Hey everyone! In this blog, we’re talking one-on-one about every single Bankai in the Bleach series—who uses it and a fun fact about each one. Ready? Let’s dive in! Keep in mind, some captains’ Bankai (like Aizen, Shinji Hirako, etc.) haven’t been revealed yet, either in the manga or the anime, so they won’t be included. This isn’t a ranking—just a full list of all known Bankai from Gotei 1 to 13.
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto- Zanka no Tachi
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the former Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, wields a Bankai called Zanka no Tachi, widely regarded as the most powerful Bankai in the Bleach series. It is split into four distinct techniques: East, West, South, and North.
Zanka no Tachi East condenses all the flames from Yamamoto’s Shikai into a single concentrated longsword. Anything that touches this blade is instantly reduced to nothing, completely obliterated.
Zanka no Tachi West stores his flames within his own body, raising his body temperature to over 115 million degrees Fahrenheit—hotter than the surface of the Sun. This extreme heat makes approaching him virtually impossible while the West ability is active.
Zanka no Tachi South reveals a terrifying power: Yamamoto can summon the scorched corpses of those he has killed over his thousand-year lifespan. These charred skeletons rise to fight under his command, much like extensions of his blade.
Zanka no Tachi North delivers a single overwhelming slash that incinerates everything in its trajectory, even surpassing the destructive force of the East technique.
An intriguing fact about Yamamoto’s Bankai is that it was later stolen by Yhwach. However, it remains uncertain whether Yhwach will ever actually use it, sparking fan theories and speculation about its true potential under his control.
Yamamoto’s Zanka no Tachi stands as a true testament to his immense power and cements his legacy as one of the strongest characters in the Bleach universe.
Chojiro Sasakibe – Kokou Gonryo Riku
Chōjirō Sasakibe, the former Lieutenant of the 1st Division, wielded a lightning-based Bankai known as Kokō Gonryō Rikyū. When activated, it creates a massive dome of lightning behind him, from which he can summon bolts to strike down his enemies at will. This gives him full control over lightning-based attacks, allowing him to hit opponents from any direction. Sadly, Chojiro was never shown using his Bankai in actual combat, as it was stolen by Driscoll Berci and used against Captain Yamamoto.
A significant detail is that while Chojiro had fully mastered his Bankai, he never used it in battle during his lifetime. Despite that, when Yamamoto witnessed its power in Driscoll’s hands, he acknowledged that Chojiro’s Bankai was far from weak—a clear testament to its hidden potential when wielded properly.
Though largely unseen in action, Kokō Gonryō Rikyū stands out as a powerful and destructive lightning-based Bankai, hinting at the untapped strength Chojiro truly possessed.
Shunsui Kyoraku – Katen Kyōkotsu Karamatsu Shinju
The current Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, and former Captain of the 8th Division, Shunsui Kyōraku, wields a Bankai known as Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū. This unique Bankai transforms the battlefield into a series of theatrical acts collectively called “Dawn.” Unlike typical illusions or mental tricks, these scenes physically reshape the environment, turning the battle into a deadly performance.
In the first act, any injuries Shunsui has taken are transferred to his opponent. The second act spreads a disease-like condition through the enemy’s body. The third act floods the area, placing both combatants underwater and at risk of drowning. Finally, in the fourth and final act, a thread under Shunsui’s control beheads and disintegrates the opponent, concluding the tragic play.
A particularly interesting detail is that Shunsui’s Bankai manifests the spirit of his Zanpakutō, Kyōkotsu, as two women, suggesting a deeper, perhaps even romantic, bond between him and his blade.
Shunsui Kyōraku’s Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū is a mysterious and devastating Bankai that combines theatrical flair with lethal precision, making it one of the most unpredictable and dangerous abilities in the Soul Society.
Soi fon – Jakuhō Raikōben
Soi Fon, the Captain of the 2nd Division, possesses a Bankai called Jakuhō Raikōben. It transforms into an enormous missile-like weapon that attaches to her arm, functioning as a powerful and heavy projectile. Despite its destructive capability, Soi Fon personally dislikes using her Bankai, as it goes against her principles as the head of the Stealth Force. Its size, flashiness, and loud impact make it ill-suited for her stealth-based combat style, which relies on swift, silent assassinations. Still, there’s no denying that her Bankai looks undeniably cool.
