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{{BleachShort description|Fictional character infofrom Bleach}}
{{Good article}}
| image = [[Image:Ichigo Kurosaki.jpg|250px]]
|{{Infobox character
| name = Ichigo Kurosaki
| series = [[Bleach (manga)|Bleach]]
| occupation = High school student, substitute ''[[Shinigami (Bleach)|shinigami]]'', [[vizard]]
| image = IchigoKurosakiBleach.jpg
| birthday = July 15<ref name="Profile">''Bleach'' manga; volume 1 [[tankōbon]] (page 188)</ref>
| caption = Ichigo Kurosaki as illustrated by Tite Kubo
| height = 174 cm<ref name="Profile"/> (5' 8½")
| first = ''Bleach'' #1 "Death & Strawberry" (2001)
| weight = 61 kg<ref name="Profile"/> (134.5 lbs)
| creator = [[Tite Kubo]]
| blood_type = AO<ref name="Profile"/>
| voice = '''Japanese'''<br/>[[Masakazu Morita]]<ref name="japvoice"/><br/>[[Yuki Matsuoka]]<ref name="japchildvoice"/> (child)<br/>'''English'''<br/>[[Johnny Yong Bosch]]<ref name="Engvoice"/> <br/>[[Mona Marshall]]<ref name="EngChildvoice"/> (child)
| zanpakutō = Zangetsu<ref name="Zangetsu">''Bleach'' manga; Volume 8 tankōbon, page 109 (chapter 66, page 19)</ref>
| portrayer = [[Sota Fukushi]]
| theme_song = "News From The Front" by [[Bad Religion]]<ref name= "Profile"/>
| seiyuu = [[Masakazu Morita]]<br/>[[Yuki Matsuoka]]Kaito Takamura (child)
| gender = Male
| voiceactor = [[Johnny Yong Bosch]]<br/>[[Mona Marshall]] (child)
| family = [[Isshin Kurosaki]] (father)<br/>[[Masaki Kurosaki]] (mother, deceased)<br/>[[List of Bleach characters#Karakura Town|Yuzu Kurosaki]] (sister)<br/>[[List of Bleach characters#Karakura Town|Karin Kurosaki]] (sister)<br/>[[Kūkaku Shiba]] (cousin) <br/> [[Ganju Shiba]] (cousin) <br/> [[Kaien Shiba]] (cousin, deceased)
}}
| spouse = [[Orihime Inoue]]
{{nihongo|'''Ichigo Kurosaki'''|黒崎 一護|Kurosaki Ichigo}} is the main character of the [[manga]] and [[anime]] series ''[[Bleach (manga)|Bleach]]''. The series begins with Ichigo receiving ''[[Shinigami (Bleach)|shinigami]]'' powers as a result of a run-in with [[Rukia Kuchiki]], the ''shinigami'' assigned to patrol [[Karakura Town]]. These powers come at the cost of Rukia's own, and as a result, Ichigo concedes to work as Rukia's stand-in, fighting to protect people from evil spirits called [[Hollow (Bleach)|hollows]] and sending good spirits, [[Bleach (manga)#Character types|pluses]], to [[Soul Society]]. According to Shonen Jump's character popularity polls, Ichigo is consistently the most popular character in ''Bleach''.
| relatives = Sora Inoue (brother-in-law, deceased)
| children = [[List of Bleach characters#Kurosaki family|Kazui Kurosaki]] (son)
| nationality = Japanese}}
'''{{Nihongo|Ichigo Kurosaki|黒崎 一護|Kurosaki Ichigo}}''' is a fictional character and the main [[Protagonist|protagonist]] of the ''[[Bleach (manga)|Bleach]]'' [[manga]] and [[anime]] series and its adaptations created by author [[Tite Kubo]]. He is a teenage boy who receives [[Soul Reaper (Bleach)|Soul Reaper]] powers after meeting [[Rukia Kuchiki]], a Soul Reaper assigned to patrol around the fictional city of Karakura Town. These powers come at the cost of her own, and as a result, he concedes to work as her stand-in, fighting to protect people from evil spirits called [[List of Bleach characters#Supporting characters|Hollows]] and sending good spirits, [[Bleach (manga)#Character types|wholes]], to a dimension known as the [[Bleach (manga)#Plot|Soul Society]]. Ichigo appears in other media after the manga series, including the [[Bleach (anime)|anime television series]], four anime films, two [[original video animation]]s, [[Rock opera|rock musicals]], several [[List of Bleach video games|video games]], [[light novel]]s and the [[Bleach (2018 film)|2018 live-action film]].
 
Ichigo is voiced by [[Masakazu Morita]] in the Japanese anime adaptation;<ref name="japvoice">{{cite episode|title=死神になっちゃった日|number=1|series=Bleach|credits=TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Studio Pierrot|network=TV Tokyo|airdate=October 5, 2004}}</ref> [[Johnny Yong Bosch]] in the English [[dubbing]];<ref name="Engvoice">{{cite episode|title=A Soul Reaper is Born! |number=1|series=Bleach|credits=TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Studio Pierrot|network=Cartoon Network|airdate=September 8, 2006}}</ref> and played by [[Sota Fukushi]] in the live-action film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/08/18-1/sota-fukushi-to-lead-live-action-bleach-movie|title=Sota Fukushi To Lead Live-Action "Bleach" Movie|website=crunchyroll.com}}</ref>
==Character outline==
Ichigo is a 15-year-old<!--DO NO CHANGE HIS AGE TO 16. We are going by the age he starts out as.--> who attempts to cultivate a detached image, for which he keeps his eyebrows constantly furrowed and his mouth always in a scowl. However, he is revealed to be kinder and more intelligent under the surface than his appearance and attitude would suggest. Ichigo has natural orange hair, a fact that annoys many upperclassmen in his school, who constantly pick fights with him.<ref>''Bleach'' manga volume 4, chapter 34, page 9</ref> Ichigo claims that he does not care what others think (both about his hair and other subjects) and seems to enjoy fighting the bullies.
 
Ichigo's character has been well received among both readers and reviewers. He featured often in ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' character popularity polls, and was consistently ranked as the most popular character in ''Bleach''.<ref name="Popularity2"/> The 2007 Japanese ''[[Newtype]]'' magazine polls ranked Ichigo as one of the top 100 most-loved anime characters. He is also known as one of the big three anime characters, including [[Naruto Uzumaki|Naruto]] and [[Monkey D. Luffy|Luffy]]. Reviewers of the series have praised his personality, though some consider him to be a stereotypical [[anti-hero]]. Critics have expressed dislike, however, for Ichigo's anticlimactic fights in the latter half of the series' due to his lack of memorable scenes at those points. Merchandise based on Ichigo's likeness has also been released, including toys, clothing and action figures.
Ichigo is also a capable student, ranked at 23 of 322 in his school.<ref>''Bleach'' manga volume 5, chapter 35, page 12</ref> Ichigo regularly studies and doesn't neglect his schoolwork, due to the fact that he has nothing better to do at home. It is later revealed that Ichigo works so hard only to overcome the misconceptions that many teachers tends to have about him, based on his hair color and interactions with other students.
 
==Creation and conception==
Ichigo possesses the unusual ability to see spirits as a consequence of his innate spiritual power. After the full extent of Ichigo's immense spiritual power is unlocked as a consequence of his meeting with [[Rukia Kuchiki]], as well as his subsequent inability to control it, many of his friends begin to develop spiritual powers due to their proximity with him. Constant exposure to Ichigo's energy causes several of his classmates to become spiritually aware, and some even develop their own unique powers as a result.
When drawing the manga series, [[Tite Kubo]] commented that [[Rukia Kuchiki]], the first ''Bleach'' character he introduced, was originally intended to be the [[protagonist]]. Through subsequent development of the series, however, Kubo decided to make her a valued ally and instead introduced Ichigo as the central character of the manga series.<ref name="creation">{{cite AV media|people=[[Tite Kubo]], [[Masakazu Morita]] |date=August 2007|title=Tite Kubo Interview, Bleach B-Station 112|publisher=Bleach B-Sation|___location=Japan}}</ref> Initial design sketches show Ichigo wearing glasses, and having dark hair and softer eyes. When designing Rukia, Kubo modified Ichigo's appearance to contrast with hers, giving Ichigo orange hair, a trademark scowl, and removing the glasses.<ref>{{cite book|title=Weekly Shōnen Jump, Number 9 (February)|page=123|year=2008|publisher=[[Shueisha]]}}</ref> During the series' first chapter, Ichigo's wristwatch was based on one Kubo himself wore at the time. In later chapters, his wristwatch was based on [[Naoto Fukasawa]]'s W11K cellphone.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kubo, Tite|title=The Art of Bleach|year=2008|publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-4215-1884-8 |page=104}}</ref> According to Kubo, Ichigo, along with [[Orihime Inoue]], are the most arduous characters to sketch.<ref>Weekly Shōnen Jump interview, year 2004, issue 42</ref> While illustrating one of Ichigo's scenes, Kubo found it awkward to draw him with a cheerful smile.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kubo, Tite|title=The Art of Bleach|year=2008|publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-4215-1884-8|page=103}}</ref>
 
Kubo has stated that Ichigo's greatest strength is his considerate and thoughtful nature. He always thinks about other's needs. However, he noted it as his greatest weakness, since worrying about his friends tends to put him in danger. When asked in an interview if he had any plans to focus on the [[love triangle]] between Ichigo, Orihime, and Rukia, Kubo chose neither to confirm nor deny it as he did not want to focus on romance.<ref name="About 2">{{cite web|url=http://manga.about.com/od/mangaartistinterviews/a/TiteKubo_2.htm|title=Interview: Tite Kubo (page 2)|author=Aoki, Deb|publisher=About.com|access-date=September 16, 2008|archive-date=February 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204170016/http://manga.about.com/od/mangaartistinterviews/a/TiteKubo_2.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kubo attributes Ichigo's popularity among readers to the fact that he "looks cool". He also mentioned that as people read more about him they will discover that he is a warm and kind-hearted person.<ref name="LA Times">{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/28/entertainment/etw-kuboweb28|title=Creator Tite Kubo surprised by 'Bleach' success|author=Charles Solomon|date=August 28, 2008|access-date=September 17, 2008|work=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=April 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423115417/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/28/entertainment/etw-kuboweb28|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Ichigo lives with his father [[Isshin Kurosaki]] and his two younger sisters, [[Characters in Bleach series#The Kurosaki Family|Yuzu and Karin]]. His father runs a small medical [[clinic]] in their house, and recruits the entire family in his business. While Ichigo's father is portrayed as a comical, inept character who often challenges his son with mock attacks and berates him for being late for dinner, his two younger sisters both have the ability to see ghosts to a lesser degree. They are also more normal than their father.
 
