Bleach TYBW Animation Director Fired Over Work Method Differences

Studio Pierrot has built upon the success of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War in recent years, thanks to its talented production staff, who have poured their sweat and blood into delivering some of the most dynamic action sequences in the series. Yet, the man responsible for directing many of these high-octane fights has been unexpectedly let go by the studio.

In an X/Twitter post dated February 20, Bleach TYBW animation director Leo Kawamoto revealed that he had been removed from the anime’s production staff. “I was fired from Bleach, so it will be difficult to participate in Cour 4,” Kawamoto stated in his tweet.

https://twitter.com/yzvpp/status/1892561352087969961?t=oyk058FO3kijFb-1Qmmduw&s=19

Fans were shocked by the animator’s announcement, with many asking about the reasons behind his departure. In response to a comment, Kawamoto clarified, “It has nothing to do with my interactions with fans or my recent poor health. It’s just my own lack of ability or whatever.”

He further expressed his surprise and disappointment over the decision, as he had been eager to work on the anime’s fourth cour. “The company’s policy and my way of working were different, so it can’t be helped,” he added.

In another post, Kawamoto noted, “Even if you’re a character animation director, you can still be fired if the company’s structure or work methods don’t align with yours. I don’t know if many people were fired from their companies. Well, I guess it’s what they say about the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.”

https://twitter.com/yzvpp/status/1892735208543179091?t=vlx0V5DzBVd1R1xu8_61Zw&s=19

Despite his departure, Kawamoto does not believe his absence will affect the animation quality of Bleach TYBW. For now, he has confirmed that he won’t be working with Pierrot anytime soon but has a new job offer lined up for April. Until then, he plans to take a break and rest.

Kawamoto served as an animation director for all three cours of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, most recently contributing to Mayuri and Nemu’s battle against Pernida. He also provided key animation for all three opening songs. Beyond Bleach, his extensive key animation credits include work on Bungo Stray Dogs, One Piece, and One-Punch Man.

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