The 10 Most Iconic Bankai Reveals in Bleach!
In the world of Bleach, the Shinigami (Soul Reapers) are the main protagonists, each wielding a Zanpakuto.
Although all can use a standard Shikai release, only the most powerful among them can reach the Bankai stage, a far more formidable secondary form. The unveiling of a new Bankai is always a significant moment, but some reveals stand out as particularly memorable.
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1. Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo: The First Bankai of Bleach
Episode 44: "Ishida, The Ultimate Limits of Power!"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi wields Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo, a modified Bankai that repeatedly takes the form of a giant caterpillar with a baby’s head. This Bankai produces a deadly poison and has retractable blades in its chest. It is the first Bankai revealed in Bleach, showcasing the immense power and scale of this technique, amplified by Mayuri's rage and Uryu Ishida's terror.
Wielded By: Mayuri Kurotsuchi
Zanpakuto Type: Poison-Type
First Used Against: Uryu Ishida
Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo is a massive, living Bankai that has undergone numerous modifications. In its standard form, it resembles a giant caterpillar with a large baby head. The creature releases a deadly poison from its mouth, affecting enemies even if they don’t directly inhale it. The Bankai also features numerous retractable blades in its chest. Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo was first used during the Rescue Arc, marking the first Bankai reveal that Bleach fans saw. Its initial use showed fans that Bankai represents a totally different level of power and scale, with the sequence heavily emphasized by Mayuri Kurotsuchi's rage and Uryu’s initial look of terror.
2. Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami No Tsuji: A Shock for the Fans
Episode 392: "BLACK"
Senjumaru Shutara unveils Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami No Tsuji, a Bankai that never appeared in the manga but was revealed in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. This Bankai creates a massive golden loom surrounded by red tapestries and fabrics, trapping her opponents in its weave, each segment possessing deadly power.
Wielded By: Senjumaru Shutara
Zanpakuto Type: Kido-Type
First Used Against: Lille Barro, Pernida, Gerard Valkyrie, Askin Nakk Le Vaar, Uryu Ishida & Jugram Haschwalth
Many Bleach fans who read the manga were disappointed with the Zero Division, but the anime adaptation of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc corrected this by giving each member extended combat scenes. Senjumaru truly benefited from this change, as fans finally got to see her Bankai. It's called Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami no Tsuji, and it shocked all Bleach fans because this Bankai never appeared in the manga. Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami no Tsuji is a breathtaking Bankai, and its release resonated throughout reality. It creates a massive golden loom, which is then surrounded by red tapestries and fabrics. She can use the loom to seal her opponents within its fabric work. Each segment has its own deadly power. "Black" is an incredible episode, and this Bankai was undoubtedly the highlight of the episode.
3. Soo Zabimaru: Renji's True Bankai
Episode 384: "Rage on the Edge of the Ring"
Renji Abarai reveals Soo Zabimaru, his true Bankai, after intense training at the Soul King’s Palace. He transforms his skeletal snake into a gauntlet shaped like a skull. When used against Mask De Masculine, it showcases how much Renji has progressed, positioning himself as a Soul Reaper of captain-level strength.
Wielded By: Renji Abarai
Zanpakuto Type: Power-Type
First Used Against: Mask De Masculine
Renji achieved Bankai during the Rescue Arc, using it against Byakuya. For much of the series, Renji’s Bankai appeared as a giant skeletal snake, but that wasn’t its true form. The true Bankai is called Soo Zabimaru, which he unlocked through intense training at the Soul King’s Palace. Soo Zabimaru takes on a melee form, with the skeletal creature transforming into a gauntlet shaped like a skull. If Renji pierces someone with the gauntlet’s blade, they will be attacked by jaws made of spiritual energy, and this energy will reduce the opponent to ashes. When Renji used Soo Zabimaru against Mask De Masculine, he looked like a true hero, surrounded by debris and flames, facing Quincy attacks with calm resolve. This Bankai reveal shows just how far Renji has come, cementing his place as a captain-level Soul Reaper.