Following over fifty volumes of the manga's released, Kubo believes that Ichigo was the most developed character. He said that Ichigo leads the story and introduces readers to the events in it. When the Arrancar arc ended, Kubo rebooted the series which resulted in Ichigo losing his [[List of Soul Reapers in Bleach|Soul Reaper]] powers.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 48|year=2010 |publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 423|isbn=978-4-08-870144-8}}</ref> In the same way Ichigo became a Soul Reaper during the series' first chapter; he starts searching for methods to recover his original powers.<ref name="alphainterpart2">{{cite journal|journal=Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha|title=Interview with Tite Kubo (Creator of Bleach)|publisher=Viz Media|pages=124–126|issue=2–27–12|date=February 2012|author=Kido, Misaki C.}}</ref> During the story arc, Ichigo wears a new outfit after developing his Fullbring powers. Kubo wanted to bring the readers a feeling of uneasiness when creating this design as it resembles more of a ''[[tokusatsu]]'' character rather than his [[kimono]] counterpart from the Soul Reaper form to the point it would fit Ginjou Shinjo better. As a result, Kubo noted that readers were relieved reobtained his Soul Reaper as he once again wore a kimono despite being sightly different from the original one.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Weekly Shonen Jump|title=第53回JUMPとレジャー新人漫画賞の久保先生のコメント|publisher=Shueisha|issue=53|date=November 2011|quote=A.一護の完現術は特撮ヒーローのようなイメージで、小さい子達にはカッコ良く見え、長らくBLEACHを読んでいる、或はある程度年齢のいった読者には違和感や不満を持ってもらえるものを目指して描きました。「死覇装に戻った時」の爽快感を大きくする為に。そしてそれと同じくらい重要だったのは「衣装のイメージが一護よりも銀城に似合う」という事です}}</ref>
Ichigo likes chocolate and spicy food. His favorite celebrities are [[Al Pacino]] and [[Mike Ness]] and the person he admires most is [[William Shakespeare]].<ref name="Profile">''Bleach'' manga; volume 1 [[tankōbon]] (chapter 7, page 22).</ref> He is uncomfortable around nude or immodestly dressed women due to the "tough guy" image he tries to maintain.
 
Ichigo is voiced by [[Masakazu Morita]] as a teenager and [[Yuki Matsuoka]] as a child for the Japanese anime.<ref name="japvoice"/><ref name="japchildvoice">{{cite episode|title=6月17日、雨の記憶|number=8|series=Bleach|credits=TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Studio Pierrot|network=TV Tokyo|airdate=November 23, 2004}}</ref> Morita said that Ichigo was one of his favorite characters he ever played, alongside [[Tidus]] in ''[[Final Fantasy X]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=17498|title=Anime Expo 2010: Interview with Masakazu Morita|author=Truong, Kei|date=February 10, 2011|publisher=Asia Pacific Arts|access-date=2016-03-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806101007/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=17498&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1|archive-date=August 6, 2017}}</ref> [[Johnny Yong Bosch]] voiced him as a teenager and [[Mona Marshall]] as a child for the English dub.<ref name="Engvoice"/><ref name="EngChildvoice">{{cite episode|title=June 17, a Memory of Rain|number=8|series=Bleach|credits=TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Studio Pierrot|network=Cartoon Network|airdate=October 27, 2006}}</ref> While describing Ichigo as one of his best roles, Morita notes that voicing him can be at times difficult.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?anime_expo_2010_interview_with_masakazu_morita_17498.aspx|title=Anime Expo 2010: Interview with Masakazu Morita|author=Truong, Kei|date=February 10, 2011|publisher=Asia Pacific Arts|access-date=May 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126044827/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?anime_expo_2010_interview_with_masakazu_morita_17498.aspx|archive-date=November 26, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Bosch has enjoyed voicing Ichigo's character due to his personal interest in the character's morals. However, he experienced difficulty voicing him in some scenes where Ichigo shouts for a long time.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Bleach Uncut Season 1 Box Set; Behind the scenes of Bleach|medium=DVD|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|date=October 30, 2007}}</ref>
Ichigo's name, written with [[homophone]] [[kanji]], means 1 and 5 or 15 when separated as ''ichi'' (一) and ''go'' (五), the reason behind the two numbers' frequent appearances in the series. The word ''ichigo'' (イチゴ), written in yet another way, actually means "strawberry" in Japanese, and is normally only used as a girl's name; when the gatekeeper Jidanbō teases Ichigo about this fact, Ichigo proudly states that his name is spelled with ''ichi'' (一) as in "one" and ''go'' (護) from "guardian". Ichigo's father once told him that his name means "he who protects."
 
[[Sota Fukushi]] played Ichigo in the live-action adaptation of the series with the storyline's first arc, with Bosch reprising his role in the English dub.
==History==
[[Image:Young ichigo.jpg|thumb|Ichigo at age nine, shortly before his mother's death.]]
Ichigo's mother, [[Characters in Bleach#The Kurosaki Family|Masaki Kurosaki]], began taking him to a [[dojo]] to learn [[karate]] when he was four years old.<ref name="Age four">''Bleach'' manga; chapter 18, page 3.</ref> There, he met and fought with [[Tatsuki Arisawa]], whom he lost to the first few times. Whenever this happened, he would start crying, only to stop instantly when comforted by his mother, to whom he was deeply attached. Tatsuki described Ichigo as a thin child, who looked very happy and always smiled when around his mother.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; chapter 18, pages 28-29.</ref>
 
==Appearances==
When Ichigo was nine, Masaki was killed by the hollow [[Grand Fisher]], although Ichigo did not find out the true cause of her death until early in the main ''Bleach'' storyline.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; volume 3 [[tankōbon]], page 119 (chapter 22, page 11).</ref> After her death, Ichigo was distraught and stood on the shore where his mother was killed for days. The entire Kurosaki family transformed at the death of Masaki — Karin became tough and did not cry again, while Yuzu took up the household chores. Prior to learning about Grand Fisher, Ichigo felt guilty for his mother's death, blaming himself for wandering too close to the water and causing her to put herself in harm's way to save him. Even after that, Masaki's death continues to influence Ichigo by causing him to feel guilt for his inability to protect those close to him: because of this guilt, Ichigo developed a resolute will to gain the power to protect his loved ones.
===In ''Bleach''===
[[File:BleachIchigoCompilation.png|thumb|500px|right|A collection of some of Ichigo's multiple forms by Tite Kubo]]
Ichigo is one of the students attending [[List of Bleach characters|Karakura High School]] and having the ability to see ghosts. He meets a [[List of Bleach characters#Supporting characters|Soul Reaper]] named [[Rukia Kuchiki]] from a secret organization called the [[List of Bleach characters|Soul Society]], who are in charge of sending souls to the afterlife. At the same time, Ichigo's younger sisters are attacked by a [[List of Bleach characters#Supporting characters|Hollow]], a deceased spirit becoming a warped soul-eating monster which Soul Reapers deal with. After being wounded in an attempt to save Ichigo from a Hollow attack, Rukia transfers her Soul Reaper powers to him so he can save his family.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 1|year=2002|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 1|isbn=4-08-873213-8}}</ref> In the following months, Ichigo acts in Rukia's place as the Soul Reaper in protecting Karakura Town from Hollows as their friendship continues to grow.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 11|year=2003|publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 94|isbn=4-08-873555-2}}</ref> Ichigo's past is also revealed as he faces the Grand Fisher, a hollow who killed his mother when he was nine years old.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 3|year=2002|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 20|isbn=4-08-873275-8}}</ref> In time, the Soul Society sends two high-seated officers to take Rukia back for committing the crime of transferring her Soul Reaper powers to a human.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 6|year=2002|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 52|isbn=4-08-873366-5}}</ref> In training with [[List of Bleach characters|Kisuke Urahara]] in order to rescue Rukia, Ichigo obtains his own Soul Reaper powers and learns the name of his [[List of Bleach characters|Zanpakutō]], {{nihongo|Zangetsu|斬月||literally “Slaying Moon”}}.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 8|year=2003|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 66|isbn=4-08-873435-1|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/bleach80000unse}}</ref> He takes his friends with him to the Soul Society: Sado “Chad” Yasutora, Orihime Inoue, and Uryū Ishida. Ichigo is confronted by members of [[List of Bleach characters|Gotei 13]], the main military force in the Soul Society. As he approaches the prison where she is being held captive, Ichigo does battle with, faces and defeats other Soul Reapers, including [[Renji Abarai]], [[Kenpachi Zaraki]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 13|year=2004 |publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 113|isbn=4-08-873610-9}}</ref> and [[Byakuya Kuchiki]], who adopted Rukia as his sister. For his match against Byakuya, Ichigo learns his ''[[List of Bleach characters|Bankai]]'', {{nihongo|Tensa Zangetsu|天鎖斬月||literally “Heaven Chain Slaying Moon”}}, which highly increases his speed. After a long fight, he defeats Byakuya, who confesses why he tried to kill his sister.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 19|year=2005 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 162|isbn=4-08-873862-4}}</ref> Captain [[Sousuke Aizen]], who faked his death prior, have been behind Rukia's sentencing and the chaos that plagued the Soul Society. He leaves the Soul Society and flees to the realm of Hollows, [[List of Bleach characters|Hueco Mundo]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 20|year=2005|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 176|isbn=4-08-873883-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 21|year=2006|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 181|isbn=4-08-874027-0}}</ref>
 
