New Bleach TYBW part 3 director promises more CGI and high quality animation

Bleach TYBW part 3 has announced a change in the roles of the show's existing staff members to improve the animation quality. According to the announcement, Tomohisa Taguchi now serves as the chief series director/general director & series composer, while Hikaru Murata has joined as the new series director.

Previously, Murata-san worked on the storyboard for a few episodes, while Tomohisa Taguchi-san helmed the series. Following this announcement, VIZ Media's official X account shared a video featuring Taguchi-san, Murata-san, and the producer of Bleach TYBW part 3, Yoshihiro Tominaga.

According to the short clip, Hikaru Murata promises to focus on including more CGI effects to maintain the high-quality animation for Bleach TYBW part 3. Additionally, the staff revealed that they will emphasize more never-seen-before content in the upcoming installment.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW arc.

Hikaru Murata as the new director reveals his plans for Bleach TYBW part 3

From left, Tomohisa Taguchi, Hikaru Murata, and Yoshihiro Tominaga (Image via @VIZMedia/X)

On July 7, 2024, VIZ Media's official X account (@VIZMedia) shared a video featuring the staff members for Bleach TYBW part 3. According to the short clip, Hikaru Murata has replaced Tomohisa Taguchi as the new series director, while the latter is now enlisted as the general director and series composer with Hiramatsu.

Prior to this, Hikaru Murata worked on the storyboards for a few episodes of the anime's first two cours. He also directed episodes 14 and 26 and ensured the series maintained its incredible animation quality. Interestingly, the latest video has shown Hikaru-san and other staff members sharing highlights for Bleach TYBW part 3.

Expand Tweet

According to the short clip, Hikaru Murata has revealed that as the new director, he will try to maintain the animation quality established by the entire staff in part 2. When asked about any changes, he added that he would apply more CGI in part 3 than part 2 to try and improve the animation quality.

As fans might remember, the previous installment added CGI for several important scenes. For example, Sajin Komamura's Bankai, Kokujo Tengen Myo-oh: Dangai Joue, was one of the significant moments, where the production team utilized CGI.

Sajin's Bankai, as seen in the TYBW part 2 (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Besides that, many other scenes contained subtle CGIs to complement the 2D drawing. CGI or computer-generated imagery is generally used to enhance the visual appeal of an animated sequence, something that anime has been using for a long time.

While the visual effect may not achieve a pleasant viewing experience every time, in some cases, CGI can truly elevate the way a moving sequence looks. For instance, the CGI used for Yamamoto Genryusai's Bankai in part 1, achieved a fascinating spectacle, since it was blended with 2D drawing.

Interestingly, Bleach TYBW part 3 has numerous instances, where CGI can either be a hit or miss. The upcoming sequel will feature Mayuri vs. Pernida, where the Sternritter's final form can look exceedingly well if CGI is used in moderation.

Ichigo vs Yhwach, as seen in the trailer for part 3 (Image via Pierrot Films)

There's a general conception that using CGI can be detrimental to an episode's visual appeal. However, CGI has many technical fields, that can enhance the viewing experience. Ichigo vs Ebern was a good example, where the production demonstrated CGI backgrounds to highlight some sequences.

Aside from Mayuri vs. Pernida, Bleach TYBW part 3 will feature Shunsui vs. Lille Barro, where CGi can once again come into play. The Schutzstaffel's Godly form would be difficult to depict without using CGI. Some sequences of Shunsui's Bankai may also require this technology.

Ichibei, as seen in the trailer (Image via Pierrot Films)

Moreover, the latest trailer for Bleach TYBW part 3 teased the creatures falling from Soul King's palace, which may utilize CGI. Likewise, Ichibei's final trump card against Yhwach could also see the usage of this technology by Pierrot Films. As such, the upcoming installment has more than one occasion, where CGI can be used.

Even though there's always a fear factor involved with CGI, fans must note that Bleach TYBW part 3 will be produced by Pierrot's subsidiary studio, Pierrot Films, which is specifically created to deliver a movie-like experience to fans.

Ichigo wielding his twin blades (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The studio has been actively recruiting new CGI animators. As a result, they will surely apply the latest technology to elevate Tite Kubo's magnum opus to the next heights. Besides CGI and improved animation quality, the staff revealed that Bleach TYBW part 3 will have never-seen-before content to complement the source material.

Tomohisa Taguchi mentioned that the staff has worked with Tite Kubo to come up with the new scenes. Additionally, the next installment will showcase a "certain captain" (they didn't reveal the name) showcasing their Bankai. Undoubtedly, these revelations have truly set up the hype for Bleach TYBW part 3.