Jump to content

Rukia Kuchiki: Difference between revisions

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{bleach character info
{{Short description|Fictional character from Bleach}}
{{good article}}
| image = [[Image:RukiaKuchiki.jpg|250px]]
| character name = Rukia Kuchiki
{{Infobox character
| name = Rukia Kuchiki
| occupation = [[Shinigami (Bleach)|Shinigami]] in Division 13
| series = [[Bleach (manga)|Bleach]]
| image = RukiaKuchikiKubo.jpg
| birthday = January 14
| caption = Rukia Kuchiki as seen in the manga
| height = 144 cm (4' 8½")
| first = ''Bleach'' #1 "Death & Strawberry" (2001)
| weight = 33 kg (73 lb)
| creator = [[Tite Kubo]]
| hair = Black
| voice = {{ubl|'''Japanese'''|[[Fumiko Orikasa]]<ref>{{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>|'''English'''|[[Michelle Ruff]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Mays|first=Jonathan|title=Comic-Con: Bleach Cast Announced|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-07-22/comic-con-bleach-cast-announced|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 7, 2021|date=July 22, 2006}}</ref>|[[Cassandra Lee Morris]] ([[Bleach (2018 film)|live-action film]])}}
| blood_type =
| portrayer = [[Hana Sugisaki]]
| zanpakutō = Sode no Shirayuki
| family = Hisana Kuchiki (older sister, deceased)<br>[[Byakuya Kuchiki]] (brother-in-law, adoptive brother)<br>[[Soujun Kuchiki]] (adoptive father, deceased)<br>Unnamed adoptive mother (deceased)
| theme_song = "Wing-Stock" by [[Ashley MacIsaac]]
| seiyuu = [[Fumiko Orikasa]]
| spouse = [[Renji Abarai]] (husband)
| children = Ichika Abarai (daughter)
| voiceactor = [[Michelle Ruff]]
| relatives = [[Ginrei Kuchiki]] (adoptive grandfather)
| species = Soul Reaper
}}
}}
{{nihongo|'''Rukia Kuchiki'''|朽木 ルキア|Kuchiki Rukia}} is a major character in the [[manga]] and [[anime]] series ''[[Bleach (manga)|Bleach]]''. Rukia is an unseated shinigami in the 13th Division, under [[Jūshirō Ukitake]]. She meets [[Ichigo Kurosaki]], a high school student, and through a set of circumstances, he obtains her powers, forcing her to take up residence in his home and him to take her place as a shinigami. Although [[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]] recently usurped her position, Rukia had been consistently the second most popular ''Bleach'' character in Shonen Jump's polls.
{{nihongo|'''Rukia Kuchiki'''|朽木 ルキア|Kuchiki Rukia|lead=yes}} is a fictional character in the [[anime]] and [[manga]] series ''[[Bleach (manga)|Bleach]]'' created by [[Tite Kubo]]. In the series, she is a Soul Reaper, (死神, Shinigami, literally 'Death God'), in charge of slaying and eradicating corrupted souls whose unfortunate fate lies destined for ruthless killing and feeding of<!--off?--> living beings. We call these lost souls hollows. Along with eradicating hollows, Rukia's primary objective as a Shinigami is to pass on the souls of those who have failed to pass on those who have yet to cross by means of konso. At the beginning, after a brief meeting with the [[protagonist]] of the series, [[Ichigo Kurosaki]], who can see supernatural beings such as Soul Reapers, she transfers her powers to him in order to fulfill her duties as a Soul Reaper. Rukia has appeared in several other pieces of ''Bleach'' media, including the four feature films in the series, the two [[original video animation]]s and several video games.


Rukia was the first character of the series created by Kubo, her design being the one he decided to use for all the other Soul Reapers.<ref name="About 1"/> Reaction to her character is generally positive. Her differences from typical ''[[shōnen]]'' heroines is praised,<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=2007-01-22|access-date=2008-03-11}}</ref> as is her interaction with other characters.<ref name="ManiaDVD1Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/bleach-vol-01_article_78776.html |title=Bleach Vol. #01 |author=Beveridge, Chris |publisher=Mania Entertainment |date=2006-11-28 |access-date=2009-03-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804013052/http://www.mania.com/bleach-vol-01_article_78776.html |archive-date=2009-08-04}}</ref> Additionally, she usually ranks second in ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'''s ''Bleach'' popularity polls, and is consistently the most popular female character in those polls.<ref name="ShonenJumpPoll">{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 24|year=2008|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|page=[https://archive.org/details/bleach00kubo/page/186 186]|isbn=978-1-4215-1541-0|url=https://archive.org/details/bleach00kubo/page/186}}</ref> Several pieces of merchandise have been released in Rukia's likeness, including a plush doll and several figurines.{{Citation needed|date=December 2019}}
{{spoiler}}


==Creation and conception==
== Character outline ==
''Bleach'' was first conceived from Tite Kubo's desire to draw a ''[[shinigami]]'' in a [[kimono]], which formed the basis for the design of the Soul Reapers.<ref name="About 1">{{cite web|url=http://manga.about.com/od/mangaartistinterviews/a/TiteKubo.htm|title=Interview: Tite Kubo (page 1)|author=Deb Aoki|publisher=[[About.com]]|access-date=2008-09-16|archive-date=2016-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112160822/http://manga.about.com/od/mangaartistinterviews/a/TiteKubo.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Because of this, Rukia was one of the first characters of the series to be created. Before deciding that every Soul Reaper had swords, Kubo thought that they should all use guns, while only Rukia used a scythe. However, this was changed when he created the Soul Reaper kimono. Kubo also mentioned that Rukia did not seem like a lead character, so he created [[Ichigo Kurosaki]] to be the series protagonist, with Rukia being the first female lead.<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-Station |location=Japan}}</ref> Ichigo's initial design had black hair like Rukia; Kubo had to modify Ichigo's appearance to contrast with hers, giving Ichigo orange hair and a trademark scowl.<ref>{{cite book |title=Weekly Shōnen Jump, Number 9 (February)|page=123|year=2008|publisher=[[Shueisha]]}}</ref>
Initially born into a lower class, Rukia retains her modesty even as an adopted member of the nobility: she is graceful and "clean," yet chooses to talk to ordinary people. Although she tells Ichigo that she is nearly ten times older than he, she is endearingly clueless about the ways of the modern living world (since Soul Society resembles Japan's [[Edo era|Edo period]]). She is initially unable to figure out a simple juice box, and learns to speak modern Japanese through the manga she reads. According to Kubo, when (in book five) the semester final exam scores were announced, Rukia's rank was 302 out of 322. With the exception of Japanese, she failed most of her exams.<ref>''Weekly Shonen Jump'' interview, year 2004, issue 42.</ref>


As for her name, Kubo stated that, because Rukia "looks like a ''shinigami''", he wanted her name to sound like something a ''shinigami'' would have as a name. When deciding upon her family name, Kubo considered using {{nihongo|"Kuchiru"|朽ちる||lit. "to rot"}} because it sounded like a name a ''shinigami'' would have. He decided to use {{nihongo|"Kuchiki"|朽木||lit. "rotten wood"}}, having once heard something that sounded like "Kuchiki Rukia" on Japanese television and liking it enough to use it as a name.<ref name="creation"/> Her first name was conceived as a result of Kubo hearing the Latin name for [[cosmos (flower)|cosmos]] on television, and later decided that the name really suited her since the Latin word from which her name is derived means "light" and Kubo sees her as "a ray of light for Ichigo." ''[[Shonen Jump (magazine)|Shonen Jump]]'' asked in an interview if Kubo had any plans to make Ichigo and Rukia a couple, but Kubo chose neither to confirm nor deny it.<ref name="couple">{{cite web|url=http://manga.about.com/od/mangaartistinterviews/a/TiteKubo_2.htm|title=Interview: Tite Kubo (page 2)|author=Deb Aoki|publisher=[[About.com]]|access-date=2008-09-16|archive-date=2009-02-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204170016/http://manga.about.com/od/mangaartistinterviews/a/TiteKubo_2.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> After designing Rukia's ''[[zanpakuto|zanpakutō]]'', Kubo noted he liked it a lot and made it the most beautiful one from the series.<ref name="radio">{{cite AV media |people= [[Fumiko Orikasa]], [[Masakazu Morita]] |date=April 2007 |title= Bleach Voices Actors Interview, Bleach B-Station 103 |publisher= Bleach B-Station |location= Japan}}</ref>
Rukia is an accomplished actress, being able to act her way through a number of tough situations. Ichigo seems to be the only one to always pick up on it and accuse her of pretending. She also seems to enjoy drawing (rather badly); her drawings of people and [[Hollow (Bleach)|hollows]] seem to resemble rabbits and teddy bears, respectively. Rukia's inability to draw well (and her taking offense when told as much) is a running gag in the series. Rukia will often draw something as an explanation to Ichigo, he'll insult its quality, and she'll hit him very hard. Rukia loves Chappy the Rabbit (and basically anything rabbit-themed) and is rather put out when she is unable to obtain Chappy Soul Candy because of its popularity in Soul Society (although she is able to obtain it during the Arrancar arc). She also likes to climb to high places and her favorite foods are eggs and cucumbers.<ref>''Bleach'' manga, Volume 1, page 189</ref>


When asked to design a Christmas cover with a female character, Kubo initially thought of using Rukia, but eventually chose [[Orihime Inoue]] as he thought the character was better suited for it—he has stated that he previously made a Christmas illustration with Rukia, and that he received requests from several fans wanting to see the image. In contrast to this, Kubo has found that he liked Rukia more in the illustrations where her face expresses pain, such as when she is going to be executed in the manga.<ref>{{cite book |author=Kubo, Tite|title=The Art of Bleach|year=2008 |publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-4215-1884-8}}</ref>
Her attitude towards Ichigo varies throughout the series. At times, she is a bickering adversary, and at other times, she worries about him and dispatches advice like a wise old sage. Most of their scenes together have them yelling and making faces at each other. Despite these quarrels, the two have a deep understanding of each other, often being the only ones able to talk each other out of a funk.