In time, Aizen targets Karakura Town with an army of [[List of Bleach characters|Arrancars]], Hollows that assumed human form with Soul Reaper powers, after subjecting them to the Hōgyoku.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 22|year=2008 |publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 195|isbn=978-1-4215-1179-5}}</ref> In order to defeat the Arrancars and to control his Hollow powers, Ichigo begins to train with the group of Soul Reaper outcasts known as the [[List of Bleach characters|Vizard]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 25|year=2006|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 215|isbn=4-08-874289-3}}</ref> During the invasion of Karakura Town, Ichigo's friend Orihime Inoue has been abducted by [[List of Bleach characters|Ulquiorra Cifer]], one of Aizen's strongest Arrancars: The Espadas.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 27|year=2007 |publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 237|isbn=978-4-08-874339-4}}</ref> Ichigo and his friends independently head to Hueco Mundo to find Orihime.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 27|year=2007|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 240|isbn=978-4-08-874339-4}}</ref> After defeating the Espada [[List of Bleach characters|Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez]], Ichigo manages to save Orihime and defeat Ulquiorra using his internal power of hollow.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 37|year=2009|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 318|isbn=978-4-08-874628-9}}</ref> Soon after, Ichigo returns from Hueco Mundo to Karakura Town, and confront Aizen. During the battle interim, Ichigo learns a technique called the {{nihongo|Final Getsuga Tenshō|最後の月牙天衝|Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō|literally “The Final Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer”}} that weakens and defeats Aizen, allowing Urahara to seal him within a kidō barrier, at the cost of Ichigo's power.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 48|year=2010|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 420|isbn=978-4-08-870144-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 48|year=2010|publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 421|isbn=978-4-08-870144-8}}</ref>
Three years before the main storyline, [[Orihime Inoue]]'s older brother Sora died in the Kurosaki clinic from injuries acquired in a car accident.<ref name="Sora Inoue">''Bleach'' manga; volume 1 tankōbon, page 96 (chapter 3, page 12).</ref> Ichigo watched as Orihime cried for her brother, although he did not find out that the crying girl he saw was Orihime until a short time before the main storyline.<ref name="Sora Inoue"/>
 
Seventeen months later, Ichigo becomes a senior in high school. The start of the [[Bleach (manga)#Plot|Lost Agent arc]] describes his life after losing his power.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 49|year=2011|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 424|isbn=978-4-08-870186-8}}</ref> One day, he meets [[List of Bleach characters#Kūgo Ginjō|Kūgo Ginjō]], a [[List of Bleach characters|Fullbringer]] from the group Xcution. Ginjo offers to replenish Ichigo's Soul Reaper powers in return for helping him and his group to become ordinary humans.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 50|year=2011|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 433|isbn=978-4-08-870219-3}}</ref> With their help, Ichigo unlocks his own Fullbring powers through his Substitute Soul Reaper Badge.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 51|year=2011 |publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 444|isbn=978-4-08-870272-8}}</ref> However, Ichigo later learns that Ginjo and his ally [[List of Bleach characters#Shūkurō Tsukishima|Shūkurō Tsukishima]], a Fullbringer with ability to change people's memories, used him to take Fullbring powers for Xcution's use.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 52|year=2011|publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 459|isbn=978-4-08-870291-9}}</ref> Rukia transfers the Reiatsu of the Gotei 13's senior officers and other Soul Reapers through a special sword and restores Ichigo's Soul Reaper powers. Ichigo fights Ginjo with his improved Shinigami powers and during their duel, it is revealed that Ginjo was the first Substitute Soul Reaper. Despite learning the truth, Ichigo resolves to protect everyone and help other Soul Reapers defeat Ginjo.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 53|year=2011 |publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 460|isbn=978-4-08-870313-8}}</ref> Though learning from Ginjō that the Soul Society monitor and limit their powers, Ichigo promises the Soul Reapers to continue fighting by their side.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 54|year=2012|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 476|isbn=978-4-08-870386-2}}</ref>
While in junior high school, Ichigo met [[Yasutora Sado]], then from Mashiba Junior High, who helped him out of a fight. Ichigo called him Chad because of the nametag he was wearing, which can be read either Sado or Chad, and continued using the name after being corrected. Chad, although extremely strong, was often the target of beatings because he refused to fight for his own sake due to a promise he had made as a child to his grandfather. Upon discovering this, Ichigo made a deal with Chad in which they both agreed to fight and risk their lives for something the other was willing to risk their life for.
 
While patrolling Karakura Town, Ichigo is informed about the invasion of Hueco Mundo by [[List of Bleach characters#Wandenreich|Wandenreich]], a group of Quincies.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 55|year=2012 |publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 485|isbn=978-4-08-870418-0}}</ref> He goes to Hueco Mundo with his friends to liberate it from one of the Wandenreich's high-ranked officers [[List of Bleach characters#Wandenreich|Quilge Opie]]. Later, Ichigo finds out that the Quincies are attacking the Soul Society. Arriving just after Captain Commander [[List of Soul Reapers in Bleach|Yamamoto]]'s death, Ichigo encounters the Wandenreich's leader [[List of Bleach characters#Wandenreich|Yhwach]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 58|year=2013|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 513|isbn=978-4-08-870551-4}}</ref> During the fight against Yhwach that ends with a draw, Ichigo's ''Zanpakutō'' is shattered and Yhwach leaves the Soul Society.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 58|year=2013|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 514|isbn=978-4-08-870551-4}}</ref> Ichigo returns to the World of the Living, where he learns the truth that his mother was a pure-blood Quincy who was on a verge of hollowification after she was infected by White, Aizen's experimental Hollow. She was saved by Isshin at the cost of his Soul Reaper powers.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 60|year=2013|publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 537|isbn=978-4-08-870782-2}}</ref> Ichigo later learns that entity he believed to be Zangetsu is actually the embodiment of his Quincy powers while his inner Hollow is the True Zangetsu. Despite this, Ichigo still accepts him as he gains his reforged true Zanpakutō in its new split true ''Shikai'' form.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 61|year=2013 |publisher=[[Shueisha]]|chapter=Chapter 542|isbn=978-4-08-870818-8}}</ref> During the second invasion by the Wandenreich, Ichigo and his friends confront Yhwach at the Soul King's Palace. Ichigo gets overwhelmed, but Tsukishima and Orihime's combined efforts fixed his broken True Tensa Zangetsu. Together with Uryū, Renji and Aizen, Ichigo defeats Yhwach.
==Synopsis==
===Early story===
At the beginning of the series, Ichigo sees and confronts [[Rukia Kuchiki]], a ''[[Shinigami (Bleach)|shinigami]]'', when she enters his home. During their conversation, a [[Hollow (Bleach)|hollow]] attacks, having tracked Ichigo back to his house. Because of Ichigo's interference with Rukia's work in his personal effort to protect his family from the hollow, Rukia is wounded and forced to transfer her powers to him in a desperate measure to save the Kurosaki family. During the transfer, Ichigo fully absorbs Rukia's powers rather than taking half, as she had intended. Having her ''shinigami'' abilities and his own immense spiritual power, Ichigo makes short work of the hollow and Rukia leaves.
 
As revealed in the light novel ''Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World'', Ichigo was a potential heir of the Soul King due to the nature of his origins and was spared the burden when a new Soul King was created from Yhwach's remains. In the manga's epilogue, taking place ten years after Yhwach's defeat, Ichigo and Orihime had a son named [[List of Bleach characters#Karakura Town|Kazui]] who destroys the remnants of Yhwach's power.
The next day, Rukia shows up in Ichigo's class, now apparently a normal human as the other students are capable of seeing her. Rukia informs Ichigo that she is using a [[Shinigami (Bleach)#Gigai|''gigai'']] — an artificial body used by ''shinigami'' when they need to recover their powers or stay in the human world for extended periods. While she recovers her abilities, Rukia insists that Ichigo take over her job, battling hollows and performing soul burials in her stead. At this time, he is only able to transform into a ''shinigami'' when a special seal on Rukia's glove is used to "knock out" the ''shinigami'' portion of his soul, and is dependent on Rukia to transform. Their acquisition of the modsoul [[Kon (Bleach)|Kon]] removes this dependency.
 
