Key takeaways
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Tite Kubo assigns different factions in Bleach, as well as different languages and cultures, to represent diversity in the narrative.
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Chad is a prime example of positive Latino representation in anime, and his heritage is integral to his character and abilities.
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Chad’s respectful Mexican heritage is evident in his powers with Spanish names and the incorporation of elements of Mexican culture.
Yasutora Sado or “Chad” is Ichigo Kurosaki’s best friend in Bleach. He is a gentle giant who wishes to use his extraordinary natural strength for good. He has known Ichigo for years and is always there to support him. However, Chad also represents a respectful and sincere example of Latino representation in anime. Chad’s Mexican heritage is enormously important to him and the influence of his grandfather defines his outlook on life.
Tite Kubo was a young Japanese artist starting out in the industry, and back in 2002, anime or manga rarely included POC characters in their stories, and when they did, they rarely did it well. Japan has had a difficult time understanding other cultures and ethnicities, and in some ways, Chad’s characterization is filled with the utmost respect for Latinos. He is one of the most beloved Latin characters in the medium and Bleachand for good reason.
How Bleach addresses different cultures
Different factions, different languages
It’s no secret that Tite Kubo has a habit of assigning each major faction in the Bleach world a different language or culture. The Soul Reapers and Soul Society are coded in Japanese, so all of their names and powers are in Japanese. Then the Arrancar are introduced, who are full of Hispanic names and details. All Espada are named after European artists or architects that Tite Kubo admires. All of your abilities and world-building details are in Spanish.
His world is called “Hueco Mundo”, his palace is “Las Noches” and his flash step technique is “Sonido”. Then Ichigo meets XCution and the Fullbringers, who have English names. “Book of the End”, “Scaffold Cross” or “Time Tells No Lies” are some of his skills. And finally, there is the Wandenreich, the Quincy Army, whose name it is in German. With abilities like “Sankt Altar”, “Vollständig” and “Blut Vene”.
Tite Kubo likes to represent multiple cultures and their languages. And composer Shiro Sagisu understands it, composing Spanish flamenco for the Arrancar and German military anthems for the Quincy. While each faction is not a complete representation of its namesakes, it shows Kubo’s approach to people outside of Japan.
Yasutora Sado, Latin Pride
Accepting your heritage in the face of discrimination
Yasutora Sado is the son of a Japanese father and a Mexican mother. He was born in Japan but moved with his parents to Mexico at a young age. After the death of his parents, he was adopted by his grandfather, Oscar Joaquín de la Rosa. Yasutora was incredibly violent as a child and fought constantly, probably due to the death of his parents. His grandfather often tried to get him to stop fighting and change his ways, while the boy didn’t listen. One day, a gang of children attacked Yasutora and his grandfather stood between them, receiving the attacks from him without retaliating. This inspired Yasutora and his grandfather told him to only use his strength to protect others and gave him a Mexican coin with the words “Mexican Republic” engraved on it. The boy treasured this coin and, after the death of his grandfather, he returned to Japan. There he met Ichigo, who gave him the nickname “Chad” and quickly became his best friend.
I understand, grandpa. My giant fists are not for causing pain. My giant body is to protect others.
Chad is incredibly tall, with dark skin and wavy brown hair. He is very clearly Mexican. He is designed as a strong and handsome Mexican man, who immediately stands out among most of the other Bleach characters, especially in the anime. Chad is also a Fullbringer, a human with spiritual powers thanks to him being born with residual Hollow reiatsu from his mother. Fullbringers gain their powers from a precious object or aspect of their person. Chad’s Fullbring is his dark skin. This is because he has been discriminated against for it in Japan and yet, thanks to his grandfather, he takes pride in his heritage and his distinctive appearance. Often, Mexican or Latino characters in anime appear as caricatures or simply have their ethnicity as an afterthought. But Chad’s heritage is the source of his powers and something he takes pride in as he lives in a country that is often unfriendly to foreigners.
Chad’s powers are also named in Spanish even though he is not an Arrancar. Additionally, he was the first character to have names in Spanish long before the Arrancar were introduced. His main powers are called “Brazo Derecho del Gigante” (Brazo Derecho del Gigante) and “Brazo Izquierdo del Diablo” (Brazo Izquierdo del Diablo). While his definitive technique is “Death”. Chad’s powers are not only named in Spanish, but also subtly reference elements of Mexican culture. Mexico is a deeply Catholic country and the concept of the Devil occupies a very prominent place in its beliefs. They also have a different perspective on death and the afterlife, having a holiday called “Day of the Dead”, where they pray for their deceased family members and loved ones. La Muerte de Chad is also recognized for its images of skulls, dating back to the Day of the Dead, which is known for its abundant images of skulls.
Chad’s character is made with respect to Mexican culture and heritage, and in 2002, this shows how Tite Kubo was truly ahead of his time, even in this aspect. Positive Latino representation is more common in the modern era of anime, but back then it was rarely seen, which made Chad particularly special. Chad stands as a model for how to do POC characters well.