==Appearances==
There is a deeply serious side to Rukia as well, best shown during the time she was taken back to Soul Society for giving her powers to Ichigo. In her time in Soul Society, which she spent in various holding cells, she is constantly seen resigned to her fate or in deep thought. She and Ichigo also have similar feelings of loss and guilt. Ichigo thought he was responsible for his mother's death and Rukia's execution. Rukia thought she was responsible for the death of one of her commanding officers, [[Kaien Shiba]], and considered Ichigo's apparent death her fault.
===In ''Bleach''===
Rukia meets Ichigo in the midst of a hollow attack. After suffering severe injuries, she transfers her powers to him in order to save themselves.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 1|year=2004 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 1|isbn=1-59116-441-9|page=55}}</ref> Without her powers, Rukia cannot return to the Soul Society. She accompanies Ichigo in the real world, intending to stay until her powers are restored. Therefore, her only ability is her ''[[kidō]]'' spells, which are severely limited in strength and variety. She uses her ''kidō'' for such purposes as restraining, healing and attacking others.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 2|year=2004 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 9|pages=34–37|isbn=1-59116-442-7}}</ref> Because of the amount of time she spends with Ichigo, Rukia manages to gain a keen understanding of his inner workings.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 22|year=2008 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 196|isbn=978-1-4215-1179-5}}</ref> Rukia's relationship with Ichigo is unique, for despite the relatively short amount of time they have known each other, Ichigo can easily confide in her and considers her a true friend because she is encouraging and understands what he is feeling.<ref name="Friends">{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 11|year=2006|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 94|pages=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781421502717/page/116 116–119]|isbn=1-4215-0271-2|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781421502717/page/116}}</ref> During her time in the human world, Rukia remains unaccounted for in Soul Society, so [[Byakuya Kuchiki]] and [[Renji Abarai]] are sent to find her and return her to the Soul Society.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 6|year=2005|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 52|isbn=1-59116-728-0|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781591167280}}</ref> They succeed, and upon their return Rukia is sentenced to death for giving her Soul Reaper powers to a human. Ichigo goes to the Soul Society, in order to save her.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 18|year=2007 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 150|isbn=978-1-4215-1042-2}}</ref>


During the arc, Rukia's past is explored. She died as an infant and was sent to the [[Bleach (manga)#Plot|Soul Society]] with her older sister, Hisana. Though Hisana initially tried to protect and provide for Rukia, she could not ensure her own survival while caring for a baby as well, and thus abandoned Rukia.<ref name="Origins">{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 21|year=2007 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 179 |pages= 15–24 |isbn=978-1-4215-1165-8}}</ref> As Rukia grew up, she befriended [[Renji Abarai]], and entered the Soul Reaper academy, where she was adopted into the Kuchiki family.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 11|year=2006|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 98|isbn=1-4215-0271-2|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781421502717}}</ref> One year prior to the adoption, Hisana died after asking Byakuya to find and adopt Rukia as his sister. This remains unknown to Rukia, until Byakuya confesses it to her.<ref name="Origins"/> When she was accepted into the 13th Division, Rukia befriended the lieutenant of her division, [[Kaien Shiba]], and trained under him.<ref name="Kubo2006">{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 16|year=2006 |publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 134 |isbn=1-4215-0614-9}}</ref> During the course of a mission, Kaien was possessed by a [[Hollow (Bleach)|hollow]] and Rukia inadvertently kills him.<ref name="Kubo2006" />
== Residence ==
Due to her circumstances during the early story and the anime Bount arc, Rukia lives in Ichigo's closet with [[Kon (Bleach)|Kon]]; she uses the bedroom window as an entryway into the Kurosaki household. Additionally, she has obtained casual clothing and school uniforms for her day-to-day activities, some of which were stolen from Ichigo's sister Yuzu, and the rest of which were supplied by Urahara on credit.


[[File:FirstDanceTsukishiro.jpg|thumb|250px|Rukia using the "first dance, white moon" ability of Sode no Shirayuki's ''shikai'']]
Several months after the incidents at the Soul Society, Rukia returns to the living world with five other shinigami to combat the rising arrancar threat. She manages to convince the Kurosaki family to let her stay with them, using a flimsy sob story that instantly convinces Yuzu and Isshin, and shares a crowded room with Karin and Yuzu.
During Rukia's bid for freedom, she is stopped by [[Sōsuke Aizen]] and his accomplices. Aizen, having singlehandedly orchestrated Rukia's execution, reveals to her that within her soul is stored the ''Hōgyoku'' ("breakdown sphere"), a powerful artifact created and placed there by [[Kisuke Urahara]] that gives hollows Soul Reaper powers and vice versa. Wanting the ''Hōgyoku'' for himself, Aizen hoped that her death would give him access to it, but settles for a nonfatal alternative.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 20|year=2007 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 175|isbn=978-1-4215-1044-6}}</ref> The ''Hōgyoku'' is removed from her body, Aizen and his men flee Soul Society, and Rukia is acquitted of all charges.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 20|year=2007 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 177|isbn=978-1-4215-1044-6}}</ref> With the ''Hōgyoku'', Aizen is able to create an army of [[Hollow (Bleach)#Arrancar|arrancar]], which he uses to attack Ichigo and his friends once they return to the human world. Rukia and a group of other Soul Reapers are sent to assist in fighting the arrancar,<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> though after Aizen captures [[Orihime Inoue]] they are recalled to Soul Society.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 27|year=2007 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 238 |isbn=978-4-08-874339-4}}</ref> Rukia's ''zanpakutō'', {{nihongo|''Sode no Shirayuki''|袖白雪||literally ''"Sleeved white snow"''}},<ref name="Sleeve">{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 23|year=2008|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 201|isbn=978-1-4215-1541-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/bleach00kubo/page/82 82–89]|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/bleach00kubo/page/82}}</ref> is also revealed as a completely white blade, earning it the recognition as the most beautiful ''zanpakutō'' in Soul Society.<ref name="Fame">{{cite book|last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 23|year=2008|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 202|isbn=978-1-4215-1541-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/bleach00kubo/page/93 93–94]|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/bleach00kubo/page/93}}</ref> ''Sode no Shirayuki'' utilizes ice to attack, each of its abilities being labeled as "dances" by Rukia.<ref name="Sleeve"/><ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 27|year=2007 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 235 |isbn=978-4-08-874339-4}}</ref> During the [[List of Bleach episodes (season 13)|anime's 13th season]], Sode no Shirayuki manifests in a [[yukionna]]-like form, voiced by [[Mie Sonozaki]].<ref>{{cite episode|title=白哉、桜と共に消ゆ|number=231|series=Bleach|credits=TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Studio Pierrot|network=TV Tokyo|airdate=August 4, 2004}}</ref>


After learning that Aizen kidnapped Orihime, Rukia and friends head for Hueco Mundo to save her.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 28|year=2007 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 247|isbn=978-4-08-874365-3}}</ref> There, Rukia encounters the [[List of hollows in Bleach#Espada|Espada]], [[Aaroniero Arruruerie]], who is revealed to have possession of Kaien's body. Saddened that she had not saved her mentor from the control of a hollow as she had previously thought, Rukia manages to kill Aaroniero.<ref name="Pity">{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 30|year=2007 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 267 |isbn=978-4-08-874423-0}}</ref> Rukia is badly injured during the battle, and it is not until Soul Society sends reinforcements to Hueco Mundo that she is revived and her wounds are healed.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 34|year=2008 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 304|isbn=978-4-08-874541-1}}</ref> She later assists Ichigo in his rescue to save Orihime from the Espada Ulquiorra Cifer by engaging the remaining Arrancars until requiring support.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kubo|first=Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 37|year=2009 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 317|isbn=978-4-08-874628-9}}</ref> After Aizen's defeat, Rukia bids farewell to Ichigo, when he loses his powers and the ability to sense their presence.
== History ==
[[Image:Rukia renji.jpg|thumb|Young Rukia and Renji during their early years in the Rukongai.]]
Rukia and her older sister, Hisana, were brought together to 78th District of Rukongai after they died in the human world. Hisana abandoned Rukia when she was still a baby since she could not continue to support both herself and Rukia. Rukia grew up on her own until she met [[Renji Abarai]] and other children her age. They worked together to steal food in order to survive and became a makeshift family. During this time, Rukia and Renji showed signs of having spiritual power. While they initially opted against becoming shinigami, the death of all their friends prompted Rukia to suggest joining the academy for a better life.