===In other media===
Ichigo's new duties set off a flurry of activity both in the human and spirit worlds. At one point, the hollow Grand Fisher, who has evaded the shinigami for over fifty years, comes to the human world and attempts to consume Ichigo's sisters, Karin and Yuzu. It is at this point that Ichigo finds out that Grand Fisher killed his mother and seeks revenge. Rukia tries to keep Ichigo from fighting, as she feared the hollow was too strong, but Ichigo orders her to go with Kon and take his sisters home. She is reminded of [[Kaien Shiba]]'s last fight as a fight for honor, and reluctantly follows his orders. Ichigo greatly wounds Grand Fisher, but the hollow manages to escape.
Ichigo appears in four films for the series, including ''[[Bleach: Memories of Nobody|Memories of Nobody]]'',<ref>{{cite AV media|date=2008|title=Bleach: Memories of Nobody|medium=DVD|publisher=Viz Media}}</ref> ''[[Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion|The DiamondDust Rebellion]]'',<ref>{{cite AV media|date=2008|title=劇場版BLEACH The DiamondDust Rebellion もう一つの氷輪丸|medium=DVD|publisher=TV Tokyo}}</ref> ''[[Bleach: Fade to Black|Fade to Black]]''<ref name="Bleach3">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-15/third-bleach-film-first-major-film-have-titles-dates|title=Third Bleach Film, First Major Film Have Titles, Dates|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 15, 2008|access-date=March 24, 2009}}</ref> and ''[[Bleach: Hell Verse|Hell Verse]]''.<ref>{{cite AV media|date=2012|title=Bleach: Hell Verse|medium=DVD|publisher=Viz Media}}</ref> He also appears in both of the [[original video animation]]s; fighting against a Hollow called the Grand Fisher in the first one and combating the rogue Soul Reaper [[List of Bleach characters|Baishin]] in the second.<ref>{{cite AV media|date=2006|title =Bleach: Memories in the Rain|medium=DVD|publisher=TV Tokyo}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|date=2006|title =Bleach - The Sealed Sword Frenzy|medium=DVD|publisher=TV Tokyo}}</ref> In the [[List of Bleach video games|''Bleach'' video games]], Ichigo is a playable character, including the [[Bleach: Heat the Soul (series)|''Heat the Soul'']] and [[Bleach: Blade Battlers (series)|''Blade Battlers'']] series. In some games, his Hollow form and ''Bankai'' state are available as separate characters.<ref name="SonySoul">{{cite web|url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/bleach/heat/chara.html|title=''Bleach: Heat the Soul'' official site|publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment|SCEI]]|language=ja|access-date=March 17, 2008|archive-date=April 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415114816/http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/bleach/heat/chara.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="GUIDE">{{cite book|editor=SCEI|title=Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 Japanese instruction manual|year=2007|publisher=SCEI|language=ja}}</ref> In ''[[Bleach (manga)#Musical|Rock Musical Bleach]]'', a musical based on the ''Bleach'' series, Ichigo is played by [[Tatsuya Isaka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rmbleach.com/|title=Bleach Rock Musical Official|publisher=[[Studio Pierrot]]|access-date=March 27, 2014}}</ref> His character is featured in two volumes from the ''Bleach Beat Collection'' CD soundtrack series which features themes composed by his Japanese voice actor, [[Masakazu Morita]]. These include the first of them, in which he is the only character and the fourth season's fourth volume along with Rukia.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|last=Morita|first=Masakazu|year=2005|title=Bleach Beat Collection Ichigo Kurosaki|publisher=Sony|id=SVWC-7264}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|last1=Orikasa|first1=Fumiko|last2=Morita|first2=Masakazu|year=2008|title=Bleach Beat Collection 4th Session 04 Ichigo Kurosaki & Rukia Kuchiki|publisher=Sony|id=SVWC-7594}}</ref> Ichigo also appears in the first volume of ''Bleach Breathless Collection'' CD soundtrack series together with the embodiment of his Quincy powers that posed as the Zanpakutō spirit Zangetsu.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|author=Masakazu Morita, Takayuki Sugo|year=2009|title=Bleach Breathless Collection 01 Ichigo Kurosaki & Zangetsu| publisher=Sony|id=SVWC-7653}}</ref>
 
Ichigo appears as a playable character in ''[[Jump Force]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ressler |first=Karen |date=July 30, 2018 |title=Jump Force Game Video Highlights Bleach Characters |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-07-30/jump-force-game-video-highlights-bleach-characters/.134884 |access-date=June 19, 2025 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |language=en}}</ref>
During a duel with [[Uryū Ishida]], a [[Quincy (Bleach)|Quincy]], a massive amount of hollows, including a [[Hollow (Bleach)#Menos|Menos Grande]] (specifically, a gillian-class Menos), are drawn to the human world and defeated in one form or another, mostly by Ichigo and Ishida. Chad and Orihime also have their dormant powers awakened as a result, and each defeat a hollow on their own. Ichigo's victory against the Menos draws the attention of Soul Society, triggering the beginning of the next arc. Meanwhile, Ishida and Ichigo develop an uneasy friendship as ''shinigami'' and Quincy, with both of them apparently saving each other's lives.
 
==Reception==
===Soul Society arc===
===Popularity===
After drawing the attention of Soul Society, Ichigo loses the ''shinigami'' powers he gained from Rukia after being swiftly defeated by the ''shinigami'' captain [[Byakuya Kuchiki]] who, along with [[Renji Abarai]], arrests Rukia and takes her back to Soul Society. The damage Ichigo suffers renders him a powerless human soul, while he discovers that Rukia is guilty of a felony for transferring her powers to a human and remaining in the human world for so long. Desperate to save Rukia, he undergoes intensive training with [[Kisuke Urahara]] that nearly costs him his soul, but awakens his own ''shinigami'' abilities by doing so. After training with Urahara, he leaves for Soul Society with Urahara's mysterious feline friend [[Yoruichi Shihouin|Yoruichi]], along with Orihime, Chad, and Uryū.
{{multiple image
| footer = [[Johnny Yong Bosch]] (left) voiced Ichigo in the English version of the anime and [[Sota Fukushi]] (right) portrays the character in the live-action film.
| image1 = Johnny Yong Bosch.jpg
| alt1 = Johnny Yong Bosch, who voices the character in the English dub, has received praise.
| caption1 =
| width1 = 155
| image2 = 福士蒼汰@髑髏城の七人season月.jpg
| alt2 = Sota Fukushi, who portrays Ichigo in the live-action film
| caption2 =
| width2 = 150
}}
 
Amongst the ''Bleach'' reader base, Ichigo has been always highly ranked in the ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' popularity polls for the series. He has usually taken first place, though in early 2008 he dropped to third.<ref name="Popularity">''Bleach'' manga; chapter 209, pages 2 and 3.</ref><ref name="Popularity2">''Bleach'' manga Character Poll; chapter 307, pages 1 and 2.</ref> His sword, Zangetsu, also ranked third in the ''Zanpakutō'' popularity polls.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kubo, Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 40|chapter=Chapter 348|year=2009|publisher=Shueisha|isbn=978-4-08-874712-5}}</ref> In the 2007 Japanese ''[[Newtype]]'' magazine poll, Ichigo was ranked one of the best male anime characters.<ref name="Newtype">{{cite journal |journal=[[Newtype]] |issue=6|date=May 2007|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|title=NT Research}}</ref> In the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), Ichigo was elected for the best anime male character in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comipress.com/press-release/2008/03/27/3442|title=Society For The Promotion Of Japanese Animation Announces SPJA Industry Award Finalists At Tokyo International Anime Fair|publisher=Comipress.com|date=March 27, 2008|access-date=September 22, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://giapet.net/2008/07/06/spja-industry-award-winners-are-up/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802023439/http://giapet.net/2008/07/06/spja-industry-award-winners-are-up/ | archive-date=August 2, 2008 | title=SPJA Industry Award Winners are Up | date=July 6, 2008 | publisher=Giapet | access-date=May 7, 2014}}</ref><!-- If someone asks about Giapet's reability: http://www.comipress.com/news/2008/07/04/3608 --> The Japanese music distributor ''Recochoku'' has made two annual survey of which anime characters that people would like to marry. Ichigo ranked tenth in the category "The Character I Want to Be My Groom" from the 2008 survey and eight in the 2009 poll.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-12/survey/k-on-mio-reborn-hibari-are-no.1-bride-and-groom|title= Survey: K-ON's Mio, Reborn's Hibari are #1 Bride, Groom|date=October 14, 2008|access-date=June 12, 2009 |publisher= [[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> [[Wizard Entertainment]] considered Ichigo the best hero from 2007, commenting that he does not try to be a typical hero but he fights in order to protect his friends.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/013008blhero.html|title=BEST OF 2007: BEST HERO—ICHIGO KUROSAKI|publisher=[[Wizard Entertainment]]|date=June 30, 2008|access-date=September 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418141439/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/013008blhero.html|archive-date=April 18, 2008}}</ref> He was also 20th in [[IGN]]'s "Top 25 Anime Characters of All Time" with comments focused on his design and personality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/21/top-25-anime-characters-of-all-time?page=2|title= Top 25 Anime Characters of All Time|date=October 20, 2009|author=Mackenzie, Chris |publisher=[[IGN]]|access-date=October 21, 2009}}</ref> Ichigo has also appeared twice in the [[Anime Grand Prix]] polls, ranking as one of the most popular male anime characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://animage.jp/gp_new/gpx_2006.html |script-title=ja:第28回アニメグランプリ [2006年6月号](現在位置) |language=ja |publisher=[[Animage]] |access-date=April 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818165729/http://animage.jp/gp_new/gpx_2006.html |archive-date=August 18, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2005.html |script-title=ja:第27回アニメグランプリ [2005年6月号](現在位置) |language=ja |publisher=[[Animage]] |access-date=April 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627174422/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2005.html |archive-date=June 27, 2009 }}</ref> At the first [[Seiyu Awards]] in March 2007, [[Masakazu Morita]] won in the category "Best Rookie Actor" for his role as Ichigo Kurosaki.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seiyuawards.jp/winning/|script-title=ja:声優アワード|language=ja|publisher=[[Seiyu Awards]]|access-date=July 11, 2008}}</ref> Ichigo's voice actor in the English adaptation, [[Johnny Yong Bosch]], has also been praised for his voice work on Ichigo's character by [[Anime News Network]] (ANN), which favorably compared Bosch and Morita's work.<ref name="ANNDVD1Review"/> Various merchandise based on Ichigo's appearance has been created, including action figures, plush toys and key-chains.<ref name="merchandise">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HGY95Y|title=Bleach 5" PVC 2-pack - Ichigo Kurosaki & Rukia Kuchiki|website=Amazon|access-date=July 11, 2008}}</ref><ref name="merchandise2">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000R93N44|title=Bleach Ichigo Kurosaki Plush BL-007a|website=Amazon|access-date=July 11, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SN9I9S|title=Bleach Chibi Ichigo Key Chain|publisher=[[Amazon.com]]|access-date=July 11, 2008}}</ref> Since the series was released, replica models of Ichigo's ''Zanpakutō'' and ''Bankai'' have been produced for purchase by collectors and fans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GD8X0U|title=Ichigo-Cutting Moon Replica Sword|website=Amazon|access-date=July 11, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trueswords.com/ichigo-bankai-sword-inspired-anime-tensa-zangetsu-p-2556.html |title=Ichigo BANKAI Sword Inspired by Anime, Tensa Zangetsu |publisher=True Swords |access-date=October 23, 2008 |archive-date=December 4, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204083858/http://www.trueswords.com/ichigo-bankai-sword-inspired-anime-tensa-zangetsu-p-2556.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Ichigo battles against many ''shinigami'' during his time in Soul Society, managing to tie or defeat numerous lieutenant-level and captain-level ''shinigami''. Much of the time he is seriously wounded, and on several occasions he barely survives, but each time his incredible endurance carries him through until he is able to be healed. A hollow mask, a remnant of his training with Urahara, also consistently appears and reappears on his person to block what would normally be fatal blows. The first fight is with [[Characters in Bleach#Gate watchers|Jidanbō]], a [[Soul Society#Seireitei|Seireitei]] gatekeeper, which Ichigo wins easily, but he is in turn effortlessly repelled by captain [[Gin Ichimaru]]. Ichigo enters ''Seireitei'' accompanied by [[Ganju Shiba]] after being launched from Kūkaku Shiba's spirit cannon. He then proceeds to fight [[Ikkaku Madarame]]. Ichigo beats Ikkaku, even after Ikkaku reveals his ''zanpakuto'''s [[zanpakutō#Initial Release|initial release]], and learns that he will be hunted down by [[Kenpachi Zaraki]], who will seek out the strongest of the intruders.
 
