Fact Check: Is Sosuke Aizen from Bleach Inspired by Tite Kubo’s Father?

On June 26, 2024, Mangaka Tite Kubo will be celebrating his 47th birthday, and his fans of Bleach continue to hold him in high regard. However, just before his birthday, a letter supposedly written by Sensei’s father, Noriaki Kubo, has surfaced online. This letter speculates that Sosuke Aizen, the main antagonist in the series, was inspired by Tite Kubo’s own father.

The purported letter also suggests that the highly-anticipated Bleach: Hell Arc is currently in production. Naturally, the news has been circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, leaving fans to question its validity.

It is important to note that the letter is not authentic and that Tite Kubo’s real name is Noriaki Kubo, using Tite as a pen name. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that Sosuke Aizen is based on Tite Kubo’s father. Furthermore, an official confirmation about the rumored Bleach: Hell Arc has not yet been released. Continue reading this article for more information on this widespread claim.

Debunking the Myth About Sosuke Aizen Being Based on Tite Kubo’s Father in Bleach

The speculation that Sosuke Aizen was inspired by Tite Kubo’s father in the Bleach manga began when @IchigoTaicho9, a well-known fan of the series from Arabia, shared a post on X (previously known as Twitter). The tweet featured a letter written in Arabic by Kubo’s father, Noriaki Kubo, which was translated into English as follows:

“Dear Tate, happy 47th birthday, my dear son!, it fills my heart with joy and great pride to see the wonderful person you have become. Your creativity, dedication, and passion have not only brought joy to millions of fans around the world, but also made me the proudest father.”

The purported letter goes on to say:

“Your journey as an artist has been nothing short of inspiring, and I am always amazed by your accomplishments and the beautiful worlds you create. I also want to thank you for the special honor you gave me by putting me in the story of Aizen. Your addition to me is a unique and dear honor that means a lot to me.”

The letter also includes:

“As you celebrate this special day, know that I am always here, cheering you on and proud of every step you take. I’m vey excited for the Hell Arc, so don’t take too long. May this year bring you more success, happiness, and unforgettable moments.”- From @IchigoTaicho9, X

The letter implies that Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach, drew inspiration from his father when creating the character of Sosuke Aizen, the main antagonist in the series. Furthermore, the letter suggests that Kubo is currently developing the Hell Arc.

Despite being mentioned earlier, it is important to note that both of these statements are false. Noriaki Kubo is not the father of Tite Kubo, but rather the original name of the mangaka. “Tite”is the pen name used by Kubo and is the name that is commonly known among fans.

Additionally, the letter in question was a hoax fabricated by the aforementioned individual, which gained popularity among Western enthusiasts. Kubo has not disclosed in any interview whether Sosuke Aizen is inspired by a real individual.

Therefore, since there is no solid evidence, it cannot be confirmed that Sosuke Aizen from Bleach is inspired by Kubo’s father. Additionally, Kubo has not disclosed his intentions for the continuation of the Hell Arc, following the release of the one-shot, Howl from the Jaws of Hell.

Howl from the Jaws of Hell one-shot chapter (Image via Tite Kubo/Shueisha)

Despite this, it is likely that the author will continue, particularly if the anime adaptation of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc receives positive feedback from fans.

Despite being asked about potentially continuing the Hell arc in his Klab Outside forum, Kubo made it clear that he dislikes drawing when given specific instructions. However, it is uncertain whether he will choose to pick up his pen once more and illustrate the beloved characters.