Why Uryu Ishida Never Calls His Father Ryuken a Father

Introduction: In the popular anime and manga series Bleach, the relationship between Uryu Ishida and his father, Ryuken Ishida, is a crucial aspect of their storylines. This article explores the reasons behind Uryu's reluctance to call his father 'father' and delves into the complexities of their relationship as they develop throughout the series.

The Distance in the Relationship

Uryu and Ryuken's relationship is marked by a sense of distance and formality, which is common in traditional Japanese settings. Uryu often addresses his father with a more respectful manner, reflecting the hierarchical nature of family and social structures in Japan. This distance is not just due to formalities but also because Uryu and Ryuken clash ideologically. Specifically, Ryuken's role as a Quincy leader and his stern approach to parenting create a lack of warmth and affection in their interactions.

Parental Expectations and Pressure

Ryuken places high expectations on Uryu, which contributes to a sense of pressure for Uryu to conform to his father's vision of a Quincy. This pressure often leads to a lack of closeness between them, as Uryu feels the need to live up to Ryuken's standards. As a result, Uryu avoids using more casual and affectionate terms like "father," as he feels a strong sense of duty and pressure to meet Ryuken's demands.

Rejection of the Quincy Legacy

Uryu's character arc is centered around his rejection of the Quincy ideology that Ryuken represents. Uryu's journey is about breaking free from his father's legacy and forging his own path. By never using familial terms like "father," Uryu signals his rejection of Ryuken's influence and the Quincy way of life. This distancing is a crucial part of Uryu's character development and his struggle to find his identity as a Quincy and as an individual.

Following Cultural Traditions

There is also a cultural aspect to why Uryu never calls Ryuken "father." In Japanese culture, it is typically more formal for children to refer to their parents by their first names rather than familial terms. This tradition reinforces the formality and distance in their relationship, as Uryu and Ryuken have a relationship that is more professional and less intimate than a typical parent-child relationship.

Maintaining Distance and Asserting Independence

Ultimately, Uryu's decision to not call Ryuken "father" stems from a desire to maintain distance and assert his independence. By not using familial terms, Uryu signals his unwillingness to be defined by his father's legacy or his Quincy identity. This choice is a powerful representation of Uryu's journey towards finding his own path and identity, separate from the expectations placed on him by Ryuken.

Conclusion

In summary, the reasons why Uryu Ishida never calls his father Ryuken a father are rooted in a distance in their relationship, a rejection of the Quincy ideology, cultural traditions, and the desire to maintain distance and assert his independence. These factors contribute to the rich and complex character dynamics in the Bleach series.