===Critical response===
Ichigo is then met by Renji Abarai, who seeks revenge for his earlier defeat. Renji injures Ichigo, who becomes stronger during the fight and defeats Renji, after which Renji begs him to rescue Rukia, his childhood friend, upon changing his mind regarding his loyalties. Renji is taken into detention for trying to fight alone and losing, while Ichigo is healed by [[Hanatarō Yamada]] in ''Seireitei'''s sewage system. Ichigo finally encounters Kenpachi Zaraki on his way to the Shrine of Penitence, where Rukia is held, and at first can hardly injure the powerful captain, who, according to Hanatarō, is immortal. Ichigo finally calls upon the strength of his ''zanpakutō'' to defeat Kenpachi. In the aftermath of the fight, both Ichigo and Kenpachi are left incapacitated, Kenpachi being evacuated by his lieutenant [[Yachiru Kusajishi]] while Ichigo is rescued by Yoruichi.
Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other related media have provided praise and criticism on Ichigo's character. ANN's Melissa Harper commented that Ichigo's initial rebellious actions make him almost a stereotypical anti-hero, but note that he is soon revealed to be a more complex character with a sad past.<ref name="ANNDVD1Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/bleach-01/the-substitute|title=Bleach DVD 1 - Review|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|author=Harper, Melissa|date=January 22, 2007|access-date=July 11, 2008}}</ref> ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''{{'}}s Charles Solomon comments Ichigo's character has little in common with protagonists from other series due to his bad temper and how he tends to fight. However, he added that readers from the series still "love" Ichigo.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-28-et-book28-story.html|title='Bleach,' a manga series by Tite Kubo (page 1)|work=Los Angeles Times|author=Solomon, Charles|date=August 28, 2008|access-date=September 4, 2009}}</ref> The way Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper was found to be relatively common by Carlos Alexandre. He noted that Ichigo's character of a "tough guy with a heart of gold" had already been done in several series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.popcultureshock.com/review-bleach-vol-1/42354/|title=Anime Review: Bleach, Vol. 1|author=Alexandre Carlos|date=July 30, 2007|access-date=May 19, 2014|work=popcultureshock.com|archive-date=July 2, 2007 |url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702164815/http://www.popcultureshock.com/review-bleach-vol-1/42354/}}</ref> Charles White from IGN praised Ichigo's climactic fight against [[Byakuya Kuchiki]] as one of the best fights in the ''Bleach'' series,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/867/867020p1.html|title=Bleach: "Conclusion of the Death Match! White Pride and Black Desire" Review|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=White, Charles|date=April 16, 2008|access-date=July 11, 2008}}</ref> and later Ramsey Isler gave additional praise to both the design and voice acting for Ichigo's inner Hollow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/916/916375p1.html|title=Bleach: "Ichigo vs. Dalk! Appearance of the Faded Darkness" Review" Review|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Isler, Ramsey|date=April 16, 2008|access-date=July 11, 2008}}</ref>
 
Ichigo's development during the [[Bleach (manga)#Plot|Rescue arc]] in which he sets to save [[Rukia Kuchiki]] from being executed have been praised by ANN's Theron Martin. He praised the scenes in which Ichigo manages to stop Rukia's execution and his subsequent demonstration of his ''Bankai'' as one of the "eminently satisfying landmark moments in the series".<ref name="ANNDVDBox3">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/bleach/dvd-season-3|title=Bleach DVD - Season 3 Uncut Box Set|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|author=Martin, Theron|date=September 3, 2009 |access-date=September 4, 2009}}</ref> [[Wired News]]'s Corrina Lawson stated that she liked Ichigo's strong sense of responsibility, and commented it was one of the reasons of the series' popularity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.wired.com/geekdad/2010/03/comics-spotlight-on-bleach/|title=Comics Spotlight on: Bleach|publisher=[[Wired News]]|author=Lawson, Corrina|date=March 24, 2010 |access-date=May 19, 2014}}</ref> However, the early dynamic between Ichigo and Rukia was the subject of criticism as [[Film School Rejects]] was disappointed that the latter was reduced from a strong Soul Reaper into a weak supporting character as the former becomes the lead character with her powers.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 2, 2018 |last=Hunter |first=Rob |title='Bleach' Review: As Live-Action Manga Adaptations Go, This Is Definitely One (Fantasia 2018) |url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/bleach-review/ |publisher=[[Film School Rejects]] |access-date=August 11, 2018 }}</ref> ''Anime News Network'' criticized the handling of how Ichigo faced off his biggest nemesis in the following arcs, Aizen and Ginjou. While the former was seen as anticlimactic and might have given the series a proper ending, the latter instead made no impact to his character despite their misrelationship caused by Ginjou's plans.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 6, 2015 |last=Freeman|first=Nik|title=Whatever Happened to Bleach? |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2015-11-06/whatever-happened-to-bleach/.95031|publisher=[[Film School Rejects]] |access-date=May 31, 2021}}</ref> Similarly, for the final fight in the manga between Ichigo and his allies against Yhwach for lacking any entertainment, giving a rushed feeling due to all characters assisting him briefly and how Ichigo became able to wield powers of every type of character in the process.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 13, 2018 |title=Bleach – Volume 74 Review |url=https://animeuknews.net/2018/11/bleach-volume-74-review/|publisher=Anime UK News|access-date=May 31, 2021}}</ref> [[Comic Book Resources]] noted a common complaint the fandom has had about Ichigo is that he is overpowered, constantly gaining new powers with ease. With the final story arc, it was revealed that two of the biggest villains were behind his birth, which divided the fandom in regards to whether or not Ichigo being overpowered was rewarding or just.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 25, 2025 |title=10 Controversial Anime Plot Twists That Divided the Fandom Forever |url=https://www.cbr.com/controversial-anime-plot-twists-split-fandom-forever/|publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]]|access-date=April 4, 2025}}</ref>
Yoruichi tells Ichigo that he cannot save Rukia with his present power and asks him to train to achieve the [[zanpakutō#Final Release|final release]] of his ''zanpakutō''. upon completing the training, he, along with Yoruichi and sympathetic captains [[Shunsui Kyōraku]] and [[Jūshirō Ukitake]], separately converge upon the ''Sōkyoku'' to stop Rukia's execution. At the last possible second, Ichigo stops the execution, and proceeds to dispatch three lieutenants — [[Marechiyo Ōmaeda]], [[Isane Kotetsu]] and [[Chōjirō Sasakibe]] — barehanded. He is then confronted by Byakuya Kuchiki.
 
