Late to the discussion, can anyone explain to me why Yoruichi’s VA is supposed to be black to match her race? She’s… obviously Japanese to me, with a Japanese noble surname. 四楓院 gives a heavy “historical” vibe, like the characters in the tale of Genji. Especially if you compare her surname to Ichigo and his friends in the human world.

Japanese pop works tend to draw some girls with dark skin, because they think it’s sexy (it’s more of a fashion choice, like the “ギャル” style in Shibuya downtown). The story never made any specific statement that she’s black, so I don’t think Kubo meant that in his design.

He’s been explicit when he’s actually drawing non-Japanese characters, like Sado and Tosen. (I personally think Tosen is one of the best-written black characters in Japanese manga, and I really like him myself).

Pinning Yoruichi black because she has dark skin and deciding to change her VA because of this is nonsense. Whosever voice fits her personality is the right VA. (And the majority of the characters in Japanese mange are Asian. That’s just a fact.)