Seventeen months later, Rukia, now lieutenant of Squad 13, returns to aid in restoring Ichigo's Soul Reaper powers before engaging the Fullbringer [[List of Bleach characters#Riruka Dokugamine|Riruka Dokugamine]]. When the Soul Society is abruptly invaded by the [[List of Bleach characters#Wandenreich|Wandenreich]], an organization made up of [[List of Soul characters#Quincy|Quincy]] who has survived their genocide one thousand years before, Rukia discovers Byakuya attacked by [[List of Bleach characters#Äs Nodt|Äs Nodt]], and is knocked out before she can come to her aid. Rukia is taken to the Royal Dimension so she could be healed, and is then taught by [[List of Soul Reapers in Bleach#Ichibei Hyōsube|Ichibei Hyosube]] to achieve her ''bankai'', {{nihongo|''Hakka no Togame''|白霞罸||literally ''"Censure of the white haze"''}}. Returning to the Soul Society when the Wandenreich resume their attack, Rukia utilizes her newly acquired ''bankai'' to defeat Äs. In the subsequent battles against Yhwach's [[List of Bleach characters#Wandenreich|Schutzstaffel]] Rukia and a large number of high rank Soul Reapers are quickly defeated by the powerful [[List of Bleach characters#Wandenreich|Gerard Valkyrie]]. After Ichigo defeats Yhwach, Rukia becomes the new Squad 13 captain and marries Renji. They have a daughter, Ichika.{{Citation needed|date=December 2019}}
At the shinigami academy, Renji was admitted into the top class and Rukia into the second ranked one. Renji and Rukia started growing further apart as Renji got further ahead in his training due to his elite status. The emotional distance continued until Rukia was asked to join the Kuchiki family. Renji expressed happiness for Rukia's opportunity but both did not admit that they disagreed with the arrangement since they would likely never see each other again. Rukia reluctantly joined the family and was immediately inducted into the 13th Division without having to graduate or take a squad entrance exam. Unknown to Rukia, Byakuya had adopted her in order to fulfill Hisana's last wish, who had also been accepted into the Kuchiki family as Byakuya's wife.


===In other media===
In the 13th Division, Rukia was not given a seat position. It is later revealed that this was due to [[Byakuya Kuchiki]]'s influence, since he did not want her sent on dangerous missions. She became friends with the division lieutenant, [[Kaien Shiba]], and greatly admired his wife, 3rd Seat Miyako Shiba. When Miyako was killed by a hollow; Rukia, Kaien, and the division's captain, [[Jūshirō Ukitake]] hunted the hollow down. Kaien faced the hollow alone but the hollow's special ability destroyed his zanpakutō. Rukia attempted to draw her sword and help but was stopped by Ukitake. He told her that Kaien's fight was one of honor rather than a fight for his life. If Rukia helped, Kaien would be saved but his honor would be damaged forever. Meanwhile, the hollow entered Kaien and possessed him. Ukitake faced the hollow but his illness allowed the hollow the opportunity to attack Rukia. Kaien momentarily regained control and thrust himself through Rukia's zanpakutō. He thanked Rukia and Ukitake for letting him fight for his honor and died in Rukia's arms. Rukia brought the corpse to the Shiba family but was afraid to apologize since she felt guilty about her role in Kaien's death.
Rukia makes several appearances outside of the ''Bleach'' anime and manga. She appears in four films in the series: she fights the Dark Ones with other Soul Reaper comrades in ''[[Bleach: Memories of Nobody]]'' and aids in the search for [[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]] in ''[[Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion]]''.<ref>{{cite AV media |date = 2008 |title = Bleach: Memories of Nobody|medium = [[DVD]] |publisher = Viz Media}}</ref><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> Rukia has the main focus role in the third film, ''[[Bleach: Fade to Black]]'', where she is kidnapped and mind-wiped by two mysterious rogues, and later transformed into 'Dark Rukia'.<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=2008-07-15 |access-date=2009-03-24}}</ref> In the fourth film, ''[[Bleach: Hell Verse]]'', Rukia helps Ichigo rescue his sister Yuzu from the depths of Hell.<ref>{{cite AV media |date = 2010 |title = 劇場版BLEACH 地獄篇|medium = [[DVD]] |publisher = TV Tokyo}}</ref> Rukia appears in both of the [[original video animation]]s produced in the series, helping Ichigo in ''Memories in the Rain'' and combating the rogue Soul Reaper Baishin in ''The Sealed Sword Frenzy''.<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 ''[[Bleach (manga)#Musical|Rock Musical Bleach]]'', a musical based on the ''Bleach'' series, she is played by [[Miki Satō (actress)|Miki Satō]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pierrot.jp/title/bleach/event02.html |title=Bleach Rock Musical official site |publisher=[[Studio Pierrot]] |access-date=2009-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303100145/http://pierrot.jp/title/bleach/event02.html |archive-date=2009-03-03 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In the [[List of Bleach video games|''Bleach'' video games]], Rukia is a playable character in every game, including the [[Bleach: Heat the Soul (series)|''Heat the Soul'']] and [[Bleach: Blade Battlers (series)|''Blade Battlers'']] series. In some games, her human form and Soul Reaper 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=2008-03-17|archive-date=2012-04-15|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="GUIDE4 42-43">{{cite book|editor=SCEI|title=Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 Japanese instruction manual|year=2007|publisher=SCEI|language=ja|pages=42–43}}</ref> while Dark Rukia is playable in ''Heat the Soul 6'' and ''Heat the Soul 7''.<ref name="GUIDE6">{{cite book|editor=SCEI|title=Bleach: Heat the Soul 6 Japanese instruction manual|year=2009|publisher=SCEI|language=ja}}</ref> Rukia appears in the live-action adaptation of the manga, ''[[Bleach (2018 film)|Bleach]]''. She is by [[Hana Sugisaki]] and the film took place during the Soul Reaper Agent arc, when she had to transfer her powers to Ichigo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/02/04/bleach-live-action-film-reveals-visual-of-hana-sugisaki-as-rukia |title="Bleach" Live-Action Film Reveals Visual of Hana Sugisaki as Rukia |last= Mikikazu |first= Komatsu |date= February 4, 2018 |website= Crunchyroll.com |access-date= February 22, 2018}}</ref> The film opened in Japan on July 20, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 5, 2018 |last=Official |first=Movie "BLEACH" |title=＼＼7⃣月2⃣0⃣日公開決定／／ 全世界でシリーズ累計1億2000万部を超える超人気コミック原作。悪霊・虚〈ホロウ〉 死神の戦いを、壮大なスケールで描くバトルアクション大作『#BLEACH』の公開日が、7月20日（金）に決定 |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/bleach_moviejp/status/960241559324078080 |publisher=[[Twitter]] |access-date=February 5, 2018}}</ref>


