Oldest Characters In Bleach

Oldest Characters In Bleach

Key Takeaways

  • Bleach characters can be old despite youthful appearances due to time working differently in Soul Society.
  • Characters like Kenpachi Zaraki, Bazz-B, and Yhwach are at least 1,000 years old, with some being over 2,000 years old.
  • The world of Bleach is populated by ancient beings like Ginrei Kuchiki, Captain Unohana, and Captain Commander Yamamoto.

As a scholar of both literature and ancient mythology, I must say that the characters from Bleach, particularly those with such profound connections to the origins of their world, are nothing short of captivating. Among these intriguing figures, the sentient limbs of the Soul King stand out as the most enigmatic.


As a gaming enthusiast, diving into the expansive universe of anime feels like exploring a vast library with a title tailored for every reader. The surge in its popularity over the past few years is no surprise, considering the captivating narratives and intriguing characters it offers. What’s fascinating is that these characters span various ages, yet some maintain an ageless charm, defying their true age which could stretch back thousands of years.

Back in the day, I was deeply immersed in the captivating world of Bleach, a globally renowned anime and manga series. It revolved around an intriguing concept: spiritual beings engaging in combat with one another. What set these entities apart from ordinary humans was their ageless nature – many had been living for centuries, yet appeared to be barely out of their twenties or thirties. However, some characters were undeniably ancient.

The majority of the oldest characters depicted in Bleach are Soul Reapers, however, there exist entities who have lived for an even longer span. Among these elders, some self-identify as Quincy, but it’s important to note that they originate from a divine entity that predates any other character within the series.

1 Kenpachi Zaraki – Roughly 1,000 Years Old

The Captain Of Squad 11, And One Of The Strongest Soul Reapers In History

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
NozarashiUnnamedFumihiko TachikiDavid Lodge, Patrick Seitz

As a kid from North Rukon’s toughest district, I grew up in chaos, lawlessness being the norm. It was here that my Zanpakuto found me – it had belonged to another Soul Reaper who met an untimely end at the hands of one of our neighborhood thugs. My journey as a swordsman began when I battled and claimed victories over every adversary that crossed my path, honing my skills in the process.

On one occasion, following his accumulation of countless fallen foes, he squared off against Captain Unohana, an original member of the Gotei 13. At that moment, Unohana was still her innate, ravenous self, implying their encounter transpired during the initial Quincy conflict. Given the timeline of the battle and Kenpachi’s youth, it can be reasonably inferred that he is approximately a millennium old.

2 Bazz-B – Over 1,000 Years Old

A Sternritter Who Can Manipulate Intense Flames

SchriftVollständigJapanese VAEnglish VA
The HeatUnknownYuki OnoXander Mobus

Originally, Bazz-B hailed from a small village ruled by a local noble, but their home was ravaged when Yhwach embarked on a campaign to conquer the region. In the aftermath, Bazz-B and Jugram swore to augment their abilities in order to avenge their lost home and ultimately slay Yhwach. Their resolve was tested when Yhwach appointed Jugram as his second-in-command, leaving Bazz-B furious upon discovering that much of Yhwach’s power stemmed from Jugram’s own strength.

Over time, Bazz-B transformed into a Sternritter and acquired The Heat, a powerful Schrift that allows him to create and control fiery explosions. This ability enables him to annihilate a Soul Reaper’s physical form instantaneously. It is worth noting that the battle that devastated Bazz-B’s village occurred before the initial conflict between Quincies and Soul Reapers, indicating that despite his youthful demeanor, Bazz-B is actually more than a millennium old.

3 Jugram Haschwalth – Over 1,000 Years Old

The Grandmaster Of Yhwach’s Sternritter

SchriftVollständigJapanese VAEnglish VA
The BalanceNoneYuichiro UmeharaRobbie Daymond

Jugram serves as Yhwach’s right-hand man and leads the Sternritter as their Grandmaster. Unlike others who can manipulate Reishi, his power lies in granting abilities to others. He carries a broadsword that can slice through Ichigo’s Bankai, and his shield has the unique ability to absorb misfortunes and launch them at an enemy of his choosing. Furthermore, due to his role as Yhwach’s other half, he can temporarily wield The Almighty.