During the serialization of the manga, Tite Kubo said he received a letter from a reader who decided to name his son Ichigo. This brought joy as well as fear to the manga artist due to how his work influenced other people. While feeling that he also made a good manga during this comment, Kubo decided to work more on the character in hopes that once the real Ichigo grows up, he would feel proud with his name.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 8|year=2003|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|page=[https://archive.org/details/bleach80000unse/page/1 1]|isbn=4-08-873435-1|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/bleach80000unse/page/1}}</ref>
During this battle, Ichigo reveals his final release against Byakuya, and outmaneuvers Byakuya's attacks. Byakuya counters using the second form of his final release, and after a while Ichigo's endurance runs out, leaving him in critical condition. At this point, Ichigo's inner hollow surfaces and injures Byakuya to the point that both combatants have almost no power left. After regaining control of himself, Ichigo faces off against Byakuya in a final clash, each channeling all their energy into a single attack. After this final clash, neither has the strength to fight, but Byakuya admits his defeat because his blade was destroyed by Ichigo's.
 
==See also==
Ichigo then finds out that the events in Soul Society were an elaborate plot masterminded by [[Sōsuke Aizen]] and confronts him alongside Renji Abarai, but is unable to defeat him or even buy enough time for the scattered captains to return before Aizen departs for [[Hueco Mundo]].
{{Portal|Anime and manga}}
* [[List of Bleach characters|List of ''Bleach'' characters]]
 
==References==
Prior to leaving Soul Society, Ichigo is given a badge by Ukitake that serves as a license that allows him to hunt hollows in his area officially. It is a multi-purpose artifact that functions like Rukia's glove and alerts him to the presence of hollows.
{{Reflist}}
 
===BountExternal arc=links==
{{Commons-inline}}
In the anime, after his adventures in Soul Society, Ichigo finds himself unable to perform the final release outside of Soul Society and undergoes training with [[Characters in Bleach#The Bount arc modsouls|three modified souls]], initiated by Urahara. Along the way, Chad, Orihime, Ishida, and Renji become involved as well.
{{Bleach}}
 
{{Authority control}}
After the training, which ends up unsuccessful, he finds out about the [[Bount]]s and confronts [[Bounts in Bleach#Yoshino Sōma|Yoshino Sōma]], who uses a powerful fire-type doll. Ichigo is unable to win, even with the help of Rukia Kuchiki, but is unintentionally saved by another Bount, [[Bounts in Bleach#Ryō Udagawa|Ryō Udagawa]].
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kurosaki, Ichigo}}
Udagawa appears later to try to eat Ishida's soul, and a battle between him and Ichigo's group ensues. Yoshino then appears and takes Ishida away. While visiting Ishida in the hospital, the group is met by [[Bounts in Bleach#Hō and Ban|Hō and Ban]], Bount twins who use dolls that manipulate water. Ichigo attempts to defeat them, but any damage sustained to the dolls quickly regenerates. He discovers that when the twins are separated, their ability to control their dolls is greatly reduced, and with some assistance from Ganju Shiba, the group succeeds in blowing the weakened dolls up with fireworks, killing the Bount twins in the process. Ichigo and company then infiltrate [[Jin Kariya]]'s mansion in search of Ishida.
 
[[Category:Anime and manga characters introduced in 2001]]
Upon entering Kariya's mansion, Ichigo engages Udagawa in battle, during which he obliterates a large portion of the house. His spiritual power surprises both Udagawa and [[Characters in Bleach#11th Division|Maki Ichinose]], a ''shinigami'' deserter who joined forces with the Bounts. Ichinose confronts Ichigo and the two fight until Kariya takes over and overpowers Ichigo. As Ichigo is at the brink of defeat, Kisuke Urahara and his assistants arrive to rescue them, demolishing the remainder of the mansion in the process.
[[Category:Anime and manga characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
 
[[Category:Anime and manga characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
Later on, Ichigo fights [[Koga Gō]] and his doll, Dalk, after the ''[[Bount#Bitto|bitto]]'' nearly kill Keigo Asano. Ichigo is slowly beaten, allowing his hollow form to appear. Ichigo manages to repel his hollow self and take over, only to succumb to his previous injuries. [[Izuru Kira]] soon appears to lend a helping hand, disabling the doll. Koga retreats, unwilling to kill such young men due to an incident in his past with a young Bount.
 
Ichigo then invades the Bount hideout that [[Bounts in Bleach#Ugaki|Ugaki]] is defending with Chad, Orihime, Rukia, Renji and the modified souls. Four ''shinigami'' lieutenants who had entered the cave earlier and fought Ugaki's doll, Gesell, assist them. Finally, only Renji and Ichigo continue into the depths of the cave to find Ugaki. Renji decides to take on Gesell one on one with his final release so that Ichigo will have the strength to take on the remaining Bount. Renji's attacks send Gesell on a fury that ends when Ugaki is killed by his own doll (possibly due to the doll being influenced by Kariya). The cave begins to crumble and [[Yumichika Ayasegawa]] convinces Ichigo to leave them behind and go further into the cave.
 
Ichigo finds the remaining Bount and they open a portal to an unknown destination. Ichigo starts a battle with Kariya. Kariya defeats Ichigo's initial release and threatens to kill him using Zangetsu. The threat convinces Ichigo to recover his will to fight and regain his ability to use his final release. The fight continues, both adversaries now evenly matched. They are interrupted by Ishida, who helps the Bounts reach Soul Society, believing he will get stronger there and defeat the Bounts.
 
In Soul Society, Ichigo's group uses [[Characters in Bleach#Other Soul Society dwellers|Kūkaku Shiba]]'s house as their initial base of operations and separate to search for the Bounts. After the Bount [[Bounts in Bleach#Yoshi|Yoshi]] almost kills [[Rukia Kuchiki]], she is saved by Byakuya. Ichigo asks Byakuya for assistance, but Byakuya refuses, making it clear that he still dislikes Ichigo.
 
Later, Ichigo comes across Kariya and Byakuya fighting in a forest and joins in. Despite being outnumbered, Kariya is able to hold his own. [[Characters in Bleach#Other Soul Society dwellers|Rantao]], the ''shinigami'' that created the Bounts, steps in and takes Ichigo and [[Uryū Ishida]], who arrives soon after, back to her home in Rukongai. Rantao explains to Ishida and Ichigo about how her spirit powers were sealed and she was banished for the creation of the Bounts, among other things.
 
After departing from Rantao's home, they meet up with Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Rangiku Matsumoto, and Renji Abarai, who are in the middle of a battle with former shinigami Maki Ichinose. This does not last long though as [[Kenpachi Zaraki]] arrives and challenges Ichinose, allowing the others to pursue the Bounts.
 
At the Technological Institute, Ichigo and Chad catch up to Kariya, but are uable to stop him. Their battle inadvertently unearths the ''Jōkaishō'', a massive energy source, which Kariya had been searching for. Kariya absorbs the energy and uses its destructive potential as a threat to keep Ichigo at bay. He then gives the whole of Soul Society a day to think about their impending destruction. With permission from Matsumoto, Ichigo uses the 10th Division as a base of operations during this time.
 
The next day, he saves both Ishida and Rantao from Kariya, and the two battle, Kariya being slightly superior. He finally announces that he cannot waste any more time on Ichigo and summons his doll, which appears as a metallic hilt shaped like the Bount seal fused to his arm with a blade composed of wind. After much effort on Ichigo's part, the battle ends in a final sword clash, with Ichigo the victor. Before turning to dust, Kariya tells Ichigo that he regrets not being able to watch if Ichigo will walk down the same path he did (where his friends eventually fear his immense power and desert him), because they were both burdened with great powers. This led Ichigo to wonder whether Kariya's actions up to now were to end his own eternal life.
 
===Arrancar arc===
After returning from Soul Society with his friends, without Rukia, Ichigo's life briefly returns to the relatively peaceful state at which it was before he left. This serenity is broken with the arrival of new student [[Shinji Hirako]]. Shinji reveals himself as a recruiter for the [[vizard]], approaches Ichigo and attempts to convince him to join his organization. Ichigo persistently refuses, even after being warned that his inner hollow will eventually take over and destroy everything in sight. Shortly afterwards, two [[Hollow (Bleach)#Arrancar|arrancar]], [[Yammy]] and [[Ulquiorra Schiffer]], appear in Karakura town in order to locate and evaluate Ichigo's strength. Ichigo battles Yammy using his final release, and manages to cut off the giant's arm. However, Ichigo's inner hollow soon interferes, paralyzing Ichigo, and Yammy injures both him and Orihime. The arrival of Yoruichi Shihouin and Kisuke Urahara forces Ulquiorra into strategic retreat.
 
After his failure against the arrancar, Ichigo loses his will as a ''shinigami'' since he cannot protect his friends. This mood lasts until the arrival of Gotei 13's expeditionary force: six ''shinigami'' sent to the human world under the command of [[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]]. Rukia, who is among them, forces Ichigo to defeat a hollow, all the while chastising him. This causes him to regain his spirit and reaffirm his commitment to protect his friends, the first being Orihime Inoue. Later that day, Ichigo discusses the growing arrancar threat with Hitsugaya's force and learns what the arrancar actually are. Rukia is formally accepted into Ichigo's home, sleeping in the same room as his sisters.
 