A fun detail is that Soi Fon can only use her Bankai once every three days. While it’s not impossible for her to activate it more often, doing so would severely drain her stamina. This not only reveals a key limitation of her Bankai but also highlights Soi Fon’s impressive endurance when she does choose to wield it.
Gin Ichimaru – Kamishininoyari
Gin Ichimaru, the former Captain of the 3rd Division, wields a deceptive and deadly Bankai known as Kamishini no Yari. It builds upon the abilities of his Shikai by allowing his sword to extend and retract at incredible speed and over vast distances, far beyond the Shikai’s 100-sword-length limit. However, much of what Gin initially claimed—such as the blade reaching 13 kilometers and moving faster than sound—was later revealed to be a deliberate lie meant to mislead opponents.
The true ability of Kamishini no Yari lies in its hidden technique. As Gin extends and retracts the blade, he secretly leaves a small fragment inside his target. By activating the ability “Kamishini no Yari: Bankai,” he can cause that fragment to disintegrate the opponent’s body at the cellular level, dealing massive internal damage. Gin attempted to use this devastating move against Aizen, but ultimately failed to finish him off.
While not exactly a fun fact due to the tragic result, this moment stands as a key turning point in Gin’s story, revealing both the depth of his strategy and the risk he was willing to take.
Shusuke Amagai – Raika Goen Kaku
Shūsuke Amagai is another former Captain of the 3rd Division, though he appears only in an anime-exclusive arc and is not part of the original Bleach manga storyline. His Bankai, Raika Gōen Kaku, manifests as a massive seashell-like structure capable of unleashing powerful flames. However, because his character and abilities were featured only in filler episodes and received limited screen time, this Bankai is often overlooked and not widely recognized among fans of the series.
Rōjūrō Otoribashi- Kinshara Butoudan
Rōjūrō Otoribashi, commonly known as Rose, is the current Captain of the 3rd Division. His Bankai, Kinshara Butōdan, allows him to harness the power of music to create tangible illusions. By playing his music, Rose can deceive his target’s emotions, crafting illusions so vivid and powerful that they not only manipulate the senses but also cause real physical harm and alter the environment. According to Rose, his illusions are so immersive that they can even make an enemy feel like they can’t breathe.
The offensive abilities of Kinshara Butōdan are delivered through various dances performed by “Dancers” under Rose’s command. He controls these performances using a conducting baton, much like an orchestra conductor. Some of the notable techniques include:
- Sea Drift (Shī Dorifuto): This move traps the opponent in a ring of spinning figures that simulate a massive whirlpool. The illusion makes the target believe they are being drowned and crushed by the swirling water.
- Prometheus: The Dancers generate flames in their hands and engulf the opponent in fire. Despite being an illusion, the target feels intense pain, convinced they’re actually being burned.
Another named technique, Ein Heldenleben (“A Hero’s Life” in both German and Japanese), was never seen in action. It was interrupted when Mask de Masculine crushed Rose’s eardrums, making him immune to the Bankai’s sound-based illusions.
Rose’s Kinshara Butōdan is a beautiful yet deadly fusion of art and combat, turning music into a devastating weapon.
Retsu Unohana – Minazuki
Retsu Unohana, the former Captain of the 4th Division, wields a mysterious Bankai known as Minazuki. Unfortunately, its true abilities remain largely unknown, as very little was revealed before her death. Some speculate that the Bankai involves blood or acid, but nothing has been confirmed. When Unohana activated it, a strange, dark liquid-like substance appeared behind her, further deepening the mystery.
Tragically, she was killed by Kenpachi Zaraki during their battle before the full power of Minazuki could be explored. Interestingly, both her Shikai and Bankai are called Minazuki, though their meanings differ slightly in translation. The lack of concrete information surrounding her Bankai adds to its mystique, leaving fans to wonder about the true depth of Unohana’s power.
Byakuya Kuchiki – Senbinezakura Khageyoshi
Byakuya Kuchiki, Captain of the 6th Division, wields the elegant and deadly Bankai known as Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. It builds upon the power of his Shikai by drastically increasing the number of controllable flower petals. While his Shikai produces around a thousand petals, his Bankai multiplies that into hundreds of millions. Byakuya can also control them with his hands, enhancing their speed, precision, and versatility. Here are a few of the powerful techniques he can execute using these petals:
- Senkei (Thousand-Blade Formation): In this technique, Byakuya compresses the countless petals into a formation of floating swords that surround the battlefield. He can summon any of these blades at will, creating a massacre-like assault that overwhelms his enemies through sheer volume and speed.