== Synopsis ==
==Reception==
Rukia has ranked highly in the ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' popularity polls for the series, placing in the top five most popular characters in all four polls. She was ranked as the second most popular character after Ichigo in the first two polls, and fell to third place in the third poll, being replaced by [[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]].<ref name="ShonenJumpPoll"/><ref>{{cite book|author=Kubo, Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 8|year=2005|publisher=Viz Media|isbn=1-59116-872-4|chapter=Radio Kon|url=https://archive.org/details/bleach00kubo_4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Kubo, Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 13|year=2006 |publisher=Viz Media|isbn=1-4215-0611-4 |chapter=Bleach popularity vote 2}}</ref> In early 2008, she was voted the second most popular character in ''Bleach'', receiving 383 votes less than the front runner, Tōshirō Hitsugaya.<ref name="ch307">{{cite book |author=Kubo, Tite|title=Bleach, Volume 35|year=2008 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |chapter=Chapter 307|isbn=978-4-08-874575-6}}</ref> Her ''zanpakutō'', Sode no Shirayuki, ranked 2nd in the ''zanpakutō'' popularity poll of the series.<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 2009, Rukia ranked 4th in a survey of the Japanese music distributor [[Recochoku]] titled "The Character I Want to Be My Bride".<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=2008-10-14|access-date=2009-06-12 |publisher= [[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> In a 2007 character poll from the Japanese magazine ''[[Newtype]]'' magazine character polls, Rukia has been featured as one of the most popular female characters from any anime.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[Newtype]] |issue=5|date=May 2007|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|title=NT Research}}</ref> She has also appeared twice in the [[Anime Grand Prix]] polls, ranking as one of the most popular female 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> [[Nippon Telegraph and Telephone|NTT]] customers voted her as their eighth favorite black haired female anime character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-05-05/japanese-fans-rank-their-favorite-black-haired-anime-characters|title= Japanese Fans Rank Their Favorite Black-Haired Anime Characters|date=May 5, 2014|author=Dong, Bamboo|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=May 5, 2014}}</ref>
=== Early story ===
{{multiple image
While patrolling [[Karakura Town]], Rukia enters Ichigo's room to do a soul burial on a spirit that had been following him. Rukia is caught by surprise when Ichigo kicks her, not expecting a mere human to be able to see and touch a shinigami. A hollow attacks Ichigo's house and Rukia is injured defending Ichigo from the hollow. Unable to fight, she tries to transfer some of her powers to him, only for Ichigo to sap nearly every ounce of her power instead. Thus endowed with shinigami abilities, Ichigo easily dispatches the hollow and Rukia leaves.
| footer = [[Michelle Ruff]] (left) voices Rukia in the English dub of the anime, and [[Fumiko Orikasa]] (right) voices Rukia in the Japanese dub.
| image1 = Michelle Ruff.jpg
| alt1 = Michelle Ruff, who voices Rukia in the English dub.
| caption1 =
| width1 = 155
| image2 = Orikasa Fumiko (3).jpg
| alt2 = Fumiko Orikasa, who voices Rukia in the Japanese dub, has received acclaim.
| caption2 =
| width2 = 245
}}
Merchandise based on Rukia's appearance has been released, including a key chain,<ref name="RukiaKeyChain">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Bleach-Chibi-Rukia-Key-Chain/dp/B000S4S0BY/|title=Bleach Rukia Metal Keychain|website=Amazon |access-date=2014-05-10}}</ref> a plush doll,<ref name="AmazonPlushDoll">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QX0I8U/|title=Amazon.com: Bleach Rukia School Uniform Plush Figure|website=Amazon |access-date=2008-03-11}}</ref> and a figurine.<ref name="AmazonRukiaFigurine">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HGY95Y/|title=Amazon.com: Bleach 5" PVC Figurines Series 1: Ichigo Kurosaki & Rukia Kuchiki Two-Pack Figure Set|website=Amazon |access-date=2008-03-11}}</ref> [[Fumiko Orikasa]], Rukia's Japanese voice actor, liked how Rukia was developed while fighting against the arrancar, noting her to be a hero during her introductions. However, she was saddened by how after Rukia defeats the first arrancar (Di Roy Rinker), she is instantly stabbed by the arrancar Grimmjow.<ref name="radio"/> [[Michelle Ruff]], Rukia's English voice actress, found Rukia to be a "survivor", due to how lonely she initially was and how she has been developed through the anime series as she had to start trusting people. She also liked how cool Rukia is when she is fighting but noted it challenging how to voice Rukia due to her various attitudes.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Bleach Uncut Season 2 Box Set; Behind the scenes of Bleach|medium=DVD|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|date=August 19, 2008}}</ref> Ruff was the winner in the category "Best Voice Actress (English)" from the 2009 SPJA Industry Awards for her work as Rukia. Rukia also won in the category "Best Female Character" based on her appearances on ''[[Bleach: Memories of Nobody]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-03/2009-spja-industry-award-winners-announced|publisher=Anime news Network|title=SPJA Industry Award Winners Announced at Anime Expo|date=July 3, 2009|access-date=July 3, 2009}}</ref>


Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other related media have provided praise and criticism on Rukia's character. Although Chris Beveridge from Mania Entertainment noted Rukia's introduction in ''Bleach'' was typical in several others series, he praised how she interacted with her schoolmates and Ichigo.<ref name="ManiaDVD1Review"/> [[Anime News Network]]'s (ANN) Melissa Harper praised the differences between Rukia and stereotypical ''shōnen'' heroines, asserting that Rukia's loss of her powers and subsequent dependence on Ichigo were "a great source of both drama and comedy in the show." However, the removal of the humor from Rukia's scenes as a schoolgirl due to the English translation was lamented, although Ruff was extolled for doing an "excellent job."<ref name="ANNDVD1Review"/> Carlos Alexandre from popcultureshock.com regarded her as "less of a foil to Ichigo and more like the other side of the same coin". Her actions and words were also commented by Alexendre to make Rukia deserve the respect she commands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popcultureshock.com/review-bleach-vol-1/42354/ |title=Anime Review: Bleach, Vol. 1 |publisher=popcultureshock.com |author=Alexandre, Carlos |date=July 30, 2007 |access-date=September 4, 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702164815/http://www.popcultureshock.com/review-bleach-vol-1/42354/ |archive-date=July 2, 2007}}</ref> [[IGN]] called the scene where Rukia is forced to leave [[Ichigo Kurosaki]] and return to [[Bleach (manga)#Plot|Soul Society]] as "touchingly beautiful" and celebrated Rukia's character development during her time in the human world.<ref name="IGNEpisode17Review">{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/755/755559p1.html|title=IGN: Ichigo Dies! Review|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Van Horn, Jason|date=2007-01-16|access-date=2008-03-11}}</ref> Her subsequent appearances in Soul Society were criticized by ANN's Theron Martin due to her lack of activity making them "irritating given how strong a character she was in the series' early going".<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>
As a result of Ichigo's draining of her powers, Rukia is unable to return to Soul Society and is forced to live in a [[Shinigami (Bleach)#Gigai|gigai]] given to her by [[Kisuke Urahara]] and wait for her powers to return. During this time, she convinces Ichigo to assume her duties and enrolls in Ichigo's high school. Unfortunately, Ichigo's new duties set off a flurry of activity both in the human and soul worlds. An increased amount of hollows (and at one point, even a Menos Grande) come to the human world and are dispatched in one form or another by Ichigo, Rukia, and eventually a group of friends whose own powers awaken after prolonged exposure to Ichigo's increased abilities.


In his review of the [[Bleach (2018 film)|live-action film]], Rob Hunter from the ''[[Film School Rejects]]'' criticised the narrative of the story, especially when the female lead character, Rukia played by [[Hana Sugisaki]], had to be reduced into a supporting-type character for the male lead character, Ichigo played by [[Sota Fukushi]]. He further praised Sugisaki's performances and lamented the fact that the actress was given weak materials for the film.<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>
As Rukia remains longer in the human world, she begins to grow comfortable with the life she is living there. Fearing she is growing too attached to the human world, she runs away from Ichigo's house. Two shinigami from [[Soul Society]], her childhood friend Renji and older brother Byakuya, come to arrest her and nearly kill Ichigo in the process. Fearing for Ichigo's safety, she begs him to forget about her, and returns to Soul Society as a prisoner.


===Soul Society arc ===
==See also==
{{Portal|Anime and manga}}
Rukia is imprisoned in a holding cell in the 6th Division and is sentenced to death. While Ichigo and his friends make their way into Soul Society, she meets [[Hanatarō Yamada]], who is assigned to clean her cell, and tells him about Ichigo and the human world. The circumstances of her sentence begin to look suspicious when the date is moved up not once, but twice, leaving the total grace period at twenty-five days instead of the normal thirty-five. Additionally, the Sōkyoku, a massive weapon capable of instantly killing the strongest of shinigami and mainly used on those at captain level, is determined as the mode of execution. Days later, she is moved to the Shrine of Penitence which overlooks the Sōkyoku. Renji oversees the transfer and informs her that one of the intruders that has infiltrated Soul Society is Ichigo.
* [[List of Bleach characters|List of ''Bleach'' characters]]

{{Clear}}
[[Image:Rukia as a prisoner.jpg|thumb|Rukia as a prisoner in Soul Society.]]
During her time in the Shrine of Penitence, Rukia sees the intruders enter the Seireitei through the sky, is informed of Renji being defeated, and feels the moment when Ichigo and Kenpachi are both incapacitated. Three days before her execution, [[Ganju Shiba]] and Hanatarō Yamada manage to disable the guards of the Shrine of Penitence and break in. Upon seeing Rukia, Ganju realizes the shinigami that killed his brother was her and threatens to kill her. They are interrupted by Byakuya and, after some convincing from Hanatarō, Ganju decides to face Byakuya to protect Rukia. He is nearly killed, but an interruption by Ichigo saves him. A subsequent interruption by [[Jūshirō Ukitake]] and [[Yoruichi Shihouin]] saves everyone else, but Rukia is forced back in the shrine.

Three days later, Rukia is taken out of the Shrine of Penitence to be executed. Along the way, she senses Renji being defeated again and is confronted by [[Gin Ichimaru]]. He offers to save her, Renji, and the intruders, but once Rukia begins to regain hope, he admits he is lying. She is brought to the Sōkyoku and as her last wish, asks for the intruders to be brought back to the living world unharmed. The Sōkyoku is released and is about to kill her before Ichigo blocks it with his zanpakutō. Ukitake and Kyōraku arrive and destroy the Sōkyoku while Ichigo destroys the execution grounds. Renji arrives and Ichigo turns Rukia over to him while dealing with the remaining lieutenants and Byakuya.