4. Ryumon Hozukimaru: An Unexpected Revelation
Episode 118: "Ikkaku's Bankai! The Power That Shatters Everything"
Ikkaku Madarame, the only third-seat officer with a Bankai, reveals Ryumon Hozukimaru during an epic battle against an Arrancar. His Bankai transforms into a segmented weapon with a dragon emblem, symbolizing his warrior spirit.
Wielded By: Ikkaku Madarame
Zanpakuto Type: Power-Type
First Used Against: Edrad Liones
Ikkaku served as the third seat of the 11th Division for much of the series, and he was the only third seat to possess a Bankai at the time. He prefers to keep his Bankai secret to avoid being removed from the 11th Division. As a result, he only used it once in a canonical fight. That one time was truly epic, showcasing Ikkaku's warrior spirit. After suffering heavy injuries in battle against an Arrancar, he activated his Bankai after successfully blocking a fatal attack. His glowing eyes, wicked smile, and excited voice made the entire scene iconic. Ultimately, his segmented spear transformed into a large halberd with a dragon symbol, but he also gained a massive axe blade above his head.
5. Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari: A Pleasant Surprise
Episode 382: "The Fundamental Virulence"
Shinji Hirako reveals Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari, a Bankai that inverts the concepts of friend and foe, plunging the battlefield into pink mist and causing a bloody massacre among enemies.
Wielded By: Shinji Hirako
Zanpakuto Type: Illusion-Type
First Used Against: Quincy Soldiers
Shinji first used Sakanade against Aizen in Karakura Town. Sakanade has the power to invert an individual's visual perception—where what is up becomes down and what is left becomes right. This Shikai ability is quite useful and hard to combat, leading many Bleach fans to wonder what Sakanade’s Bankai could do. Shinji never used his Bankai in the manga, but it was revealed during the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari covers the entire battlefield in pink mist and traps Shinji inside a golden flower for his own protection. This Bankai inverts the concepts of friend and foe, meaning allies will end up killing each other instead of their intended target. The Bankai release had a great setup, as Shinji was surrounded by enemies, and it benefited from stunning visuals and music. The resulting bloodbath was brief, but the imagery was visceral.
6. Minazuki: Unohana’s Bloody Past
Episode 376: "The Battle"
Retsu Unohana, initially perceived as kind and gentle, reveals Minazuki, her threatening Bankai, deep within the Central Underground Prison. This Bankai transforms her blade into a liquid substance resembling blood, a haunting reminder of her dark past.
Wielded By: Retsu Unohana
Zanpakuto Type: Unknown
First Used Against: Zaraki Kenpachi
Captain Unohana had been one of the most beloved characters in Bleach for much of the series, primarily due to her calm and nurturing nature. However, everything changed during the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, which revealed her true past. Originally, Unohana was the very first Kenpachi, and she revealed her Bankai during her battle with Zaraki Kenpachi in the Central Underground Prison. Initially, her blade appeared to have liquefied into a substance that looked like blood, which she used to counter Zaraki’s Bankai. However, it turns out this liquid was actually poison, gradually eating away at Zaraki’s flesh. In the end, Minazuki killed Zaraki several times during the fight, but the poison also healed him. Unohana finished the battle with a sorrowful expression, which starkly contrasted with the blood that poured from her.
7. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi: Byakuya the Invincible
Episode 52: "Renji, Soul Vow! Duel to the Death with Byakuya"
Byakuya Kuchiki uses Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, a dazzling Bankai that creates thousands of invisible blades, painting both a beautiful and deadly scene. This first revelation accentuates Byakuya’s aura of invincibility.