- Gokei (Maw of Destruction): This move forms a giant spherical swirl of razor-sharp petals that encloses and crushes the opponent from all sides. The condensed storm of blades makes this a fatal and unescapable finishing attack.
- Shukei: Hakuteiken (Final Scene: White Emperor Sword): Byakuya compresses all of his petals into a single, sleek white sword. This blade is accompanied by ethereal white wings, adding a divine and regal aura. This final form blends aesthetic beauty with raw power to unleash a decisive strike.
A fun fact about Byakuya’s Bankai is that it may have grown even more powerful due to the training he underwent in the Soul Society. However, the full extent of these improvements hasn’t been shown yet—leaving fans eagerly waiting to see what else he’s capable of.
Renji Abarai – Zabimaru
Renji Abarai, the lieutenant of the 6th Division, wields a Bankai that features three distinct forms, each enhancing his combat versatility in unique ways:
- Hihiō (Baboon King): In this form, the cowl of Renji’s Bankai transforms into a massive skeletal arm covered in green fur, mimicking the movements of his left arm. This powerful appendage possesses immense physical strength, capable of crushing bones and tossing larger enemies effortlessly. Its raw force is evident when it easily lifts and smashes huge slabs of stone or walls.
- Orochiō (Great Snake King): Upon activation, the Bankai’s vertebral structure unravels from around Renji’s waist and extends like a serpentine tail. The sword also transforms into a more massive, serrated weapon, further amplifying his offensive reach and power.
- Sōō Zabimaru: Zaga Teppō (Twin Kings Snake Tail, Snake Fang Iron Gun): This finisher technique involves Renji impaling his opponent with his blade, then clenching his fist and twisting the hilt like a key. This triggers a massive set of spiritual jaws—shaped like a snake’s skull—that close in on the enemy. At the same time, Renji can fire a concentrated blast of spiritual energy straight through the opponent, maximizing damage.
Renji’s Bankai offers an impressive array of forms and techniques, making him highly adaptable in battle and significantly more formidable than earlier in the series.
Sajin Komamura – Kokujo Tengen
The 7th Division Captain, Sajin Komamura, wields the Bankai Kokujō Tengen Myō’ō, which summons a massive armored giant that mirrors all of his movements. Essentially, whatever Komamura does, the giant does as well. However, there’s a major drawback—any damage the giant takes is also reflected onto Komamura himself. On the flip side, if Komamura heals, the Bankai also recovers, making it unique as the only known self-repairing Bankai. Most other Bankai, like Ichigo’s Tensa Zangetsu, remain permanently damaged once broken.
A fascinating fun fact is that after mastering the Humanization Technique from his ancestral clan, Komamura unlocked a more powerful version called Kokujō Tengen Myō’ō: Dangai Jōe. This version sheds the armor entirely, becoming a giant made purely of spiritual pressure. However, this transformation came at a cost—Komamura took on a permanent beast form resembling a large dog.
Due to this change, it’s currently unknown whether he can still use his Bankai, or if it would even function the same way again. As for the 8th Division—there’s no active captain at the moment, since Shunsui Kyōraku was promoted and now leads the 1st Division.
Kensei Muguruma – Tekken Tachikaze
Moving on to the 9th Division, we have the current captain—Kensei Muguruma, who, let’s be honest, is probably dead at this point. His Bankai is called Tekken Tachikaze, which compresses his sword into a pair of gauntlets on both of his arms. There’s also this giant, stretchy contraption that appears behind him—what exactly it does is still a bit of a mystery. That said, Kensei can alter the shape of the gauntlets themselves—he’s transformed them into axe blades, brass knuckles, and more.
The main ability of this Bankai is pretty brutal. As long as the gauntlet is making contact with the opponent, it sets off a series of explosions with each strike, essentially blasting the enemy to bits. It’s a high-impact, close-range power that can be absolutely devastating.
A cool little fact about Kensei: he was the first Visored to reveal and use his Bankai in the series, setting him apart early on.