Renji carries Rukia away but is stopped by [[Kaname Tōsen]], who teleports them back to Sōkyoku hill. Aizen, Tōsen, and Ichimaru reveal themselves as traitors and Aizen asks Renji to turn Rukia over. Renji refuses, but is easily defeated before Ichigo shows up. Ichigo is also defeated and Aizen reveals that he arranged Rukia's execution in order to retrieve the [[Kisuke Urahara#Inventions|Orb of Distortion]], a device that has the power to break down the barrier between the shinigami and the hollows. The Orb was placed in Rukia when she inhabited the gigai given to her by Urahara. Urahara had created the gigai to be untraceable, allowing the user to go unnoticed, and drain spiritual power rather than restore it. Had things gone as planned, Rukia would have simply become human. Aizen had planned to retrieve the Orb after Rukia's execution, but Ichigo's interference forced him to use a less harmful method devised by Urahara, which kept Rukia alive after removing the Orb. Despite being able to remove the Orb without harming Rukia, Aizen orders Ichimaru to kill Rukia anyway. She is saved by Byakuya, who pushes her out of the path of Ichimaru's attack. The remaining captains, humans, and lieutenants arrive as backup, but Aizen, Tōsen, and Ichimaru are saved by hollows, who draw them into [[Hueco Mundo]].

While Byakuya is being healed, he tells Rukia the truth about Rukia's sister and explains his insistence to kill her was due to a vow he made to his parents to never break the law again. As Ishida, Chad, Ichigo, and Orihime prepare to depart for the human world, Rukia decides to finally ask for forgiveness from the Shiba family. She also decides to remain in Soul Society.

=== Bount arc ===
In the anime, Rukia returns to the real world just as the [[Bount]]s begin surfacing. She is not informed of this fact, instead sent under orders to fight hollows. Thus, she is surprised when she arrives in the real world during the middle of a fight between [[Ichigo Kurosaki]] and [[Yoshino Sōma]].

Once the battle is over, Rukia is brought up to speed and meets Urahara's three Bount-tracking modsouls. Ririn is jealous of Rukia's familiarity with Ichigo, while Rukia instantly takes a liking to Kuroud, who resembles Chappy the Rabbit in his plushie form. Rukia then spends most of her time in the real world with Ichigo and his group and starts to attend Ichigo's high school like she did at the beginning of the story, using an improved memory-altering device to convince them she was already attending school.

During a battle with the Bount Mabashi, she is possessed by his doll Ritz. Ritz is able to force Rukia to assume her shinigami form and even rematerializes her zanpakutō, but doesn't use its released form. [[Orihime Inoue]] is able to undo the possession by using her powers to "reject" the possesion of the doll.

Later, she accompanies Ichigo and the others to the Bount cave and finally returns to Soul Society with the others when the Bounts attack Soul Society. While heading back to her squad, she is attacked by Yoshi. She manages to evade Yoshi for a while with Ririn's help, but is injured and forced to submit when Yoshi takes a small child hostage. Yoshi slashes Rukia several times and stabs one of her legs, but Byakuya arrives in time to keep Yoshi from killing Rukia.

While recuperating in bed, Rukia overhears several servants mention Ichigo fighting with [[Jin Kariya]] at Sōkyoku, and attempts to go to him. She encounters Renji as she is departing and, realizing her still weakened condition, asks him to take her to Sōkyoku. She initially wants to help, but is convinced by Renji that it's Ichigo's fight. While watching the fight, she convinces Orihime to let Ichigo fight alone, since both Jin and Ichigo have similar backgrounds.

=== Arrancar arc ===
Rukia reappears after Ichigo's dismal defeat by the two arrancar. She reignites his ambition after to protect his friends and then drags him back first to Orihime Inoue, who had been previously injured because of Ichigo's failure. Afterwards, she makes her way to the Kurosaki household where the rest of the shinigami explain the current situation with Aizen. She easily overcomes D-Roy, a lesser arrancar, by using the initial release of her zanpakutō. Later on, however, a surprise attack by Grimmjow leaves Ichigo questioning his resolve again, and he leaves without informing her of his whereabouts.

Rukia talks to Orihime when the latter feels she is a burden due to hard words from Urahara. After Orihime sorts out some business with the vizard, Rukia takes her to Soul Society so they can train together and become stronger. After another attack from the arrancar in the real world, she returns ahead of Orihime and saves Ichigo from attack by Grimmjow. He breaks free and just as she is about to be killed by Grimmjow, [[Shinji Hirako]] interferes. Rukia remains curious about Ichigo's interactions with these "new people" (she is not aware of vizard situation), but is too distracted by her communication with Soul Society to do anything more.

Later on, she appears in Orihime's apartment to hear about her capture. As Ichigo vows to save Orihime, Rukia is denied that option and is taken back with the rest of the shinigami to Soul Society by Byakuya and Kenpachi.

=== Hueco Mundo arc ===
Not long after Ichigo, Ishida, and Chad arrive in Hueco Mundo, Rukia and Renji manage to join them and end up saving them from a hollow attack. As usual, she greets Ichigo with a punch (Renji follows up with an elbow) and tells him that he should have waited for her, reminding him that they are companions and part of a team. She also reveals that she and Renji received permission from her brother Byakuya (but not from General Yamamoto) to join Ichigo's mission to save Orihime from Aizen and the Espada. The group proceeds to Aizen's headquarters and, encountering a room with five exits, split up after vowing that they shall meet again alive.

After sensing Chad's defeat, Rukia makes her way across a bridge in Las Noches. After seeing daylight rather than constant darkness, an Espada arrives and leads her into a building in the center. Once inside, the Espada introduces himself as the ninth Espada, [[Aaroniero Arleri]], and takes off his mask, revealing the face of [[Kaien Shiba]].

Aaroniero explains that Kaien's spirit body was sent to Hueco Mundo because it had been fused with Aizen's hollow experiment at the time of his death. The hollow was designed to disintegrate and reform in Hueco Mundo upon death, and since it was merged with Kaien at the time, both returned as one entity. The hollow was supposed to remain dominant, but Aaroniero claims that Kaien is in control. He replaced a member of the Espada to get revenge on Aizen. He asks Rukia to come with him, but tries to attack her when she gets close. He comments that her skills have improved with two simultaneous voices when Rukia barely manages to dodge the attack. He plays the attack off as a joke, but then tells her that she'll need to kill her friends to earn his forgiveness.

Enraged by Aaroniero's carefree attitude and his insistence that he is indeed Kaien, Rukia attacks him, convinced that the real Kaien would never say such things. Rukia's attempts fail miserably, as Aaroniero possesses Kaien's memories and thus is more than familiar with Rukia's abilities. Aaroniero releases his zanpakutō in return, Nejibana, which is the same zanpakutō Kaien possessed. Now clearly outmatched by her former officer Rukia has her zanpakutō swiped from her hands and at the Espada's mercy, however a last minute kidō spell shatters a part of the wall exposing Aaroniero to the sunlight, harming him and forcing him to dodge way to the shadows.

Taking the initative Rukia shows that she is capable of casting multiple kidō spells simultaneously, using a binding spell to pin the Espada down, then using a destructive spell to blast another hole in the wall, fully exposing him to the sunlight. This causes the appearance of Kaien to melt away revealing a large jar filled with liquid in place of a head with two floating orb shaped heads with hollow masks. Although Rukia believes that she has acquired the advantage, Aaroniero reveals that as long as there is shadow in the surrounding area, he can still use his powers, which he shows by assuming Kaien's face once more. He then reveals his true power, in which he is able to absorb the powers of consumed hollows. When Rukia killed Kaien, the body of the hollow that had possessed him: Metastacia, returned to Hueco Mundo, where it was devoured by Aaroniero. As such, Kaien's spirit is essentially a part of Aaroniero. Though unwilling to fight against the spirit of her mentor, Rukia attacks one last time only to have Sode no Shirayuki broken in two after trying to block Aaroniero's Nejibana's attack. She is impaled upon Nejibana and lifted into the air.

As she slowly looses consciousness, Rukia’s mind wanders back to a time when Kaien was still alive. She remembers a conversation where Kaien said that when a person dies in Soul Society, their bodies would turn to dust and become the spirit particles which make up soul society. However, although this was the fate of their bodies upon death, he continued to say that a person’s heart would not be subjected to this and would always remain with those who lived on. She realizes now that although Aaroniero posseses Kaien’s spirit body, he does not posses his heart and thus, is not Kaien.

Regaining her resolve after remembering Kaien’s words, Rukia summons her zanpakto’s third dance, Shirafune and impales Aaroniero in the head, defeating him instantly.