That night, six arrancar under the command of [[Grimmjow Jeagerjaques]] invade Karakura Town, intending to finish what they view as an incomplete mission on Ulquiorra's part. They split up, seeking targets with spiritual power. Chad's house is targeted, first by [[Hollows in Bleach#Números|D-Roy]], who is quickly dispatched by Rukia, and then by the much mightier Grimmjow, who eliminates Rukia in a single strike. Ichigo uses his final release, but Grimmjow manages to block Ichigo's attacks with his bare hands. Desperate, Ichigo uses his ''getsuga tenshō'' to damage Grimmjow. In his final release form, using the move allows his hollow side to become dominant, and Ichigo remarks that two or three more uses of it would allow his hollow to completely take over. [[Kaname Tōsen]] interrupts the fight and takes Grimmjow back to Hueco Mundo, leaving an unsatisfied Ichigo to sulk in his apparent loss and worry over an injured Rukia.
 
Ichigo, unable to control his inner hollow, accepts Shinji Hirako's offer and seeks out the vizard in order to gain control. During a sparring match with [[Characters in Bleach#Vizard|Hiyori Sarugaki]], he loses control to his hollow side once more, and nearly kills her. After reverting back to his ''shinigami'' state, Ichigo is informed that he cannot simply keep his hollow in check with his body or mind, but must force it into the very core of his soul. After a brief period of unappreciated training, Ichigo is told to confront his hollow side within his inner world. There, Ichigo squares off against his hollow self. Even after several exchanges, Ichigo is unable to damage the hollow, while badly injured and stabbed himself. Finally, Ichigo is defeated, and his sword shatters. After a brief discourse with his hollow, and then another with an inner manifestation of Kenpachi Zaraki, Ichigo realizes his trouble is that he lacks pure fighting spirit, instead needing reasons to fight his opponents. His spirit rekindled by this revelation, Ichigo is able to make a comeback, seizing the hollow's sword and impaling him on it. His hollow subdued for the moment, Ichigo fades back to reality. When he comes to, he learns that while he was fighting internally, his outer body had transformed into that of a powerful and berserk hollow. The vizard had taken turns battling this monster to keep it in check. Ichigo then trains with Hiyori to increase the amount of time he can stay in masked form.
 
A month later, the arrancar once again invade Karakura, and Ichigo brashly heads off to fight Grimmjow even though he can only remain in his masked form for eleven seconds. This backfires, as despite using his masked form and Grimmjow's loss of an arm since their last meeting, Ichigo is unable to defeat him within the eleven-second limit. His mask crumbles, and Ichigo is brutally counterattacked. On the brink of defeat and pinned to the ground, Ichigo is granted a short reprieve by Rukia. As Grimmjow recovers from Rukia's attack, Shinji Hirako appears and fights him until the arrancar retreat by order of Ulquiorra.
When tending to Ichigo's wounds, the vizard [[Characters in Bleach#Vizard|Hachigen Ushōda]] reveals that Ichigo's spiritual power has been contaminated somewhat by Grimmjow's. As per his instructions, Rukia takes him back to the Kurosaki Clinic to recover. While in a deep sleep, he is visited by Orihime, who has been taken prisoner by the arrancar and given a twelve hour reprieve by Ulquiorra to say good-bye to just one person. Orihime tries to kiss Ichigo while he sleeps, but is unable to. She does, however, confess her love for him.
 
Later, Ichigo wakes from a bad dream and realizes that the wound from his wrist is healed. Trying to sense by spiritual pressure who has healed him, he is visited by Hitsugaya, who tells him to come immediately for an emergency shinigami meeting. The meeting is held at Orihime's apartment where Hitsugaya and Matsumoto took up residence and done via a live-conference device connecting Soul Society and the human world. Captain Ukitake greets them and informs them Orihime was taken by an arrancar and might have been killed. Ichigo informs them that she visited him to heal him the night before, which leads Yamamoto to believe that Orihime has betrayed them. Renji requests permission to go to Hueco Mundo to rescue her but the request is denied, as Yamamoto believes that the death of one person and the death of the world are weighted on a scale, thus saving Orihime is not important overall. Ichigo asks to go save Orihime by himself, but Yamamoto once again denies the suggestion, stating that Ichigo is a significant asset to Soul Society. The ''shinigami'' are ordered to return to Soul Society to fortify their defenses, leaving Ichigo alone.
 
Despite Yamamoto's decision, Ichigo decides to make preparations with Urahara to single-handedly retrieve Orihime from [[Hueco Mundo]]. At school, Tatsuki confronts him about her sightings in which she becomes angry and violent over his reluctance to explain himself. She reveals to him that she is able to sense his and Orihime's spiritual energy, and can see Ichigo and other ''shinigami''. She is restrained by Keigo and Mizuiro while Ichigo walks away coldly telling his friends not to get involved. At Urahara's shop, Ichigo is joined by Ishida with his Quincy powers restored and Chad with a new more powerful right arm. After some convincing, the trio agree to help each other rescue Orihime and Urahara opens a gate to Hueco Mundo. Ichigo leads Chad and Ishida into Hueco Mundo but unknown to him, Tatsuki, Keigo, and Mizuiro had followed him and witnessed his departure.
 
===Hueco Mundo arc===
As Ichigo, Chad, and Ishida enter [[Hueco Mundo]], they are immediately detected by Aizen and attacked by two arrancar, [[Hollows in Bleach#Números|Demōra and Iceringer]]. Ichigo is then told to stay back and simply watch as Chad and Ishida engage the two arrancar by themselves. Once they are victorious, the room and passageway collapses around them, forcing the trio to race outside where they see their destination, a castle in the middle of a barren desert.
 
They see what looks to be a human being chased by three hollows. After Ichigo attacks the three, it is revealed that the 'human' is actually an arrancar named [[Hollows in Bleach#Others|Nell Tu]]; the hollows are her two brothers and their pet. After becoming friends, the expanded group travels to the wall of Las Noches, where they are attacked by a sand-based hollow, [[Hollows in Bleach#Hollows|Lunuganga]]. The hollow is immune to their attacks, but the group is saved by Renji and Rukia, the latter of which freezes Lunaganga in a circle of ice.
 
Ichigo and his group break into Las Noches and split into five directions, leaving Nell and her brothers behind. The siblings decide to follow Ichigo but get lost. Nell is the only one who catches up to Ichigo, arriving just in time to see [[Hollows in Bleach#Privaron Espada|Dordonii]], a Privaron Espada with a number of #103.
 
As Ichigo and Dordonii fight, the difference in power between the two quickly becomes apparent. Dordonii suggests that Ichigo use his final release so he'll at least stand a chance, but Ichigo refuses, noting that it would only be a sign of weakness if he were to use his final release in every battle. Hoping to force the issue, Dordonii releases his ''zanpakutō'', thus greatly increasing his power. Now commanding two wind elementals, Dordonii is more than a match for Ichigo. When Dordonii tries to fire a ''[[Hollow (Bleach)#Abilities|cero]]'' blast at Ichigo, Nell steps in, absorbing the blast and firing it back. Enraged, Dordonii attacks Nell, who is then saved by Ichigo, now using his final release.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; chapter 252</ref>
 
Dordonii, not satisfied with Ichigo's final release, wishes to see his hollow form. He even resorts to attacking Nell in an attempt to force Ichigo to transform. Ichigo sets Nell aside and tells Dordonii he will show him his hollow form, but for only a second. Dordonii is pleased at first, but Ichigo severely wounds him with one strike in his hollow form. Nell heals Dordonii and he tries to engage Ichigo again, but is once again defeated. In gratitude for fighting him at his full strength, Dordonii battles the Exequias sent after Ichigo so he can get away. Ichigo flees, and continues his search through ''Las Noches'' until he encounters Ulquiorra.
 
Ulquiorra tells Ichigo that Rukia has been killed, which Ichigo denies. Ichigo attempts to leave to save Rukia, reasoning that he and Ulquiorra have no quarrel and thus no reason to fight. Ulquiorra reveals that he was the one who kidnapped Orihime and brought her to Hueco Mundo in an attempt to goad Ichigo into fighting, which is successful. After a failed attack, Ichigo decides Ulquiorra won't let him leave and activates his final release while simultaneously donning his hollow mask. This catches Ulquiorra off-guard, allowing Ichigo to connect with his ''getsuga tenshō''.
 
Though the attack appears successful, Ulquiorra appears from the smoke unharmed. Ichigo's hollow mask breaks and Ulquiorra proceeds to beat him with ease. Ichigo manages to stab his sword into Ulquiorra's left chest, claiming that since Ulquiorra is the strongest Espada, beating him will be like winning the entire war. The attack only cuts away part of Ulquiorra's jacket, revealing the number four on his chest. Explaining that there are even more powerful Espada above him, Ulquiorra impales Ichigo's chest with his hand.<ref>''Bleach'' manga, chapter 271.</ref> Ulquiorra proceeds to tell a near-unconscious Ichigo that his progress is disappointing and leaves the room, telling Ichigo to either leave Hueco Mundo if he can or die if he can't. Ichigo passes out, and his final release disappears, reverting to its standard form, a sign that he is close to death.<ref>''Bleach'' manga, chapter 272, page 5.</ref> Grimmjow brings Orihime to heal him before he can die, wanting to fight Ichigo at full strength.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; chapter 277</ref> Ulquiorra discovers this and attempts to retrieve Orihime, but Grimmjow uses a portable [[Hollow (Bleach)#Abilities|''negación'']] field to temporarily imprison him, thus allowing the two to battle unimpeded.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; chapter 278, page 19.</ref>
 
==Powers==
Though he does not possess any formal ''shinigami'' rank, Ichigo's overall abilities are great enough that he can fight on the level of an elite ''shinigami'' captain. According to Aizen and Urahara, Ichigo's most astounding ability is his growth rate: he grasps the basic control of advanced techniques in days where it might take someone else weeks or years. One example is the final release of his ''zanpakutō'', which he learns in three days with the assistance of a special device invented by Urahara. For a normal ''shinigami'', this same feat would require hundreds of years of combat experience and at least ten additional years of special training. He also gains mastery of flash steps while training with Yoruichi, which was done over the same period as his final release.
 
