Timeline

The dates in this page are taken from speech by characters and notations on the Bleach manga itself. As a result some of the dates are highly speculative.

Unknown time ago
 (See lower (or click) for period between 90 and 1 years ago)


 * Exile of Isshin Kurosaki from an unknown position in the Soul Society.
 * The Shiba clan falls into disgrace for unknown reasons.
 * Aizen allies himself with the Hollows and the self-made Arrancars.
 * Nnoitra Jiruga and Szayel Aporro Granz betray Neliel Tu Oderschvank and her Fracción, which causes Neliel to transform into an amnesic child, forcing all three of them into exile.

Between 2000 and 200 years ago

 * Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai founds the Shinigami Academy.
 * Formation of the Gotei 13 - it is unclear exactly when the Gotei 13 was founded and could possibly pre-date the foundation of the shinigami academy.
 * Jūshirō Ukitake, Shunsui Kyōraku are among the first students to graduate from the Academy.
 * Captains Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, Retsu Unohana, Jūshirō Ukitake, Shunsui Kyōraku and other unknown shinigami make up the first Generation of captains.
 * Sōsuke Aizen begins experimenting with hollowifcation.
 * A research institute led by Ran'Tao accidentally creates the Bounts. (anime only)

Between 200 and 100 years ago

 * Sōsuke Aizen is promoted to Lieutenant of 5th Division so Shinji Hirako can watch over him.
 * Sōsuke Aizen places Shinji Hirako under "complete hypnosis" and has a subordinate take his place behind the Captain.
 * Soifon begins her family obligations to protect Yoruichi Shihōin.

Aprox. 110 years ago

 * Captain of 3rd division retires, possibly interred in the "Maggots Nest" - Rōjūrō Otoribashi promoted to 3rd division captain.
 * Captain of 11th division(Another Kenpachi) is recently replaced by the next Kenpachi. It's unclear if this is the current Kenpachi or not.
 * Captain of 10th division recently met with an "untimely demise".
 * Captain Hikifune of the 12th division has been promoted to the Royal Guard. Kisuke Urahara, 3rd seat of the 2nd division is promoted as 12th Division captain.
 * Kisuke Urahara founds the Shinigami Research Institute and frees Mayuri Kurotsuchi from the "Maggots Nest" to co-lead the Institute.
 * Gin Ichimaru kills the former 3rd seat of the Fifth Division and is appointed the new 3rd seat by Lieutenant Aizen

Aprox. 101 years ago

 * Mysterious disappearances begin in Soul Society as part of Aizen's hollowfication experiments.
 * Shuhei Hisagi is saved by Kensei Muguruma thus inspiring him to join the Ninth Division, (and to get a tatoo of the #69 on his cheek.)
 * Hollowification of the 9 known Vizard and death of 9th division officers.
 * Urahara and Tessai become aware of Aizen's incredible reiatsu and abilities.
 * Exile of Kisuke Urahara, Tessai Tsukabishi, the 9 Vizard and probably of Yoruichi Shihōin.
 * Soifon is left abandoned by her mentor Yourichi.

Between 100 years ago and current day

 * Byakuya Kuchiki marries Hisana, Rukia's sister, who dies after a number of years.
 * Byakuya Kuchiki adopts Rukia into the Kuchiki clan as part of his oath to protect her.
 * One of Sōsuke Aizen's Hollow modification experiments that can hide it's reitsu attacks a group of shinigami training in the real world. Sōsuke Aizen and Ichimaru Gin save the day after Kira Izuru, Momo Hinamori, and Abarai Renji do their best to survive.
 * Sōsuke Aizen manipulates Kira Izuru, Momo Hinamori and Abarai Renji to use them in his divisions. Abarai Renji is seen as trouble and moved into another division shortly after.
 * Kaien Shiba's wife is killed by another of Sōsuke Aizen's experimental hollows.
 * Kaien Shiba is killed by Rukia Kuchiki after the hollow infests his body.
 * Ichigo Kurosaki is born.
 * Masaki Kurosaki is killed by Grand Fisher. Ichigo blames himself for his mothers death.

Current day - Substitute Shinigami/Soul Society Arc

 * Rukia Kuchiki gives her shinigami powers to Ichigo Kurosaki.
 * Urahara lends Rukia a gigai - one that will turn her into a human.
 * Kon, a mod soul, is given a stuffed animal toy for a body.
 * Sōsuke Aizen slaughters Central 46 and assumes control over Soul Society.
 * Sōsuke Aizen sends Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji Abarai to arrest Rukia Kuchiki.
 * Rukia Kuchiki is arrested for illegally transferring powers to a human (Ichigo Kurosaki).
 * Ichigo Kurosaki's shinigami powers are destroyed by Byakuya Kuchiki and he is fatally wounded and left for dead.
 * Sōsuke Aizen, posing as Central 46, sentences Rukia Kuchiki to death and moves up the execution date numerous times.
 * Kisuke Urahara heals Ichigo Kurosaki and helps him activate his latent shinigami abilities and begins his hollowfication process.
 * Ichigo Kurosaki undergoes training with Kisuke Urahara to infiltrate Soul Society and rescue Rukia Kuchiki.
 * Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado, Uryū Ishida and Orihime Inoue infiltrate Soul Society with Yourichi.
 * With help from Kūkaku Shiba the group infiltrate Seireitei with Ganju Shiba.
 * After numerous battles Sōsuke Aizen fakes his death and Tōshirō Hitsugaya is manipulated into believing he was killed by Gin Ichimaru.
 * Sōsuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen defect from the Soul Society
 * Sōsuke Aizen's defection clears Kisuke Urahara of Hollowfication charges. Soul Society enlists his help.