Jugram’s writing style is known as The Balance, which works by returning misfortune to the originator. In other words, if Jugram receives fatal wounds, his adversary will suffer them instead. If he can’t slice through a person, he acquires their good fortune and breaks through their defenses. Jugram encountered Bazz-B when he was just a boy, and during Yhwach’s initial invasion of the Soul Society, he became a member of the Sternritter, making him over a thousand years old.

4 Tenjiro Kirinji – At Least 1,000 Years Old

The First Officer Of Squad Zero And The Creator Of Healing Kido

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
KinpikaNot Yet RevealedTomoyuki ShimuraMick Lauer

In the hierarchy of Soul Society, Tenjiro Kirinji stands out as one of its most powerful Soul Reapers, rivaling even the strongest among them. His Shunpo speed surpasses that of Sui-Feng, and he possesses the ability to subdue Jugram Haschwalth, leader of the Sternritter, with his Shikai. However, he tends to treat other Soul Reapers as if they were children, even Captains, often speaking down to them. This behavior usually goes unchecked until one of his fellow Royal Guards steps in for a reprimand.

He attained his esteemed position due to his remarkable skills in healing. He devised unique healing hot springs capable of treating severe wounds and restoring depleted blood. It was under his tutelage that Captain Unohana learned the art of healing. His healing abilities are such that they surpass even those of Unohana, who is renowned for her longevity. While Tenjiro’s exact age remains a mystery, given that he taught Unohana, it can be inferred that he is likely of comparable age or perhaps even older.

5 Yhwach – More Than 1,200 Years Old

The Quincy King And Son Of The Soul King

SchriftVollständigJapanese VAEnglish VA
The AlmightyNoneTakayuki SugoRichard Epcar

Yhwach, born from the Soul King, aspires to construct a realm devoid of the terror of mortality. He is the ancestor of the Quincy, differing from other antagonists in the series by having affection for many of his followers. He admired the original members of the Gotei 13 greatly, and held Yamamoto in particular esteem.

Yhwach possesses a powerful ability known as The Almighty. This unique talent enables him to perceive multiple potential future scenarios simultaneously. What makes this skill even more formidable is his capacity to manipulate these futures according to his preferred outcome. Additionally, he has the remarkable ability to assimilate any entity, thereby acquiring all their abilities in the process. Over a period of 1000 years, Yhwach managed to reclaim his physical form and regain his power. However, it’s important to note that he is over 1200 years old.

6 Jushiro Ukitake – At Least 2,000 Years Old

The Captain Of Squad 13 And Mimihagi’s Former Host

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
Sōgyo no KotowariNot Yet RevealedHideo IshikawaLiam O’Brien, Aleks Le

For most of the “Bleach” series, Jushiro Ukitake held the position of Captain for the 13th Division. By the time the story started, he had been a Captain for more than two centuries. Born into a modest noble family, he was their eldest son. At just three years old, he contracted a fatal lung disease but was miraculously saved by the Soul King’s sentient right hand.

Ukitake joined the Shin’ō Academy, a school established around 2,100 years back by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Later on, he was personally trained by his future Captain Commander when he was young. Interestingly, Ukitake was one of the first two students to graduate from this academy, suggesting that he might be at least 2,000 years old.

7 Shunsui Kyoraku – At Least 2,000 Years Old

The New Captain Commander Of The Gotei 13

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
Katen KyokotsuKaten Kyokotsu: Karamatsu ShinjuAkio OtsukaSteve Kramer

For over two centuries, Shunsui Kyoraku has served as a Captain, predominantly leading the 8th Division. Known for his relaxed and pacifist nature, he becomes intensely focused when compelled to engage in combat. Despite encountering formidable adversaries, he maintains composure, demonstrating a sharp intellect. His strength as a Captain is notable, earning him the title of Captain Commander following Yamamoto’s demise.

He and Ukitake were the initial alumni of the Shin’ō Academy, and he himself received tutelage from Yamamoto. During the Thousand-Year Blood War storyline, a young Shunsui was observed conversing with an apparently younger Yamamoto at the Academy. This implies that his age should be at least 2,000 years old.

