Bleach: Meet the 16 Oldest Characters in the Series

Essential Insights

• In the Bleach universe, characters might appear youthful but can actually be incredibly old due to the different passage of time in the Soul Society.
• Notable characters such as Kenpachi Zaraki, Bazz-B, and Yhwach are each at least 1,000 years old, with some exceeding the age of 2,000 years.
• The Bleach world is inhabited by ancient entities like Ginrei Kuchiki, Captain Unohana, and Captain Commander Yamamoto.

The realm of anime is expansive, ensuring that there is a series or franchise to suit every taste. The surge in anime’s popularity in recent times can be attributed to the well-crafted narratives and compelling characters that many series present. These characters differ widely in age, with some maintaining a youthful facade despite being thousands of years old.

At one point, Bleach was celebrated as one of the top anime and manga series globally, primarily revolving around the battles between spiritual beings. These beings do not age in the same manner as humans; indeed, many exist for centuries while maintaining the appearance of those in their 20s or 30s. However, certain figures within the series are particularly ancient.

Updated October 23, 2024 by George Voutiritsas: Following the release of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, Bleach has experienced a significant revival in popularity, allowing fans to reconnect with beloved characters as well as introduce several new faces. Most of these character introductions feature Soul Reapers, and because time flows differently in the Soul Society, many have lived for centuries.

While many of the oldest figures in Bleach hold the title of Soul Reaper, there are others who have resided on this plane for even longer. Some of these beings identify as Quincy and are tied to an entity of godlike status that predates all known characters.

1 Kenpachi Zaraki – Approximately 1,000 Years Old

The Captain of Squad 11 and One of the Strongest Soul Reapers in History

Kenpachi Zaraki’s early life unfolded in one of the harshest and most chaotic Districts of North Rukon. Here, he found his Zanpakuto, once owned by a former Soul Reaper murdered by one of the area’s many outlaws. Zaraki honed his swordsmanship by defeating opponents left and right.

Eventually, after accumulating a long list of vanquished foes, he engaged in a legendary battle against Captain Unohana, one of the founding members of the Gotei 13. At that time, Unohana still embodied her initial, bloodthirsty nature, indicating their fight happened shortly following the first Quincy war. Considering the timeline and the fact that Kenpachi was still quite young, estimating his age at around 1,000 years is reasonable.

2 Bazz-B – Over 1,000 Years Old

A Sternritter Who Can Control Intense Flames

Bazz-B, originally the son of a local lord, witnessed his village’s destruction during Yhwach’s conquests. After this tragic event, Bazz-B and Jugram swore to become strong enough to bring Yhwach down one day. The shock set in when Yhwach chose Jugram as his right-hand man, infuriating Bazz-B when he learned Jugram’s power was most of Yhwach’s strength.

Subsequently, Bazz-B became a Sternritter and gained The Heat, a Schrift that granted him the power to create and control blistering flames. Using this ability, he can annihilate a Soul Reaper’s body in seconds. The conquest that devastated Bazz-B’s village occurred long before the first Quincy-Soul Reaper war, which means he has lived for over a millennium despite his youthful appearance.

3 Jugram Haschwalth – Over 1,000 Years Old

The Grandmaster of Yhwach’s Sternritter

Jugram serves as Yhwach’s right-hand man and oversees his Sternritter faction. Unlike most, he cannot command Reishi but can pass power onto others. His broadsword is strong enough to cut through Ichigo’s Bankai, and he also possesses a shield that can absorb misfortune and redirect it at chosen targets. Being Yhwach’s counterpart, he can hold The Almighty for limited durations.

His Schrift, termed The Balance, grants him the extraordinary ability to reflect misfortune onto foes. Should he experience fatal injuries, his opponent will share the consequences. If he fails to land a hit, he can inherit the fortune of his adversary, thus overcoming their defenses. Jugram was just a child when he met Bazz-B, and he was part of the Sternritter when Yhwach first invaded the Soul Society over a millennium ago.

4 Tenjiro Kirinji – At Least 1,000 Years Old

The First Officer of Squad Zero and Creator of Healing Kido

As a distinguished member of the Royal Guard, Tenjiro Kirinji is considered one of the most formidable Soul Reapers within the Soul Society. His speed in Shunpo exceeds that of Sui-Feng, and he has even overpowered Jugram Haschwalth with his Shikai. He often treats other Soul Reapers, including Captains, as mere pupils, frequently patronizing them until corrected by a fellow Guard.