Kaname Tosen –Suzumushi Tsuishiki Enma Korogi
Now let’s talk about Kaname Tosen, the former Captain of the 9th Division. His Bankai is called Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Korogi. When activated, it creates a large black dome that completely suppresses the opponent’s senses of sight, hearing, and smell, leaving them vulnerable to Tosen’s attacks using only his sealed Zanpakuto. However, a fun fact is that it doesn’t remove the sense of touch—something that might be interesting for us, but definitely not for anyone caught inside.
This weakness allowed Kenpachi to quickly figure out how the Bankai worked and ultimately led to Tosen’s defeat. Later in the series, Tosen activated his Hollowfication, but it remains unclear whether he could still use his Bankai in that state—or if it would have taken on a new form. Unfortunately, we’ll never know, as Tosen was killed before we could see more.
Toshiro Hitsugaya – Daiguren Hyorinmaru
Toshiro Hitsugaya, the Captain of the 10th Division, wields the Bankai Daiguren Hyorinmaru, which expands upon his Shikai by forming massive ice structures that encase parts of his body, ultimately shaping into an icy sword. This Bankai grants him access to a wide array of ice-based techniques, with one of the most fundamental and powerful being “Weather Subjugation,” which allows him to manipulate elements like snow, rain, and frost. His most devastating move under this Bankai is Hyōten Hyakkasō, a spectacular culmination of his freezing abilities.
Interestingly, Hitsugaya’s Bankai displays the least visual or functional difference from his Shikai. He can perform nearly all of his techniques in both states, but attempting large-scale abilities such as Ryūsenka or Hyōten Hyakkasō while in Shikai is considerably more dangerous. It remains unclear whether he has fully mastered his Bankai. A key detail is the presence of ice flowers floating behind him, which act as a timer for how long he can maintain the form. It’s believed that when those flowers no longer appear—signaling unlimited Bankai duration—he will have achieved full mastery.
Until then, Hitsugaya continues to train and evolve, striving for complete control over Daiguren Hyorinmaru.
Kenpachi Zaraki – UnKnown
The Bankai of Kenpachi Zaraki, Captain of the 11th Division, was long a mystery, with its name finally revealed in Bleach Chapter 669.
Kenpachi’s Bankai, often referred to as “Power Overload,” unleashes strength far beyond the limits of his body, causing it to physically break under the overwhelming pressure.
Upon activation, Kenpachi enters a berserker state, losing all sense of reason and becoming unable to distinguish allies from enemies. He battles with sheer brute force, completely ignoring any injury or risk to himself.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Kenpachi’s Bankai is how it drastically alters his personality when used. While the full details remain unclear, subtle hints in the series suggest a deeper connection to the true form of Nozarashi, his Zanpakutō, possibly playing a significant role.
As this revelation came toward the end of the series, much about Kenpachi’s Bankai remains unknown, leaving fans eager for more insight into its true nature and capabilities.
Ikkaku Madara – Hyozukimaru
Let’s take a look at the Bankai of Ikkaku Madarame, the 3rd seat of the 11th Division. His Bankai, Ryumon Hozukimaru, fuses the three segments of his Shikai into an enormous three-part weapon. It features two large blades he wields alongside a massive, unnamed central component. While this Bankai grants Ikkaku tremendous raw power, it significantly sacrifices speed and defense. In his battle against Arrancar No. 13, Ikkaku managed to deal heavy damage using it. However, once the Bankai is damaged, it cannot be fully repaired, causing a permanent drop in its overall effectiveness.
A fun detail about Ikkaku’s Zanpakuto spirit, Hozukimaru, is that it’s notoriously lazy and takes a long time to wake up. During Bankai, one of the blades acts as a power gauge. When the dragon crest etched on the blade glows completely crimson, it means Ikkaku is about to go full-on 11th Squad and dish out some serious punishment.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi – Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo
Let’s take a look at the Bankai of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Captain of the 12th Division. His Bankai, Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō, manifests as a gigantic caterpillar-like creature with infantile features and blade-tipped appendages. This grotesque entity can release deadly poison, which Mayuri can alter at will. Since the toxin is derived from his own blood, both he and his lieutenant, Nemu, are completely immune to its effects.
