use disorder, like opioids. Others are testing newer drugs like tirzepatide (a dual agonist that pairs GLP-1 with the hunger-related hormone GIP).
I reached out to an outside expert, Asim Shah, a professor and executive vice chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, to talk about the emerging science surrounding GLP-1s and addiction treatment. We discussed the leading theory behind why GLP-1s can reduce addiction, his opinion of the recent Lancet trial, and what it will take for these drugs to be widely adopted as treatments for substance use disorders. The following has been lightly edited for clarity and grammar.
Ed Cara, Gizmodo: Do we have any sort of sense yet as to how or why GLP-1s seem to be working well against substance use disorders?
Asim Shah: So the craving, or pleasure, center of the brain is related to dopamine, which is a brain neurotransmitter. Whenever you crave something and you eat it or you take it, that gives you pleasure. That is the dopamine functioning in the brain. And all of this is related to the same thing, whether it’s a craving for food, craving for smoking, craving for alcohol, any drug. That’s the neurobiological mechanism of craving and pleasure, and it’s all the same mechanism.
And incidentally, we found out that the people who were losing weight on these GLP-1s, they often also stopped smoking cigarettes and their addiction got better with alcohol. It was an incidental finding, but it’s something people are now trying to study more closely.
Gizmodo: Speaking of studies, what do you make of the newest trial published in The Lancet this month?
Shah: So this was a 26 week study, which had about 100 patients, half and half men and women both. In our world, 100 patients is a medium sized study; a larger one might usually have 300, 400, 600 patients. So this is a medium sized study, which is decent. It’s not bad. And in my opinion, it was done pretty well, not a lot of bias in the study that I saw.
Now, of course, this is not a definitive study. And you need to follow up with these patients after the weeks of study. We call these start-up studies, and they are what we base future, longer and bigger studies on. So it’s a good base, and there are other studies on the way.
Gizmodo: Broadly speaking, what are the questions that these longer and larger studies need to try answering?
Shah: So there are a couple of things.
These are different substances that people are looking at; one is alcohol, one smoking, the other is opiates. So the next studies we should be doing is to see whether GLP-1s like semaglutide can limit more than one of these addictions. Because the mechanism is the same mechanism for all the cravings and the addictions. So can it reduce all of these or just one if somebody is taking it?
If we do keep seeing an effect here, it’s also important to know how quickly this happens and whether it can be sustained after you stop using a GLP-1. That’s why we have to follow people after these sorts of trials, to see if the effect can last after they stop taking the medication or if it requires people needing to stay on the drug for the effect.
Gizmodo: These sort of studies are happening. But what should be the current takeaway for people with these addictions and their doctor? Is this something that could be used in the real world right now?
Shah: Because they’re not approved right now, the takeaway should be that if you already have a current indication to take a GLP-1 which is for diabetes or obesity, certainly take it. If you also get an added advantage of stopping your smoking or alcohol use disorder, that is well and good because we don’t have approval for these disorders currently.
So in other words, if somebody comes to us and says, “Hey, I want to start these medicines for smoking cessation or alcohol use disorder,” we may not be able to prescribe it because there’s no approval. But they can be part of a study which is going on in some centers for those disorders. And if somebody already is using them for diabetes or so, and in addition, they get a benefit for alcoholism, that’s great, too.
It features the latest Intel Core Ultra processor with built-in Copilot+ AI capabilities, allowing users to accelerate AI-powered workloads, meetings, and productivity tasks. ASUS has paired it with a 3K Tandem OLED display for vibrant colors and sharp visuals, while the lightweight magnesium alloy chassis keeps the laptop portable enough for frequent travel.
The laptop also includes enterprise-grade security, fast charging, long battery life, and ASUS’ premium support package, making it the company’s most feature-packed business notebook.
ExpertBook P Series Covers Every Budget
While the ExpertBook Ultra targets power users, the ExpertBook P series is designed for everyday business computing. The lineup consists of the P1, P3, and P5, giving buyers multiple options depending on their performance needs and budget.
Across the range, ASUS offers the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, multiple display sizes, upgradeable RAM and SSD storage, and AI-powered productivity features. Business users also get enterprise security features, military-grade durability, AI-enhanced video conferencing tools, reliable battery life, international warranty coverage, and on-site service support.
Whether you’re handling spreadsheets, attending video meetings all day, or managing multiple applications simultaneously, the P-series is built to deliver dependable everyday performance while remaining easy to upgrade in the future.
Best ASUS ExpertBook Deals
Some of the best offers currently available during the Flipkart GOAT Sale include:
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra – Starts at ₹2,39,990 and qualifies for additional bank discounts, exchange offers, No Cost EMI, and ASUS’ bundled 5+5+5 service package.
