Tite Kubo
In both the 2nd and 3rd popularity polls, Ichimaru placed 5th. However, like Renji Abarai, he missed the top 10 of the most recent poll, being replaced with newer characters like Grimmjow Jeagerjaques and Ulquiorra Cifer. Gin was among the 4 "Bleach" characters to make the top 100 list in "Newtype" Japan's 2007 list of the most popular anime characters. Tite Kubo remarked in a 2004 "Shōnen Jump" character commentary that Gin's popularity, especially among women, was a great surprise to him, as he had attempted to make Gin creepy and offputting in appearance.