Yuki Kaji Details Stomachache-Inducing Prep for Adult Toshiro in Bleach TYBW
Kaji's account reveals the production's deliberate effort to preserve Toshiro's established voice while differentiating it from Byakuya Kuchiki's, with creator Tite Kubo supervising the auditions and recording.
Reporting from 1 source: Animehunch.
Yuki Kaji, who voices adult Toshiro Hitsugaya in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Calamity, said he spent days with a stomachache from nerves before recording. He prepared two vocal interpretations, reread the manga, and recorded alongside Romi Park, who continues voicing Toshiro's usual form.
Kaji underwent multiple auditions supervised by Bleach creator Tite Kubo before landing the role. He prepared two versions of adult Toshiro: one lower-pitched for the adult physique, and another closer to Romi Park's established vocal performance. He received approval to lean toward Park's tone.
The production wanted to keep the audience's image of Hitsugaya intact while avoiding overlap with Byakuya Kuchiki's voice. Kaji said imitating Park would defeat the purpose of changing voice actors, so he focused on Toshiro's personality, dignity, and strength. He reread the entire manga and listened repeatedly to Park's portrayal.
Kaji recorded alongside Park, whose presence he found reassuring despite the added pressure. Kubo was in the studio, examining Kaji's vocal nuances. Kaji felt relieved when Park complimented his performance.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.