Wielded By: Byakuya Kuchiki
Zanpakuto Type: Kido-Type
First Used Against: Renji Abarai
Byakuya is one of the most popular characters in Bleach, primarily due to his cool and stoic demeanor. His popularity skyrocketed when fans first saw his Bankai during his battle against Renji Abarai. Byakuya initially appeared vulnerable, but he remained calm throughout the fight. That changed once he deemed Renji worthy of witnessing his Bankai. In a serious and dramatic tone, Byakuya revealed Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, which began with a brilliant display of light and the sound of splashing water. The resulting swords disintegrate into thousands of invisible, razor-thin blades like paper, allowing Byakuya to swiftly cut down an opponent. Byakuya’s Bankai is visually stunning, and this first reveal showed how invincible he truly is.
8. Hakka No Togame: A Stunning and Deadly Bankai
Episode 385: "The White Fog"
Rukia Kuchiki reveals Hakka no Togame, transforming the area into a cloud of ice. Her elegant appearance as a princess of ice makes this reveal unforgettable, coupled with the destructive power that freezes everything in its path.
Wielded By: Rukia Kuchiki
Zanpakuto Type: Ice-Type
First Used Against: As Nodt
Rukia has had many iconic moments throughout Bleach, but perhaps her most memorable scene is the first time she uses her Bankai. Rukia is of noble blood, and this is evident in the Bankai form of Sode no Shirayuki. By activating her Bankai, she gains the appearance of an elegant and beautiful ice princess. A cloud of ice also covers the area around her, and she stands in a heroic and commanding pose. The scene was made even more intense by the dramatic orchestral music. In terms of power, Hakka no Togame can instantly transform a wide area into ice. This includes the entire structure and everyone inside.
9. Zanka No Tachi: A Bankai Capable of Destroying the Soul Society
Episode 372: "The Fire"
The Captain-Commander Yamamoto uses Zanka no Tachi, condensing all the flames of Ryujin Jakka into a blade capable of erasing all existence. This activation changes the atmosphere to a bright, silent glow, showcasing Yamamoto’s ultimate power.
Wielded By: Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto
Zanpakuto Type: Fire-Type
First Used Against: Royd Lloyd
Captain Yamamoto is known as one of the most powerful Soul Reapers in the entire series. At one point, he became so enraged that he decided to use his Bankai against Royd Lloyd. Zanka no Tachi condenses all the flames of Ryujin Jakka into a blade with the power to erase all existence from the universe. The Bankai’s activation changes the atmosphere to a bright and silent glow. The land dries up, the air becomes scorching, and even water evaporates. This Bankai can also resurrect the dead, as Yamamoto can invoke his own flames to resurrect the corpses of his fallen victims. The reveal of Zanka no Tachi was powerful, as it showed that Yamamoto was willing to go to any lengths to protect the Soul Society. The release of Zanka no Tachi was also accompanied by stunning visual effects, making it one of the most memorable scenes in the entire series.
10. Tensa Zangetsu: An Iconic Revelation
Episode 58: "Release! The Black Blade, The Miraculous Power"
Ichigo Kurosaki reveals Tensa Zangetsu for the first time, a moment that is emblematic of the series. This dramatic release is marked by an explosion of power, Ichigo’s heroic stance, and a fierce battle to protect Rukia.
Wielded By: Ichigo Kurosaki
Zanpakuto Type: Power-Type
First Used Against: Byakuya Kuchiki
Ichigo is the main protagonist of Bleach, and his first Bankai revelation is one of the most iconic scenes in the entire series. After intense training with Yoruichi, Ichigo finally achieves Bankai just in time to face Byakuya Kuchiki. Tensa Zangetsu takes the form of a smaller, more elegant black blade, and Ichigo gains a new black and red outfit. The release of the Bankai is marked by an explosion of power that shakes the ground. Ichigo adopts a heroic and determined pose, ready to do whatever it takes to protect Rukia. The scene is accompanied by epic music that highlights the importance of the moment. This Bankai reveal shows just how much Ichigo has grown, and it marks a pivotal turning point in his battle against Byakuya.
These Bankai revelations in Bleach are etched into the memories of fans, each scene blending power, emotion, and striking visual iconography, cementing Bleach's place among the greatest series of all time.
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