8 Oetsu Nimaiya – Well Over 1,000 Years Old

The Third Officer Of Squad Zero And The Creator Of The Zanpakuto

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
Not Yet RevealedNot Yet RevealedYoji UedaCatero Colbert

In a more simplified and conversational manner: Oetsu Nimaiya is not only part of the Royal Guard, but also bears the prestigious title of the Divine General of the West. He’s quite vibrant and full of energy, with an unpredictable streak. He loves to make dramatic entrances, but when it comes down to it, he’s willing to put himself in harm’s way. When Yhwach attacked the Soul King Palace, Oetsu single-handedly took out his entire Royal Guard with swift strokes from his sealed Zanpakuto.

As a devotee, I proudly proclaim that my remarkable skill lies in forging the Zanpakutō, a fact that earned me a place among the esteemed Royal Guard. It’s not just one Zanpakutō that I’ve brought to life; I am the master craftsman behind every blade that has ever awakened. Since the very inception of Soul Society, my days have been filled with this noble work, making me a venerable figure, well over a millennium old.

9 Ichibe Hyosube – Over 2,000 Years Old

The Commander Of Squad Zero And The Man Who Named Everything Within The Soul Society

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
IchimonjiShirafude IchimonjiNaomi KusumiAaron LaPlante

As leader of the Zero Division, Ichibe Hyosube stands out as one of the most powerful Soul Reapers in the series, excelling particularly in Kido and maintaining a generally positive demeanor. However, when it comes to combat, he is renowned for his ruthless nature. His appointment by the Soul King was due to his control over names, which enabled him to name everything within Soul Society, including the Zanpakuto.

Ichibe’s weapon, the Zanpakuto, can split and weaken whatever it touches by severing its name. Its Shikai form releases black ink that nullifies powers of anything or anyone it touches. It also grants Ichibe the ability to absorb powers from beings with black essence, living or deceased. Moreover, Ichibe holds the first Bankai, enabling him to rename any object. Given that Zanpakuto have existed since ancient times, it’s safe to assume that Ichibe is more than 2000 years old.

10 Captain Unohana – Over 2,000 Years Old

The Original Kenpachi And Soul Society’s Most Dangerous Criminal

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
MinazukiMinazukiAya HisakawaKate Higgins

Retsu Unohana, famously known as the 4th Division Captain, displays a soft and compassionate demeanor; however, she was once the most notorious criminal in Soul Society’s annals. In her past life, she held the position of Captain for the 11th Division and earned the title of Kenpachi, a designation previously only attributed to one other individual. Her fierce battle with Kenpachi Zaraki during the Thousand Year Blood War Arc remains an iconic moment in Soul Society’s history.

She is one of the original members of the Gotei 13, which is why she outranks veteran Captains like Kyoraku and Ukitake. She’s proficient in numerous fighting techniques and is undeniably the most skilled healer within Seireitei. Her Shikai summons a harmless manta ray-like entity, while her Bankai generates a substance resembling blood that can easily slice through tissue. The Gotei 13 has been in existence for over a millennium, and Unohana has been part of it since before it was even formed.

11 Ginrei Kuchiki – Over 2,000 Years Old

Byakuya’s Grandfather And The Former Captain Of Squad 6

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
Not Yet RevealedNot Yet RevealedKinryu ArimotoJ. B. Blanc

Ginrei held two significant roles: the 27th leader of the Kuchiki Clan and previously the Captain of the 6th Division, before Byakuya assumed control. As a head of one of Soul Society’s noble families, Ginrei carries himself with an air of aristocracy, maintaining a composed and tranquil demeanor. His age lends credence to his remarkable patience. Details about Ginrei’s strength are scarce, but considering his high-ranking position, he was endowed with immense spiritual power.

As I first encountered him, it was clear that Ginrei was well beyond his years, having reached the twilight of life. In contrast to our world, age appears to progress at a different pace within Soul Society – a fact underscored by Toshiro’s youthful appearance despite being approximately 150 years old. If Ginrei had the appearance of someone in their seventies, it goes without saying that he was far older than Unohana.