== Powers ==
Rukia, as a shinigami of the 13th Division, has a standard array of skills required of shinigami troops. Upon her introduction, she has the basic-level [[zanpakutō]], of which she seemed to have only mastered the rudimentary skills. Rukia's greatest strength is her knowledge of the [[kidō]], a set of [[Magic (paranormal)|magic spell]]s she can use in the performance of her duties; amongst her known skills are those for binding, healing, purifying, and destruction. Renji says that Rukia is also useful because of her speed.

After losing her powers, she is able to use these abilities in a limited fashion, but they're so weak that they have almost no effect on their targets. The anime's Bount arc, in contrast, shows her using at least one spell on a level similar to Renji (this difference can be attributed to the different gigai used in each situation). Since the events at the Soul Society, Rukia's shinigami powers have made a near complete recovery. It has been revealed that she is actually powerful and skilled enough to qualify as a seated officer, and that she is fully capable of executing the initial release of her zanpakutō.

=== Sode no Shirayuki ===
[[Image:Rukia initial release.jpg|thumb|Sode no Shirayuki's initial release]]
Rukia's [[zanpakutō]] is named ''Sode no Shirayuki'' (袖の白雪 or 袖白雪, lit. ''Sleeve of White Snow''). It goes unnamed until after the Soul Society arc in the manga, since she initially gave her shinigami powers to Ichigo. Its initial release command is {{nihongo|"dance"|舞え|mae}}, and in a later chapter, she also activates her zanpakutō with the command "whirl."

In its initial release state, Sode no Shirayuki is regarded as one of the most beautiful zanpakutō in Soul Society. It is completely white, including the hilt, crossguard, and blade. The tsuba turns to a circle and a white ribbon forms from the pommel. Sode no Shirayuki has control over ice, much like [[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]]'s Hyōrinmaru, but uses it in a different manner.

Like [[Kaname Tōsen]]'s Suzumushi and [[Kisuke Urahara]]'s Benihime, Sode no Shirayuki possesses more than one ability. With the phrase {{nihongo|"first dance, white moon"|初の舞, 月白|some no mai, tsukishiro}},<ref>''Bleach'' manga; chapter 201, page 17.</ref> Rukia can create a circle of influence around her intended target and freeze everything within the circle from the ground upwards until it reaches the sky.

With the command {{nihongo|"next dance, white ripple"|次の舞, 白漣|tsugi no mai, hakuren}}, Rukia can perform a directed version of the first attack, in which she fires a massive wave of ice from Sode no Shirayuki's blade.

The latest ability of Sode no Shirayuki is the command, {{nihongo|"third dance, white sword"|参の舞, 白刀|san no mai, shirafune}}}},<ref>''Bleach'' manga; chapter 268.</ref>. By invoking this command, Rukia was able to reforge her broken zanpakto with ice particles, reforming it clean through her enemy's body.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
<references />


{{Bleach characters}}
{{Bleach characters}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kuchiki, Rukia}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kuchiki, Rukia}}
[[Category:Adoptee characters in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Anime and manga characters who use magic]]
[[Category:Anime and manga characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:Bleach characters]]
[[Category:Anime and manga characters introduced in 2001]]
[[Category:Female characters in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Fictional military personnel in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Fictional cartoonists]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with energy-manipulation abilities]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with extrasensory perception]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with ice or cold abilities]]
[[Category:Fictional dancers]]
[[Category:Fictional female captains]]
[[Category:Fictional female lieutenants]]
[[Category:Fictional ghost hunters]]
[[Category:Fictional military captains]]
[[Category:Fictional military lieutenants]]
[[Category:Fictional monster hunters]]
[[Category:Fictional nobility]]
[[Category:Fictional people sentenced to death]]
[[Category:Fictional personifications of death]]
[[Category:Fictional prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Fictional swordfighters in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Martial artist characters in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Orphan characters in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Swordfighters in Japanese fiction]]


[[el:Rukia Kuchiki]]
[[Category:Shinigami in Bleach]]
[[Category:Fictional centenarians]]

[[ca:Rukia Kuchiki]]
[[es:Rukia Kuchiki]]
[[eo:Kuchiki Rukia]]
[[ms:Kuchiki Rukia]]
[[ja:朽木ルキア]]
[[pt:Rukia Kuchiki]]
[[ru:Рукиа Кутики]]
[[fi:Rukia Kuchiki]]
[[th:คุจิกิ ลูเคีย]]
[[tr:Rukia Kuchiki]]
[[zh:朽木露琪亞]]

Latest revision as of 21:40, 6 December 2024

Rukia Kuchiki
Bleach character
Rukia Kuchiki as seen in the manga
First appearanceBleach #1 "Death & Strawberry" (2001)
Created byTite Kubo
Portrayed byHana Sugisaki
Voiced by
In-universe information
SpeciesSoul Reaper
FamilyHisana Kuchiki (older sister, deceased)
Byakuya Kuchiki (brother-in-law, adoptive brother)
Soujun Kuchiki (adoptive father, deceased)
Unnamed adoptive mother (deceased)
SpouseRenji Abarai (husband)
ChildrenIchika Abarai (daughter)
RelativesGinrei Kuchiki (adoptive grandfather)

Rukia Kuchiki (Japanese: 朽木 ルキア, Hepburn: Kuchiki Rukia) is a fictional character in the anime and manga series Bleach created by Tite Kubo. In the series, she is a Soul Reaper, (死神, Shinigami, literally 'Death God'), in charge of slaying and eradicating corrupted souls whose unfortunate fate lies destined for ruthless killing and feeding of living beings. We call these lost souls hollows. Along with eradicating hollows, Rukia's primary objective as a Shinigami is to pass on the souls of those who have failed to pass on those who have yet to cross by means of konso. At the beginning, after a brief meeting with the protagonist of the series, Ichigo Kurosaki, who can see supernatural beings such as Soul Reapers, she transfers her powers to him in order to fulfill her duties as a Soul Reaper. Rukia has appeared in several other pieces of Bleach media, including the four feature films in the series, the two original video animations and several video games.

Rukia was the first character of the series created by Kubo, her design being the one he decided to use for all the other Soul Reapers.[3] Reaction to her character is generally positive. Her differences from typical shōnen heroines is praised,[4] as is her interaction with other characters.[5] Additionally, she usually ranks second in Weekly Shōnen Jump's Bleach popularity polls, and is consistently the most popular female character in those polls.[6] Several pieces of merchandise have been released in Rukia's likeness, including a plush doll and several figurines.[citation needed]

Creation and conception

[edit]

Bleach was first conceived from Tite Kubo's desire to draw a shinigami in a kimono, which formed the basis for the design of the Soul Reapers.[3] Because of this, Rukia was one of the first characters of the series to be created. Before deciding that every Soul Reaper had swords, Kubo thought that they should all use guns, while only Rukia used a scythe. However, this was changed when he created the Soul Reaper kimono. Kubo also mentioned that Rukia did not seem like a lead character, so he created Ichigo Kurosaki to be the series protagonist, with Rukia being the first female lead.[7] Ichigo's initial design had black hair like Rukia; Kubo had to modify Ichigo's appearance to contrast with hers, giving Ichigo orange hair and a trademark scowl.[8]

As for her name, Kubo stated that, because Rukia "looks like a shinigami", he wanted her name to sound like something a shinigami would have as a name. When deciding upon her family name, Kubo considered using "Kuchiru" (朽ちる, lit. "to rot") because it sounded like a name a shinigami would have. He decided to use "Kuchiki" (朽木, lit. "rotten wood"), having once heard something that sounded like "Kuchiki Rukia" on Japanese television and liking it enough to use it as a name.[7] Her first name was conceived as a result of Kubo hearing the Latin name for cosmos on television, and later decided that the name really suited her since the Latin word from which her name is derived means "light" and Kubo sees her as "a ray of light for Ichigo." Shonen Jump asked in an interview if Kubo had any plans to make Ichigo and Rukia a couple, but Kubo chose neither to confirm nor deny it.[9] After designing Rukia's zanpakutō, Kubo noted he liked it a lot and made it the most beautiful one from the series.[10]

When asked to design a Christmas cover with a female character, Kubo initially thought of using Rukia, but eventually chose Orihime Inoue as he thought the character was better suited for it—he has stated that he previously made a Christmas illustration with Rukia, and that he received requests from several fans wanting to see the image. In contrast to this, Kubo has found that he liked Rukia more in the illustrations where her face expresses pain, such as when she is going to be executed in the manga.[11]

Appearances

[edit]

In Bleach

[edit]

Rukia meets Ichigo in the midst of a hollow attack. After suffering severe injuries, she transfers her powers to him in order to save themselves.[12] Without her powers, Rukia cannot return to the Soul Society. She accompanies Ichigo in the real world, intending to stay until her powers are restored. Therefore, her only ability is her kidō spells, which are severely limited in strength and variety. She uses her kidō for such purposes as restraining, healing and attacking others.[13] Because of the amount of time she spends with Ichigo, Rukia manages to gain a keen understanding of his inner workings.[14] Rukia's relationship with Ichigo is unique, for despite the relatively short amount of time they have known each other, Ichigo can easily confide in her and considers her a true friend because she is encouraging and understands what he is feeling.[15] During her time in the human world, Rukia remains unaccounted for in Soul Society, so Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji Abarai are sent to find her and return her to the Soul Society.[16] They succeed, and upon their return Rukia is sentenced to death for giving her Soul Reaper powers to a human. Ichigo goes to the Soul Society, in order to save her.[17]