Mayuri’s Bankai is a testament to his identity as a mad scientist—it’s highly adaptable and dangerous. He’s even designed it to self-destruct if ever turned against him. Through his experiments involving the Demon Womb Raft and Disease, he has evolved his Bankai further into a massive, loincloth-wearing baby. This upgraded version can mimic and counteract any ability used against it. Remarkably, it can also produce a new, immune offspring through a C-section, effectively nullifying enemy techniques.
Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō showcases Mayuri’s scientific brilliance and warped ingenuity, making it one of the most unpredictable and fearsome Bankai in battle.
Kisuke Urahara – Kanonberaki Benihime Atarame
Let’s explore the Bankai of Kisuke Urahara, the former 12th Division captain and the ever-enigmatic owner of the Urahara Shop. His Bankai, Kanonbiraki Benihime Atarame, summons a massive ethereal woman behind him. This powerful technique grants Urahara the ability to reconstruct and reconfigure anything—including his own body. From restoring damaged eyes to enhancing the strength of his limbs, he can reshape matter to his advantage.
Kanonbiraki Benihime Atarame is not renowned for sheer offensive power but instead for its phenomenal restructuring capabilities. Urahara can alter physical objects and even bypass barriers that would normally be impossible to penetrate. Its versatility is especially potent in the hands of someone as brilliant as Urahara. While we didn’t get to see the full scale of his Bankai’s abilities—unlike Kenpachi’s—it still leaves a lasting impression.
An interesting fact about Urahara’s Bankai is that he obtained it through the same high-risk, intense three-day method as Ichigo. Despite the difficulty, Urahara’s intelligence and perseverance enabled him to master it successfully.
Urahara’s Kanonbiraki Benihime Atarame is a true reflection of his inventive nature and strategic mind, making it an invaluable tool for both combat and complex problem-solving.
Rukia Kuchiki – Hakka no Togame
Let’s delve into the Bankai of the 13th Division’s lieutenant, Rukia Kuchiki. Her Bankai, Hakka no Togame, encases her entirely in ice, giving her the appearance of a frozen statue. This transformation raises concerns about her mobility, as the form appears physically restrictive. Based on what we’ve seen, her Bankai releases a powerful burst of cold that freezes anything nearby, shattering it into icy fragments that vanish into the air.
Rukia’s Bankai is often viewed as a devastating one-hit kill technique. However, it seems to come with certain drawbacks when it comes to prolonged combat. Returning from her Bankai state to Shikai—or even back to her normal form—demands a considerable amount of energy and concentration. A single mistake during this transition could lead to serious consequences.
Despite its risks, Hakka no Togame is a showcase of raw elemental power, capable of instantly freezing and disintegrating whatever it touches. Though not without limitations, Rukia’s Bankai stands out as a powerful and visually stunning addition to her abilities.
Ichibē Hyōsube – Shirafude ichimonji
Shirafude Ichimonji is a truly unique Zanpakutō, which Ichibē Hyōsube describes not as a traditional Bankai, but as the “evolution” of a Zanpakutō. It appears as a black brush that can transform into a white pen. By using Ichimonji’s ink to write kanji on a target’s body, Ichibē can alter or assign names to them—granting them the attributes and powers tied to those names.
For instance, if he renames someone “Black Ant” (Kuroari), that individual would be reduced to the strength and insignificance of an ant. This ability reflects Ichibē’s overwhelming power and his mastery over names and the meanings they hold.
Ichigo Kurosaki – Horn of Salvation
Ichigo Kurosaki, the protagonist of the series, wields a Bankai known as Tensa Zangetsu. The current form of his reforged Tensa Zangetsu remains a mystery, as he has yet to use it after its reconstruction by Urahara Kisuke.
His original Bankai was quite simple in design, condensing all of his power into a sleek black sword and a cloak. This form allowed him to release a more powerful version of his signature black Getsugatenshō. Interestingly, the cloak itself is part of the Bankai, and the amount remaining can serve as a visual cue for how much spiritual energy Ichigo has left.
Before the full truth of their connection was revealed, this Bankai was also used by Shiro Ichigo, Ichigo’s inner Hollow, with the only notable difference being a reversed color scheme. Compared to other Bankai, Ichigo’s isn’t especially elaborate or flashy. Its main advantage was the immense speed boost it granted him, which initially overwhelmed his enemies—most notably when he blitzed Byakuya during their first fight.
However, as the series continued, this speed became less impressive, with later opponents able to keep up much more easily.
