Key Takeaways
- Some of the best characters in
Bleach
shine without fighting, like Tatsuki Arisawa, Hanataro Yamada, and Ryuken Ishida. - Non-fighting characters, such as Don Kanonji and Kon, contribute humor and support to the series, even without battle skills.
- The powerful Soul King and adorable Arrancar puppy Kukkapuro don’t engage in fights despite their significance in the storyline.
Bleach is a series known for its bombastic battles where two characters put it all on the line and strive to secure victory at all costs. As a result, some of the characters who don’t participate in a single fight may feel left out after a point.
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Despite this, some of the best characters in Bleach are the ones who don’t lift a finger in battle yet end up being relevant in their own way. Long-time fans of Bleach know how these personalities shine as bright as possible whenever they’re given some meaningful screen time.
8 Tatsuki Arisawa
Ichigo’s Childhood Friend
- Anime Debut: The Shinigami’s Work (Episode 2 of Bleach)
In the early run of Bleach, Tatsuki Arisawa is one of the many characters from Ichigo’s school who plays a major role. She’s Ichigo’s childhood friend who helped him out when he lost his mother, serving as his support system for the longest time.
Arisawa is also a martial arts expert, and Ichigo used to train with her from time to time. It may be a stretch to say that Ichigo’s close-combat skills were enhanced by this karate training, but it certainly played a role in helping Ichigo ease into the combat-heavy role of being a Shinigami.
7 Don Kanonji
A Silly Spirit Medium
- Anime Debut: Casual Soul Realm Assault Trip! (Episode 10 of Bleach)
Bleach has its fair share of comedic characters who are a joy to engage with, and Don Kanonji is no exception here. This spirit medium lives a lie but puts up such a convincing facade that the world is led to believe that he knows his stuff when it comes to spirits.
Of course, fans of the show and Ichigo himself realize in no time that this man has no idea what he’s talking about, and doesn’t know much about spirits at all. However, his appearance was so memorable that Kanonji re-appeared several times after his appearance in a minor role, contributing to many of the lighter and more comedic moments in Bleach.
6 Hanataro Yamada
Despite Being A Shinigami, Yamada Has No Fighting Skills
- Anime Debut: Release the Death Blow! (Episode 27 of Bleach)
Most of the shinigami in Bleach who’ve received decent screen time are usually considered to be adept in battle. However, Yamada is an exception here, with this member of the 4th Division excelling at healing kido instead.
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This makes him useful in a support role, even if he contributes nothing to the many bombastic battles in the series. Thankfully, his endearing nature ensures that Yamada is a fun character to witness on-screen, especially since he doesn’t overstay his welcome.
5 Ryuken Ishida
Uryu Ishida’s Father
- Anime Debut: Reopening of the Substitute Business! The Terrifying Transfer Student (Episode 110 of Bleach)
For someone who was dubbed The Last Quincy before the arrival of Yhwach and his underlings, it’s fascinating that Ryuken hasn’t participated in a single battle in the series. He’s Uryu’s father and far from a model parent, with some of his actions traumatizing his son.
However, he’s still deeply attached to his family, which can be seen when he begs Urahara to save Masaki when she’s on the brink of death. Despite helping Uryu gain his powers and become a competent Quincy once again, this father figure isn’t a fighter and actively despises his background as a Quincy.
4 Soul King
Despite Being One Of The Strongest Characters In Bleach, The Soul King Doesn’t Fight At All
- Anime Debut: The Shooting Star Project (ZERO MIX) (Episode 8 of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War)
The Soul King is one of the strongest characters in the series, with his power being the sole reason why the human world, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo maintain a perfect balance. This is extremely impressive and a huge reason why so many fans feel that Soul King is a force to be reckoned with.
However, during Bleach‘s run, this legendary figure has become nothing more than a vessel meant to accomplish this goal and nothing more. This is why the Soul King is unable to do anything to protect himself when Yhwach arrives to kill him and absorb his powers.
3 Kon
A Mod Soul Who Pretends To Be Ichigo When He’s Busy In Soul Society
- Anime Debut: Fight to the Death! Ichigo vs. Ichigo (Episode 6 of Bleach)
A Mod Soul who is meant to take Ichigo’s place when the Substitute Shinigami is occupied, Kon is a hilarious character who makes a huge splash when he’s introduced. He wastes no time in damaging Ichigo’s social life after taking on his appearance and ruining his image in school.
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Thankfully, Ichigo and Kon can cooperate as the Mod Soul becomes his official proxy. Kon is a hilarious character who doesn’t contribute to any fights but still helps out the heroes in his own way.
2 Kukkapuro
A Puppy Arrancar Who’s As Adorable As They Come
- Anime Debut: Connected Hearts! The Left Fist Prepared for Death! (Episode 267 of Bleach)
Despite being an Arrancar, there’s no denying that Kukkapuro is one of the cutest characters in the series. Even as a Hollow, this adorable puppy is so likable that even someone as brutal and violent as Yammy Llargo develops a soft spot for him.
He gets attached to this Espada and mourns his death too, making Yammy wonder why this pup loved him so much despite showing nothing but hatred towards him. Kukkapuro may not have the most prominent role in the series, but hemakes a notable impact regardless, even if he doesn’t have the power to fight anything larger than himself.
1 Karin Kurosaki
Ichigo’s Fiery Sister
- Anime Debut: The Day I Became a Shinigami (Episode 1 of Bleach)
Ichigo’s family may seem dysfunctional at first glance, but it’s clear that there’s a lot of love shared between everyone in the Kurosaki household. Karin is no exception here, with this younger sister loving Ichigo in her own way, even if they get into squabbles from time to time.
Ichigo saves her from Grand Fischer during his first few adventures as a Substitute Shinigami. However, she’s far from helpless and is capable of taking care of herself and her family, even if she doesn’t boast any skills that would be useful in battle.
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- Release Date
- October 5, 2004
- Seasons
- 17
- Network
- TV Tokyo
-
Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War
- Release Date
- October 10, 2022
- Seasons
- 1
- Network
- TV Tokyo
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