His appointment stems from his unparalleled healing skills. He developed special hot springs capable of treating severe injuries and replenishing blood. Tenjiro was the mentor who guided Captain Unohana in the art of healing, and he is adept at wounds that even she struggles to manage. Although his precise age remains undetermined, his mentorship of Unohana, who is notably aged, implies he must be similarly old.

5 Yhwach – More Than 1,200 Years Old

The Quincy King and Son of the Soul King

Yhwach is recognized as the Soul King’s progeny and harbors aspirations of constructing a world unhindered by the fears of mortality. As the origin of the Quincy, Yhwach stands out among his foes; he holds a distinctive fondness for many of his underlings. He deeply respected the Gotei 13’s first generation, notably viewing Yamamoto as a figure of great esteem.

His power, termed The Almighty, allows him to perceive all potential futures simultaneously, and crucially, he can manipulate them to realize his ambitions. Additionally, he has the ability to absorb other beings and acquire their powers. It took him millennia to regain both form and strength following his initial demise; however, he is indeed more than 1,200 years old.

6 Jushiro Ukitake – At Least 2,000 Years Old

The Captain of Squad 13 and Former Host of Mimihagi

Throughout most of the series, Jushiro Ukitake held the rank of Captain in the 13th Division. By the time Bleach’s narrative commenced, he had already been a Captain for over two centuries. The eldest son of a low-tier noble lineage, Ukitake developed a critical lung ailment at the tender age of three, surviving solely due to the intervention of the Soul King’s sentient right hand.

Joining the ranks of Soul Reapers, Ukitake entered the Shin’ō Academy, established by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto nearly 2,100 years prior. The former Captain Commander personally trained him during his early years. Ukitake became one of the pioneering Soul Reapers to earn graduation from this Academy, marking him as a minimum of 2,000 years old.

7 Shunsui Kyoraku – At Least 2,000 Years Old

The New Captain Commander of the Gotei 13

Shunsui Kyoraku has enjoyed the rank of Captain for over two centuries, predominantly leading the 8th Division. Known for his easy-going disposition and love for peace, he approaches battles with utmost seriousness. He remains composed even in the face of formidable foes and possesses sharp wits, marking him as one of the mightiest Captains, a fact that contributed to his ascension as Captain Commander post-Yamamoto’s demise.

Both he and Ukitake were among the first to graduate from the Shin’ō Academy, having received personal training from Yamamoto. Within the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, a flashback reveals a young Shunsui engaged in conversation with a much younger Yamamoto at the Academy, further solidifying his age at a minimum of 2,000 years.

8 Oetsu Nimaiya – Well Over 1,000 Years Old

The Third Officer of Squad Zero and the Creator of the Zanpakuto

Oetsu Nimaiya, a member of the Royal Guard, proudly holds the title of Divine General of the West. Characterized by his vibrant and spirited personality, Oetsu is known for his unpredictable nature and entrances. When conflict arises, he is willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. During Yhwach’s invasion of the Soul King Palace, he singlehandedly took down the entire Royal Guard with swift moves wielding his sealed Zanpakuto.

He earned his place in the Royal Guard for creating the Zanpakutō, being responsible for forging every consciously awakened Zanpakutō since Soul Society’s creation, indicating that he extends well beyond 1,000 years in age.

9 Ichibe Hyosube – Over 2,000 Years Old

The Commander of Squad Zero and the Man Who Named Everything in Soul Society

As the renowned leader of the Zero Division, Ichibe Hyosube is arguably the most powerful Soul Reaper in the overall narrative. Mastering Kido, he remains highly focused on his missions yet retains an upbeat demeanor. However, he can exhibit ruthless qualities during battles. Appointed directly by the Soul King, Ichibe possesses the unique mastery over names and is credited with naming virtually everything in Soul Society, including the Zanpakuto.

His chained Zanpakuto can sever the name of anything it strikes, thus halving its strength. Ichibe’s Shikai produces ink granting him the power to neutralize the abilities of whoever it covers. Additionally, he can inherit the powers from any being that contains the color black, alive or deceased. Ichibe wields the first Bankai, endowed with the capability of renaming objects. Since Zanpakuto have been present since the beginning, Ichibe must be significantly older than 2,000 years.

10 Captain Unohana – Over 2,000 Years Old

The Original Kenpachi and Soul Society’s Most Notorious Criminal

Retsu Unohana is characterized as the compassionate and nurturing Captain of the 4th Division; however, unbeknownst to many, she was the first Captain of the 11th Division and the original Kenpachi. Before her rise as a Captain, she had once been regarded as the most fearsome criminal in Soul Society’s history, with her confrontation against Kenpachi Zaraki being among the highlights of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.

