Tite Kubo
His next series, "Bleach", about a high school student who becomes a "shinigami" and fights creatures known as Hollows, began running in the same magazine in 2001. Kubo initially expected the series' serialization to continue no longer than five years. The original story concept was submitted to "Weekly Shōnen Jump" shortly after the cancellation of "Zombiepowder", but was rejected. Akira Toriyama, creator of "Dragon Ball", saw the story and wrote a letter of encouragement to Kubo. "Bleach" ran for 15 years of serialization and reached over 686 chapters from 2001 to 2016. Additionally, an anime adaptation of the series was broadcast in TV Tokyo for 8 years from 2004 to 2012, spanning over 366 episodes. The manga was named a winner of the Shogakukan Manga Award for its category in 2004. Kubo and Makoto Matsubara have co-authored two novelizations of the "Bleach" series, which were published by Shueisha under their "Jump Books" label. The first was released in Japan on December 16, 2006, followed by a on December 22, 2007, a on December 13, 2008, and a on December 4, 2010. Kubo also appeared in the episode 112 of the Japanese radio program of "Bleach B-Station". In that program, Kubo was interviewed by Masakazu Morita, voice actor of Ichigo Kurosaki, the main character of "Bleach", and answered several questions from fans. On July 26, 2008, Kubo went to the United States for the first time and made an appearance at the San Diego Comic-Con International.
Tōshirō Hitsugaya
Hitsugaya is featured in the 30 minute original video animation, "Sealed Sword Frenzy", in which he is part of the group of captains sent to the real world to seal away the escaped and notoriously dangerous shinigami criminal, Baishin. During their first encounter, he successfully fends off the criminal, though Baishin escapes. Hitsugaya is a common playable character in "Bleach"-related video game, including the and the Nintendo home consoles series. Special versions of the character such his "bankai" form is featured in some games such "", and Hitsugaya in a school costume are unlockable in other games such as "". He is also a playable character in the Nintendo DS game, "Jump Ultimate Stars". He also appears in two "Bleach Beat Collection" albums aside. The first one was a compilation album with Hinamori and Matsumoto. The second one was also a compilation album, this time with Ichigo. A Hitsugaya and Hyōrinmaru's album was also released as part of "Bleach Breathless Collection". He was initially portrayed by Takashi Nagayama in the "Bleach" rock musicals. Later, in "Shinsei Rock Musical Bleach Reprise", Nagayama was replaced by Yūya Kido, who also was substituted; Takuya Kawaharada took the role.