Jushiro Ukitake is inspired greatly by Okita Souji, the captain of the first squad of Shinsengumi, and he is the one that is the closest to his original character. In the real life, Okita Souji is a handsome but unhealthy warrior, even though he was believed to be the strongest samurai in the Shinsengumi. This is the reason why Ukitake is always sick but popular with the female characters in the story. Also, because of the kid-adoring personality of Okita Souji, Ukitake appears to be a man who really loves children and never wants to hurt them.