Physically, Ichigo is in top form even when not in his spiritual body. Ichigo has been trained in martial arts since he was a small child, both professionally and by his father's constant assaults and surprise attacks when at home. He regularly fights with and defeats bullies and gangsters, and is a better martial artist than even Tatsuki, the second-strongest high school girl in all of Japan.
 
===Shinigami powers===
When he is in his ''shinigami'' body, Ichigo's already impressive strength is greatly enhanced. He can easily wield his giant sword one-handed, leap several stories into the air, and in one case even fought off three ''shinigami'' lieutenants and their released ''zanpakutō'' bare-handed in rapid succession; he shattered one of their ''zanpakutō'' in a single punch. The arrancar Ulquiorra has claimed that Ichigo's spiritual power at its peak is even greater than his own, but that it fluctuates wildly when he is in conflict with his inner hollow. Because he has far more spiritual energy than his body can contain, it leaks out constantly, preventing him from hiding it and effectively making stealth impossible when dealing with other spiritually-aware creatures.
 
In terms of fighting style, Ichigo relies mostly on his ''zanpakutō'' and the use of flash steps, and thus would be considered a swordsmanship specialist. Ichigo has never been formally taught ''[[kidō]]'' and has trouble controlling his spirit energy in all but the most basic of ways, due in part to the sheer amount of it he has.
 
Unlike most lieutenant- and captain-strength ''shinigami'', Ichigo is able to fight with his full power in both the human and spiritual worlds. While captains and lieutenants have their power limited to a fifth of its normal level during trips to the real world in order to avoid unnecessarily influencing those living there, Ichigo holds no position in the Gotei 13 and thus has no such limit.
 
===Hollow powers===
[[Image:Ichigo's Inner Hollow2.png|thumb|200px|Top panel: Ichigo's inner hollow.<br/>Bottom panel: Ichigo's hollow form]]
Ichigo's spiritual powers are not limited to just ''shinigami'' abilities; he possesses hollow powers as a result of his training with Urahara. While attempting to recover his ''shinigami'' powers, Ichigo began transforming into a hollow from the corrosion of his severed soul chain. Ichigo succeeds in awakening his ''shinigami'' powers, but retains his hollow spirit inside himself from the transformation. The title page of chapter 220 depicts the inner hollow with the [[mirror writing]] of Ichigo's name.
 
Ichigo's hollow spirit is a more evil version of Ichigo himself, as is common with humans who become hollows. The spirit is confident in his own superiority, and mocks Ichigo's inability in a didactic fashion whenever he gets the opportunity, although he does relish the thought of one day controlling Ichigo's power for himself. He's also fond of taunting other opponents about their own weaknesses, another trait common amongst hollows. He is sadistic, lusts after killing, and in both the anime adaption and video games is prone to fits of lunatic laughter. His most distinguishing characteristic is the psychotic, bloodthirsty smile that is constantly seen on his face. Unlike Ichigo, the hollow uses a [[berserker]] style of combat, which is combined with a significant increase in Ichigo's strength and speed. The hollow is also able to ignore any injuries Ichigo's body has sustained.
 
At different points in the series, Ichigo's hollow powers have manifested themselves in different ways. Initially, Ichigo's hollow mask would appear on his body to block fatal blows, which Ichigo never noticed until after the fight had ended. During his battle with Byakuya Kuchiki, the mask appeared on his face when he was near death, allowing his inner hollow to take over until Ichigo suppressed it. The same event is repeated multiple times after that. While suppressing his inner hollow, Ichigo is left effectively paralyzed, since his concentration was focused on suppressing it rather than fighting.
 
While he was in training with the vizard, Ichigo's soul was completely overcome by his inner hollow for a short period, causing him to physically transform into a hollow. His near-complete hollow form resembles a large, humanoid lizard. In this form, Ichigo demonstrated several high-level abilities, including instantaneous regeneration, enhancement of limbs, and the ability to fire [[Hollow (Bleach)#Abilities|''cero'']] blasts from his fingers. However, this form didn't last long as Ichigo emerged from the hollow shell as his standard ''shinigami'' self wearing a hollow mask.
 
After training with the vizard and subjugating his inner hollow, Ichigo can use his hollow mask while retaining his personality, but only for eleven seconds at a time.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; chapter 216, pages 9 and 11.</ref> His overall limit is barely a fraction of the amount other vizard can maintain their masks. After the time limit, the mask breaks and Ichigo loses its benefits. Subsequent attempts to use the mask can only be maintained for an instant. While wearing the mask, Ichigo's hollow powers supplement his ''shinigami'' powers, giving him a vast increase in both strength and speed.
 
===Zangetsu===
[[Image:Ichigo zangetsu.jpg|thumb|Ichigo with the spirit of Zangetsu while wielding his zanpakutō.]]
Ichigo's ''[[zanpakutō]]'' is named ''Zangetsu'' (斬月 ''lit.'' moon cutter).<ref name="Zangetsu"/> Unlike most shinigami, who can seal their zanpakutō after releasing it, Ichigo's ''zanpakutō'' is always in its initial release state. [[Yoruichi Shihouin]] has stated that his ''zanpakutō'' is a full-time released form type, implying that it is simply a type of ''zanpakutō'' that, once initially released, remains in said state.
 
The spirit of Zangetsu resembles a 30 to 40 year-old man, and Ichigo calls him {{nihongo|"old man"|おっさん|ossan}} as a result. Zangetsu has also been called the {{nihongo|"black-clothed man"|黒衣の男|kokui no otoko}}.<ref name="Kokui">''Bleach'' Official Character Book SOULs; page 84.</ref> Zangetsu is portrayed as wise and calm in most matters, and fond of testing Ichigo in unusual ways, many of which have a purpose completely contrary to the stated goal.
 
When Ichigo first becomes a ''shinigami'', his ''zanpakutō'' is simply an oversized version of a regular sealed zanpakutō, complete with an equally oversized sheath on his back. The large size is due to Ichigo's immense spiritual power, which he didn't know how to control. As a result, the sword itself was rather weak, since very little spiritual power was used to create it. [[Byakuya Kuchiki]] cuts off most of the blade during his first encounter with Ichigo and [[Kisuke Urahara]] subsequently slices it down to the hilt during their training, forcing Ichigo to learn the name of his ''zanpakutō'' in order to release its true form.
 
The [[Zanpakutō#Initial release|released form]] of Zangetsu resembles an oversized, though more elegant, cleaver blade without a hilt guard. The sword is as tall as Ichigo is, 1.74 meters, and has a black blade with a silver edge. Ichigo carries his ''zanpakutō'' on his back by the cloth wrapped around the handle. When not in combat, the cloth extends to cover the rest of the sword and falls away when necessary, shrinking back to a manageable size. The cloth can also be used to swing the weapon like a [[Flail (weapon)|flail]] and toss it at opponents, but this is rarely done. This was first demonstrated by Ichigo's inner hollow, then again by Ichigo himself while rescuing Rukia.
 
[[Image:Ichigobankai.png|thumb|Ichigo's appearance after performing the final release.]]
The [[Zanpakutō#Final release|final release]] of Zangetsu, named ''Tensa Zangetsu'' (天鎖斬月, ''lit.'' heavenly chains moon cutter), is considered completely out of the ordinary for any zanpakutō. Unlike most final releases, which usually create some sort of massive creature or effect, Ichigo's final release actually shrinks his sword down to a [[nodachi]] (Japanese long sword) with a black blade, handguard in the shape of the [[Swastika#Other Asian traditions|manji]] (which is the kanji for "ban," meaning "full"). The cloth is replaced by a short chain with a broken link, similar to that of a plus. In addition to his sword, Ichigo's robe is replaced with a long-sleeved, ankle-length black coat with red lining that is closed at his chest, much like that of Zangetsu himself.
 
As explained by Byakuya Kuchiki, Ichigo's final release is a compression of his power, rather than a vast expansion as other final releases are. This hugely compressed power enables Ichigo to move at speeds exceeding those of flash steps, and gives him matching agility and reflexes, allowing him to use his natural strength to its limits. Ichigo's initial inexperience with controlling his final release led to a serious drawback; the force of his compressed spiritual power caused all of his bones to crack, gradually decreasing his speed and power over time. This drawback has not been mentioned since its introduction, so it has presumably been overcome.
 
Zangetsu's special ability (in either form) is the ''getsuga tenshō'' (月牙天衝, ''lit.'' moon sky-piercing fang, ''Viz:'' Moon-Fang Piercer of the Heavens), which fires concentrated energy blasts from the tip of the blade in the shape of a crescent moon. Ichigo uses this ability without knowing its name several times, but masters the technique later on when he discovers its name. As stated by Zangetsu, knowing and not knowing the name of an attack makes a difference in the amount of power that it releases. When used with Zangetsu's final release, these blasts are black with a red outline and their path can be controlled. During Byakuya Kuchiki's fight with Ichigo, he refers to this attack as ''kuroi getsuga'' (''lit.'' black moon fang). This term simply refers to the darkened color of the attack, not its actual name. The move was first displayed by Ichigo's inner hollow, and initially carried the risk of causing his inner hollow to surface if used too much. With Ichigo's later control over his inner hollow, this is no longer a problem.
 
==References==
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