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.
 * This Shiba clan falls into disgrace for unknown reasons.
 * Aizen allies himself with the Hollows and the self-made Arrancars.

Between 2000 and 200 years ago

 * Yamamoto 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 Yamamoto, Retsu Unohana, Jūshirō Ukitake, Shunsui Kyōraku and other unknown shinigami make up the first Generation of captains.
 * Aizen begins experimenting with hollowifcation.

Between 200 and 100 years ago

 * Aizen is promoted to vice-captain of 5th division so Shinji can watch over him.
 * Aizen places Shinji 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.
 * 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.)
 * 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.
 * 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 Aizen's Hollow modification experiments that can hide it's reitsu attacks a group of shinigami training in the real world. Aizen and Gin save the day after Izuru, Hinamori, and Renji do their best to survive.
 * Aizen manipulates Izuru, Hinamori and Renji to use them in his divisions. Renji is seen as trouble and moved into another division shortly after.
 * Kaien Shiba's wife is killed by another of Aizen's experimental hollows. Kaien is killed by Rukia after the hollow infests his body.

Current day - Substitute Shinigami/Soul Society Arc

 * Ichigo Kurosaki, unknowing son of a powerful shinigami, takes shinigami powers from Rukia Kuchiki
 * Aizen, Gin, and Tosen defect from the Soul Society
 * Aizen's defection puts Urahara in the clear and Soul Society enlist his help