During the arc, Rukia's past is explored. She died as an infant and was sent to the Soul Society with her older sister, Hisana. Though Hisana initially tried to protect and provide for Rukia, she could not ensure her own survival while caring for a baby as well, and thus abandoned Rukia.[18] As Rukia grew up, she befriended Renji Abarai, and entered the Soul Reaper academy, where she was adopted into the Kuchiki family.[19] One year prior to the adoption, Hisana died after asking Byakuya to find and adopt Rukia as his sister. This remains unknown to Rukia, until Byakuya confesses it to her.[18] When she was accepted into the 13th Division, Rukia befriended the lieutenant of her division, Kaien Shiba, and trained under him.[20] During the course of a mission, Kaien was possessed by a hollow and Rukia inadvertently kills him.[20]

Rukia using the "first dance, white moon" ability of Sode no Shirayuki's shikai

During Rukia's bid for freedom, she is stopped by Sōsuke Aizen and his accomplices. Aizen, having singlehandedly orchestrated Rukia's execution, reveals to her that within her soul is stored the Hōgyoku ("breakdown sphere"), a powerful artifact created and placed there by Kisuke Urahara that gives hollows Soul Reaper powers and vice versa. Wanting the Hōgyoku for himself, Aizen hoped that her death would give him access to it, but settles for a nonfatal alternative.[21] The Hōgyoku is removed from her body, Aizen and his men flee Soul Society, and Rukia is acquitted of all charges.[22] With the Hōgyoku, Aizen is able to create an army of arrancar, which he uses to attack Ichigo and his friends once they return to the human world. Rukia and a group of other Soul Reapers are sent to assist in fighting the arrancar,[23] though after Aizen captures Orihime Inoue they are recalled to Soul Society.[24] Rukia's zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki (袖白雪, literally "Sleeved white snow"),[25] is also revealed as a completely white blade, earning it the recognition as the most beautiful zanpakutō in Soul Society.[26] Sode no Shirayuki utilizes ice to attack, each of its abilities being labeled as "dances" by Rukia.[25][27] During the anime's 13th season, Sode no Shirayuki manifests in a yukionna-like form, voiced by Mie Sonozaki.[28]

After learning that Aizen kidnapped Orihime, Rukia and friends head for Hueco Mundo to save her.[29] There, Rukia encounters the Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie, who is revealed to have possession of Kaien's body. Saddened that she had not saved her mentor from the control of a hollow as she had previously thought, Rukia manages to kill Aaroniero.[30] Rukia is badly injured during the battle, and it is not until Soul Society sends reinforcements to Hueco Mundo that she is revived and her wounds are healed.[31] She later assists Ichigo in his rescue to save Orihime from the Espada Ulquiorra Cifer by engaging the remaining Arrancars until requiring support.[32] After Aizen's defeat, Rukia bids farewell to Ichigo, when he loses his powers and the ability to sense their presence.

Seventeen months later, Rukia, now lieutenant of Squad 13, returns to aid in restoring Ichigo's Soul Reaper powers before engaging the Fullbringer Riruka Dokugamine. When the Soul Society is abruptly invaded by the Wandenreich, an organization made up of Quincy who has survived their genocide one thousand years before, Rukia discovers Byakuya attacked by Äs Nodt, and is knocked out before she can come to her aid. Rukia is taken to the Royal Dimension so she could be healed, and is then taught by Ichibei Hyosube to achieve her bankai, Hakka no Togame (白霞罸, literally "Censure of the white haze"). Returning to the Soul Society when the Wandenreich resume their attack, Rukia utilizes her newly acquired bankai to defeat Äs. In the subsequent battles against Yhwach's Schutzstaffel Rukia and a large number of high rank Soul Reapers are quickly defeated by the powerful Gerard Valkyrie. After Ichigo defeats Yhwach, Rukia becomes the new Squad 13 captain and marries Renji. They have a daughter, Ichika.[citation needed]

In other media

[edit]

Rukia makes several appearances outside of the Bleach anime and manga. She appears in four films in the series: she fights the Dark Ones with other Soul Reaper comrades in Bleach: Memories of Nobody and aids in the search for Tōshirō Hitsugaya in Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion.[33][34] Rukia has the main focus role in the third film, Bleach: Fade to Black, where she is kidnapped and mind-wiped by two mysterious rogues, and later transformed into 'Dark Rukia'.[35] In the fourth film, Bleach: Hell Verse, Rukia helps Ichigo rescue his sister Yuzu from the depths of Hell.[36] Rukia appears in both of the original video animations produced in the series, helping Ichigo in Memories in the Rain and combating the rogue Soul Reaper Baishin in The Sealed Sword Frenzy.[37][38] In Rock Musical Bleach, a musical based on the Bleach series, she is played by Miki Satō.[39] In the Bleach video games, Rukia is a playable character in every game, including the Heat the Soul and Blade Battlers series. In some games, her human form and Soul Reaper state are available as separate characters,[40][41] while Dark Rukia is playable in Heat the Soul 6 and Heat the Soul 7.[42] Rukia appears in the live-action adaptation of the manga, Bleach. She is by Hana Sugisaki and the film took place during the Soul Reaper Agent arc, when she had to transfer her powers to Ichigo.[43] The film opened in Japan on July 20, 2018.[44]

Reception

[edit]

Rukia has ranked highly in the Weekly Shōnen Jump popularity polls for the series, placing in the top five most popular characters in all four polls. She was ranked as the second most popular character after Ichigo in the first two polls, and fell to third place in the third poll, being replaced by Tōshirō Hitsugaya.[6][45][46] In early 2008, she was voted the second most popular character in Bleach, receiving 383 votes less than the front runner, Tōshirō Hitsugaya.[47] Her zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki, ranked 2nd in the zanpakutō popularity poll of the series.[48] In 2009, Rukia ranked 4th in a survey of the Japanese music distributor Recochoku titled "The Character I Want to Be My Bride".[49] In a 2007 character poll from the Japanese magazine Newtype magazine character polls, Rukia has been featured as one of the most popular female characters from any anime.[50] She has also appeared twice in the Anime Grand Prix polls, ranking as one of the most popular female anime characters.[51][52] NTT customers voted her as their eighth favorite black haired female anime character.[53]

Michelle Ruff, who voices Rukia in the English dub.
Fumiko Orikasa, who voices Rukia in the Japanese dub, has received acclaim.
Michelle Ruff (left) voices Rukia in the English dub of the anime, and Fumiko Orikasa (right) voices Rukia in the Japanese dub.

Merchandise based on Rukia's appearance has been released, including a key chain,[54] a plush doll,[55] and a figurine.[56] Fumiko Orikasa, Rukia's Japanese voice actor, liked how Rukia was developed while fighting against the arrancar, noting her to be a hero during her introductions. However, she was saddened by how after Rukia defeats the first arrancar (Di Roy Rinker), she is instantly stabbed by the arrancar Grimmjow.[10] Michelle Ruff, Rukia's English voice actress, found Rukia to be a "survivor", due to how lonely she initially was and how she has been developed through the anime series as she had to start trusting people. She also liked how cool Rukia is when she is fighting but noted it challenging how to voice Rukia due to her various attitudes.[57] Ruff was the winner in the category "Best Voice Actress (English)" from the 2009 SPJA Industry Awards for her work as Rukia. Rukia also won in the category "Best Female Character" based on her appearances on Bleach: Memories of Nobody.[58]

Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other related media have provided praise and criticism on Rukia's character. Although Chris Beveridge from Mania Entertainment noted Rukia's introduction in Bleach was typical in several others series, he praised how she interacted with her schoolmates and Ichigo.[5] Anime News Network's (ANN) Melissa Harper praised the differences between Rukia and stereotypical shōnen heroines, asserting that Rukia's loss of her powers and subsequent dependence on Ichigo were "a great source of both drama and comedy in the show." However, the removal of the humor from Rukia's scenes as a schoolgirl due to the English translation was lamented, although Ruff was extolled for doing an "excellent job."[4] Carlos Alexandre from popcultureshock.com regarded her as "less of a foil to Ichigo and more like the other side of the same coin". Her actions and words were also commented by Alexendre to make Rukia deserve the respect she commands.[59] IGN called the scene where Rukia is forced to leave Ichigo Kurosaki and return to Soul Society as "touchingly beautiful" and celebrated Rukia's character development during her time in the human world.[60] Her subsequent appearances in Soul Society were criticized by ANN's Theron Martin due to her lack of activity making them "irritating given how strong a character she was in the series' early going".[61]

