Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-31029821-20170112194801

The term Hougyoku (崩玉) is almost certainly inspired by the Houju (宝珠), the Wish-Granting Jewel of Buddhist mythology - 玉 (gyoku) and 珠 (ju) being synonyms for "jewel." The Houju is closely associated with the Buddhist deities Aizen Myo-ou and Kannon Myo-ou (who is also represented in Urahara Kisuke's bankai). Both Aizen and Kannon are often depicted holding the jewel, and they use it to grant the desires of their followers.

The spelling of Hougyoku, 崩玉, uses the kanji 崩 meaning "crumbling/collapsing" - hence the official Viz translation "Breakdown Sphere." But I think that kanji is most likely meant to echo an older Japanese word - Hougyo (崩御), which is a highly formal term for the death of the Emperor. Pretty fitting, considering Aizen planned to use it to overthrow the Soul King.

So a more accurate translation of Hougyoku would be the "Wish-Fulfilling Fall of the Emperor Jewel." Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but whatever :D

Anyway, I haven't seen this info published anywhere, so I just figured I'd share. 