It features the latest Intel Core Ultra processor with built-in Copilot+ AI capabilities, allowing users to accelerate AI-powered workloads, meetings, and productivity tasks. ASUS has paired it with a 3K Tandem OLED display for vibrant colors and sharp visuals, while the lightweight magnesium alloy chassis keeps the laptop portable enough for frequent travel.
The laptop also includes enterprise-grade security, fast charging, long battery life, and ASUS’ premium support package, making it the company’s most feature-packed business notebook.
ExpertBook P Series Covers Every Budget
While the ExpertBook Ultra targets power users, the ExpertBook P series is designed for everyday business computing. The lineup consists of the P1, P3, and P5, giving buyers multiple options depending on their performance needs and budget.
Across the range, ASUS offers the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, multiple display sizes, upgradeable RAM and SSD storage, and AI-powered productivity features. Business users also get enterprise security features, military-grade durability, AI-enhanced video conferencing tools, reliable battery life, international warranty coverage, and on-site service support.
Whether you’re handling spreadsheets, attending video meetings all day, or managing multiple applications simultaneously, the P-series is built to deliver dependable everyday performance while remaining easy to upgrade in the future.
Best ASUS ExpertBook Deals
Some of the best offers currently available during the Flipkart GOAT Sale include:
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra – Starts at ₹2,39,990 and qualifies for additional bank discounts, exchange offers, No Cost EMI, and ASUS’ bundled 5+5+5 service package.
#ASUS #ExpertBook #Laptops #Discounts #Flipkart #GOAT #SaleAsus">ASUS ExpertBook Laptops Get Discounts Up to ₹34,000 During Flipkart GOAT Sale
If you’ve been looking to buy a business laptop, ASUS has rolled out a bunch of discounts on its ExpertBook lineup as part of the ongoing Flipkart GOAT Sale. The company is offering deals across 42 ExpertBook models, including the flagship ExpertBook Ultra and the ExpertBook P1, P3, and P5 series. Alongside instant discounts, buyers can also take advantage of exchange offers, cashback, and No Cost EMI options.
ASUS ExpertBook Deals During Flipkart GOAT Sale
The discounts span multiple price segments, making the lineup suitable for everyone from students and startups to enterprise users. ASUS says some models are available at up to 28.5% off, with prices starting at ₹45,990.
The biggest offers are available on the premium ExpertBook Ultra, where buyers can claim bank discounts of up to ₹20,000, exchange bonuses of up to ₹20,000, and up to 24 months of No Cost EMI. ASUS is also bundling its 5+5+5 service package with the laptop for a limited time.
Meanwhile, selected ExpertBook P-series models are available with discounts of up to ₹34,000 during the sale.
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Is Built for AI Workloads
Sitting at the top of the lineup is the ExpertBook Ultra, ASUS’ flagship business laptop aimed at executives, creators, and professionals who need workstation-level performance without carrying around a bulky machine.
It features the latest Intel Core Ultra processor with built-in Copilot+ AI capabilities, allowing users to accelerate AI-powered workloads, meetings, and productivity tasks. ASUS has paired it with a 3K Tandem OLED display for vibrant colors and sharp visuals, while the lightweight magnesium alloy chassis keeps the laptop portable enough for frequent travel.
The laptop also includes enterprise-grade security, fast charging, long battery life, and ASUS’ premium support package, making it the company’s most feature-packed business notebook.
ExpertBook P Series Covers Every Budget
While the ExpertBook Ultra targets power users, the ExpertBook P series is designed for everyday business computing. The lineup consists of the P1, P3, and P5, giving buyers multiple options depending on their performance needs and budget.
Across the range, ASUS offers the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, multiple display sizes, upgradeable RAM and SSD storage, and AI-powered productivity features. Business users also get enterprise security features, military-grade durability, AI-enhanced video conferencing tools, reliable battery life, international warranty coverage, and on-site service support.
Whether you’re handling spreadsheets, attending video meetings all day, or managing multiple applications simultaneously, the P-series is built to deliver dependable everyday performance while remaining easy to upgrade in the future.
Best ASUS ExpertBook Deals
Some of the best offers currently available during the Flipkart GOAT Sale include:
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra – Starts at ₹2,39,990 and qualifies for additional bank discounts, exchange offers, No Cost EMI, and ASUS’ bundled 5+5+5 service package.
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 Narutoand 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.
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.
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.
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 Narutoand 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.
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.
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.
#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 Narutoand 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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.)
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.
#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.)
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.
![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](https://gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Bleach_-Thousand-Year-Blood-War-Johnny-Yong-Bosch-Masakazu-Morita.jpg "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")
![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](https://i1.wp.com/gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Bleach_-Thousand-Year-Blood-War-Johnny-Yong-Bosch-Masakazu-Morita.jpg?ssl=1 "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")
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