In his review of the live-action film, Rob Hunter from the Film School Rejects criticised the narrative of the story, especially when the female lead character, Rukia played by Hana Sugisaki, had to be reduced into a supporting-type character for the male lead character, Ichigo played by Sota Fukushi. He further praised Sugisaki's performances and lamented the fact that the actress was given weak materials for the film.[62]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Studio Pierrot (October 5, 2004). "死神になっちゃった日". Bleach. Episode 1. TV Tokyo.
  2. ^ Mays, Jonathan (July 22, 2006). "Comic-Con: Bleach Cast Announced". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Deb Aoki. "Interview: Tite Kubo (page 1)". About.com. Archived from the original on 2016-11-12. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  4. ^ a b Harper, Melissa (2007-01-22). "Bleach DVD 1 - Review". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  5. ^ a b Beveridge, Chris (2006-11-28). "Bleach Vol. #01". Mania Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2009-08-04. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  6. ^ a b Kubo, Tite (2008). Bleach, Volume 24. Viz Media. p. 186. ISBN 978-1-4215-1541-0.
  7. ^ a b Tite Kubo, Masakazu Morita (August 2007). Tite Kubo Interview, Bleach B-Station 112. Japan: Bleach B-Station.
  8. ^ Weekly Shōnen Jump, Number 9 (February). Shueisha. 2008. p. 123.
  9. ^ Deb Aoki. "Interview: Tite Kubo (page 2)". About.com. Archived from the original on 2009-02-04. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  10. ^ a b Fumiko Orikasa, Masakazu Morita (April 2007). Bleach Voices Actors Interview, Bleach B-Station 103. Japan: Bleach B-Station.
  11. ^ Kubo, Tite (2008). The Art of Bleach. Viz Media. ISBN 978-1-4215-1884-8.
  12. ^ Kubo, Tite (2004). "Chapter 1". Bleach, Volume 1. Viz Media. p. 55. ISBN 1-59116-441-9.
  13. ^ Kubo, Tite (2004). "Chapter 9". Bleach, Volume 2. Viz Media. pp. 34–37. ISBN 1-59116-442-7.
  14. ^ Kubo, Tite (2008). "Chapter 196". Bleach, Volume 22. Viz Media. ISBN 978-1-4215-1179-5.
  15. ^ Kubo, Tite (2006). "Chapter 94". Bleach, Volume 11. Viz Media. pp. 116–119. ISBN 1-4215-0271-2.
  16. ^ Kubo, Tite (2005). "Chapter 52". Bleach, Volume 6. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-728-0.
  17. ^ Kubo, Tite (2007). "Chapter 150". Bleach, Volume 18. Viz Media. ISBN 978-1-4215-1042-2.
  18. ^ a b Kubo, Tite (2007). "Chapter 179". Bleach, Volume 21. Viz Media. pp. 15–24. ISBN 978-1-4215-1165-8.
  19. ^ Kubo, Tite (2006). "Chapter 98". Bleach, Volume 11. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0271-2.
  20. ^ a b Kubo, Tite (2006). "Chapter 134". Bleach, Volume 16. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0614-9.
  21. ^ Kubo, Tite (2007). "Chapter 175". Bleach, Volume 20. Viz Media. ISBN 978-1-4215-1044-6.
  22. ^ Kubo, Tite (2007). "Chapter 177". Bleach, Volume 20. Viz Media. ISBN 978-1-4215-1044-6.
  23. ^ Kubo, Tite (2008). "Chapter 195". Bleach, Volume 22. Viz Media. ISBN 978-1-4215-1179-5.
  24. ^ Kubo, Tite (2007). "Chapter 238". Bleach, Volume 27. Shueisha. ISBN 978-4-08-874339-4.
  25. ^ a b Kubo, Tite (2008). "Chapter 201". Bleach, Volume 23. Viz Media. pp. 82–89. ISBN 978-1-4215-1541-0.
  26. ^ Kubo, Tite (2008). "Chapter 202". Bleach, Volume 23. Viz Media. pp. 93–94. ISBN 978-1-4215-1541-0.
  27. ^ Kubo, Tite (2007). "Chapter 235". Bleach, Volume 27. Shueisha. ISBN 978-4-08-874339-4.
  28. ^ TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Studio Pierrot (August 4, 2004). "白哉、桜と共に消ゆ". Bleach. Episode 231. TV Tokyo.
  29. ^ Kubo, Tite (2007). "Chapter 247". Bleach, Volume 28. Shueisha. ISBN 978-4-08-874365-3.
  30. ^ Kubo, Tite (2007). "Chapter 267". Bleach, Volume 30. Shueisha. ISBN 978-4-08-874423-0.
  31. ^ Kubo, Tite (2008). "Chapter 304". Bleach, Volume 34. Shueisha. ISBN 978-4-08-874541-1.
  32. ^ Kubo, Tite (2009). "Chapter 317". Bleach, Volume 37. Shueisha. ISBN 978-4-08-874628-9.
  33. ^ Bleach: Memories of Nobody (DVD). Viz Media. 2008.
  34. ^ 劇場版BLEACH The DiamondDust Rebellion もう一つの氷輪丸 (DVD). TV Tokyo. 2008.
  35. ^ "Third Bleach Film, First Major Film Have Titles, Dates". Anime News Network. 2008-07-15. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  36. ^ 劇場版BLEACH 地獄篇 (DVD). TV Tokyo. 2010.
  37. ^ Bleach: Memories in the Rain (DVD). TV Tokyo. 2006.
  38. ^ Bleach - The Sealed Sword Frenzy (DVD). TV Tokyo. 2006.
  39. ^ "Bleach Rock Musical official site". Studio Pierrot. Archived from the original on 2009-03-03. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  40. ^ "Bleach: Heat the Soul official site" (in Japanese). SCEI. Archived from the original on 2012-04-15. Retrieved 2008-03-17.
  41. ^ SCEI, ed. (2007). Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 Japanese instruction manual (in Japanese). SCEI. pp. 42–43.
  42. ^ SCEI, ed. (2009). Bleach: Heat the Soul 6 Japanese instruction manual (in Japanese). SCEI.
  43. ^ Mikikazu, Komatsu (February 4, 2018). ""Bleach" Live-Action Film Reveals Visual of Hana Sugisaki as Rukia". Crunchyroll.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  44. ^ Official, Movie "BLEACH" (February 5, 2018). "＼＼7⃣月2⃣0⃣日公開決定／／ 全世界でシリーズ累計1億2000万部を超える超人気コミック原作。悪霊・虚〈ホロウ〉 死神の戦いを、壮大なスケールで描くバトルアクション大作『#BLEACH』の公開日が、7月20日（金）に決定". Twitter. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
  45. ^ Kubo, Tite (2005). "Radio Kon". Bleach, Volume 8. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-872-4.
  46. ^ Kubo, Tite (2006). "Bleach popularity vote 2". Bleach, Volume 13. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0611-4.
  47. ^ Kubo, Tite (2008). "Chapter 307". Bleach, Volume 35. Shueisha. ISBN 978-4-08-874575-6.
  48. ^ Kubo, Tite (2009). "Chapter 348". Bleach, Volume 40. Shueisha. ISBN 978-4-08-874712-5.
  49. ^ "Survey: K-ON's Mio, Reborn's Hibari are #1 Bride, Groom". Anime News Network. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2009-06-12.
  50. ^ "NT Research". Newtype (5). Kadokawa Shoten. May 2007.
  51. ^ 第28回アニメグランプリ ［2006年6月号］（現在位置） (in Japanese). Animage. Archived from the original on August 18, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  52. ^ 第27回アニメグランプリ ［2005年6月号］（現在位置） (in Japanese). Animage. Archived from the original on June 27, 2009. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  53. ^ Dong, Bamboo (May 5, 2014). "Japanese Fans Rank Their Favorite Black-Haired Anime Characters". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
  54. ^ "Bleach Rukia Metal Keychain". Amazon. Retrieved 2014-05-10.
  55. ^ "Amazon.com: Bleach Rukia School Uniform Plush Figure". Amazon. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  56. ^ "Amazon.com: Bleach 5" PVC Figurines Series 1: Ichigo Kurosaki & Rukia Kuchiki Two-Pack Figure Set". Amazon. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  57. ^ Bleach Uncut Season 2 Box Set; Behind the scenes of Bleach (DVD). Viz Media. August 19, 2008.
  58. ^ "SPJA Industry Award Winners Announced at Anime Expo". Anime news Network. July 3, 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2009.
  59. ^ Alexandre, Carlos (July 30, 2007). "Anime Review: Bleach, Vol. 1". popcultureshock.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2007. Retrieved September 4, 2009.
  60. ^ Van Horn, Jason (2007-01-16). "IGN: Ichigo Dies! Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  61. ^ Martin, Theron (September 3, 2009). "Bleach DVD - Season 3 Uncut Box Set". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 4, 2009.
  62. ^ Hunter, Rob (August 2, 2018). "'Bleach' Review: As Live-Action Manga Adaptations Go, This Is Definitely One (Fantasia 2018)". Film School Rejects. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Rukia_Kuchiki&oldid=1261584927"