As one of the founding members of the Gotei 13, Unohana holds an authoritative edge over veteran Captains like Kyoraku and Ukitake. She showcases mastery in numerous fighting styles, rendering her the paramount healer within the Seireitei. Her Shikai conjures a harmless manta ray-like entity, while her Bankai rends a blood-like substance capable of slicing through flesh. Given that she predates the establishment of the Gotei 13, Unohana’s age extends well past 2,000 years.

11 Ginrei Kuchiki – Over 2,000 Years Old

Byakuya’s Grandfather and Former Captain of Squad 6

Ginrei was the 27th head of the Kuchiki Clan and also held the position of Captain of the 6th Division prior to Byakuya’s leadership. As the head of a noble family in Soul Society, he projected an aristocratic demeanor while maintaining a composed and patient personality, traits befitting his extraordinary age. Though specific details of Ginrei’s strength remain unclear, his rank implies he possessed considerable spiritual prowess.

When introduced, Ginrei appeared quite elderly, suggesting he is significantly old. Given the distinct aging process in Soul Society (as evident in characters like Toshiro, who appears much younger despite being in his 150s), Ginrei’s mature appearance indicates he surpasses the age of Captain Unohana.

12 Chojiro Sasakibe – Over 2,000 Years Old

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

Chojiro Sasakibe was the first casualty of the recent Quincy war. Serving as the Lieutenant of the 1st Division for centuries, he obtained his Bankai ages ago, which enabled him to conjure lightning bolts guided towards adversaries. He had the potential to be elevated to Captain status at any time but chose to commit to his role as Yamamoto’s Lieutenant until the veteran’s death.

A pivotal flashback highlights a much younger Chojiro stabbing Yhwach during the first Quincy war 1,000 years ago. He demonstrated his Bankai to an earlier version of Yamamoto, thus revealing that at the time of his passing, Chojiro had lived for over 2,000 years.

13 Captain Commander Yamamoto – Over 2,100 Years Old

Founder of the Gotei 13 Centuries Ago

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the revered Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, held this esteemed title since the formation of the group. He personally recruited every original Captain, and this inaugural class is noted for its unparalleled strength throughout history. His colossal fire-type Zanpakuto is known for its extraordinary Shikai and Bankai capabilities.

The fiery slashes of his Shikai are powerful enough to obliterate nearly anything, while his Bankai could potentially decimate all of Soul Society. Yamamoto’s appearance reflects his lengthy lifespan; despite establishing the Gotei 13 while appearing to be in his early 50s, he is actually over 2,100 years old, making him the oldest known Soul Reaper.

14 Mimihagi – Thousands of Years Old

The Soul King’s Right Hand, Capable of Halting Any Illness

Mimihagi serves as a regional deity ruling over the remote areas of the East Rukon District and holds authority over stillness, granting it the capacity to pause progression, growth, and change. This power enables it to halt deadly diseases. Without the intervention of Mimihagi, Jushiro Ukitake would have succumbed to tuberculosis centuries prior. In extreme scenarios, Mimihagi can temporarily stave off death.

According to Yhwach, Mimihagi possesses the ability to see into future events and can absorb living beings, making its actions invisible to those endowed with foresight. This god is regarded as the sentient right hand of the Soul King, suggesting it predated the Soul Society by thousands of years.

15 Pernida Parnkgjas – Thousands of Years Old

The Soul King’s Left Hand, Possessing the Power to Tear Others Apart

Pernida is a member of Yhwach’s elite Sternritter with an astonishing ability that enables it to govern its own evolution actively. This skill proves beneficial in combat as Pernida can rapidly adapt countermeasures against most abilities. It boasts The Compulsory, a Schrift that lets it send nerve impulses into opponents, thus empowering it to control or dismantle them.

Identifying itself as a Quincy, Pernida is recognized as the sentient left hand of the Soul King. Given that the Soul King predates the Soul Society, it naturally follows that his living hand also shares significant age.

16 The Soul King – Thousands of Years Old

A God Who Preserves the Cosmic Balance Among the Three Realms

The Soul King presides over Soul Society, yet he is not an ordinary figure. As a divine being, he governs the flow of souls across the spiritual realms, maintaining equilibrium between the human realm, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo. His absence would lead to catastrophic upheavals among these worlds. His powers encompass precognition, clairvoyance, miracle fabrication, evolution control, and governance over stagnation.

As the Soul King’s limbs gained sentience over time, it necessitated the sealing and containment by the Soul Reapers. Remarkably, he existed even before the foundation of Soul Society, making his actual age immeasurable.

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