12 Chojiro Sasakibe – Over 2,000 Years Old

A Captain-Level Soul Reaper Who Served Captain Commander Yamamoto For Centuries

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
GonryomaruKoko Gonryo RikyuTaro YamaguchiDan Woren

In the onset of the latest Quincy conflict, it was Chojiro Sasakibe who tragically met his end first. For countless centuries, he had served diligently as the Lieutenant of the 1st Division. His exceptional abilities earned him Bankai ages ago, granting him the unique power to summon and control lightning bolts, which he could skillfully direct towards his adversaries. Despite having the potential to ascend to Captain rank at any point, Chojiro made a vow long ago to remain as Yamamoto’s Lieutenant for as long as the elder lived.

1,000 years past, I, a young warrior named Chojiro, dealt a fatal blow to Yhwach during the initial Quincy War. Prior to this conflict, I shared my Bankai with a youthful Yamamoto. When my time came to depart from this world, I had lived an extraordinary lifespan of over 2,000 years.

13 Captain Commander Yamamoto – Over 2,100 Years Old

Founded The Gotei 13 Centuries Ago

ShikaiBankaiJapanese VAEnglish VA
Ryuujin JakkaZanka no TachiMasaaki Tsukada, Binbin TakaokaNeil Kaplan

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto served as the Chief Commander of the Gotei 13 from its formation, a role he held throughout his tenure. He personally selected all the original Captains, a generation renowned for their strength in the annals of history. His mastery extended to the oldest and mightiest fire-type Zanpakuto, granting him access to some of the most potent Shikai and Bankai abilities known.

His Shikai’s flames had the power to burn anything with just one swipe, while his Bankai was capable of annihilating the entire Soul Society. Contrary to his aged appearance, Yamamoto was actually older than he seemed; when he established the Gotei 13, he appeared to be in his mid-50s. In reality, he is over two thousand years old, making him the oldest known Soul Reaper.

14 Mimihagi – Thousands Of Years Old

The Soul King’s Right Hand, Which Has The Power To Stop Any Illness

HostRaceJapanese VAEnglish VA
Jushiro UkitakeGodNoneNone

In the fringes of East Rukon District resides a local deity named Mimihagi. Unlike other deities, Mimihagi has a unique role – it governs tranquility, and as such, it possesses the ability to halt advancement, growth, and transformation. This power is not only seen in nature but extends to halting the progression of lethal diseases. For instance, if not for Mimihagi’s intervention, Jushiro Ukitake would have perished from tuberculosis centuries ago. In extraordinary situations, Mimihagi can temporarily postpone death.

As per Yhwach’s explanation, Mimihagi has the power to foresee the future and assimilate other living entities. Individuals with foresight are unable to perceive any actions taken by Mimihagi. This deity, in truth, is the intelligent arm of the Soul King, suggesting that it existed long before the Soul Society, dating back by thousands of years.

15 Pernida Parnkgjas – Thousands Of Years Old

The Soul King’s Left Hand, Which Has The Power To Rip Others Apart

SchriftVollständigJapanese VAEnglish VA
The CompulsoryUnknownBin ShimadaNot Yet Revealed

Among Yhwach’s powerful Sternritter ranks, Pernida stands out for its unique trait: self-governing evolution. This talent makes it adaptable in combat as it quickly evolves a countermeasure against various abilities. Furthermore, Pernida wields The Compulsory, a Schrift that enables it to invade enemies’ nervous systems. By doing so, it can either manipulate the target or disintegrate them entirely.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share an intriguing perspective: Pernida, in reality, embodies the sentient left hand of the Soul King. Yet, it identifies itself as a Quincy. Given that the Soul King predates the Soul Society, it’s quite plausible for such an ancient entity to be represented by a hand as old as time itself.

16 The Soul King – Thousands Of Years Old

A God Who Maintains The Cosmic Balance Of The Three Worlds

NameRaceJapanese VAEnglish VA
AdnyeusGodNoneNone

In simpler terms, the being known as the Soul King oversees all of Soul Society, but he is not like any ordinary person. Instead, he’s a divine entity responsible for managing the incoming and outgoing souls within Soul Society. He ensures harmony among the human world, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo. If he were absent, these realms would crumble into one. His abilities encompass foresight, far-seeing, miraculous manifestation, evolution, and control over stagnation.

Over time, the Soul King developed consciousness within his body parts and internal systems, causing the Soul Reapers to imprison him and restrict his movements. Remarkably, he had already been alive long before the establishment of the Soul Society, implying an age beyond our comprehension.

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2024-10-23 18:55