Don Kanonji

is a popular spirit medium who hosts a television show called Ghost Bust that, at the time of his introduction, is watched by a staggering 25% of Japan's population.

Character Outline
His true name is. The method in which Don Kan'onji used to rid ghosts, thinking he was sending spirits to heaven, actually caused those spirits to become Hollows (he would take his cane and forcibly rip open the holes in spirits that hadn't fully changed into Hollows yet). He found this out when he and Ichigo Kurosaki fought a Hollow that appeared, because of his methods, during a television taping at Karakura Town. He later formed the Karakura Superheroes, which consists of the Kurosaki sisters, Kon and the children at the Urahara Shop, to get the show's declining ratings up. He speaks in a mixture of Japanese and English.

His trademark pose is to cross both arms over his chest and laugh "BOHAHAHAHA!!" boisterously and deeply, as does his fans. His catch phrase is "Smells like bad spirits!" He also uses other phrases, "Spirits are always with you!!" and the like. He also introduces himself as "The New Century's Premier Spiritualist". He seems to have some knowledge of Hollow and Shinigami alike, albeit limited given his limited interaction with them.

He is now asleep with the rest of Karakura Town in the Soul Society.

Agent of the Shinigami Arc
Don first appears when his famous TV show, 'Ghost Bust', came to Karakura Town. Ichigo is dragged along by his family to the show with Rukia, Orihime and Sado. There he witnesses Kanonji use his famous 'Super Spirit Stick' to send spirits to heaven, but although he thinks he is helping them Kanonji is actually turning spirits into hollows by ripping open the holes in their chests. He and Ichigo then witness the spirits trandformation and quickly run into the hospital. When they finally end up on the roof Kanonji tries to kill the hollow by using his Kan'onball but fails. Ichigo then saves him and Kanonji realises what he has been doing. Finally, he leaves making Ichigo his new 'assistant'.

Powers and Abilities

 * Spiritual Power: He first appeared to have little spirit energy. However, when fighting a Hollow with Ichigo, Ichigo stated that the Hollow was going after people with high spirit energy like Kan'onji and himself.
 * Kan'onball: Don Kan'onji gathers reiatsu to create a small sky-blue ball having the destructive power to beat down a small hollow
 * Don Kan'onji Ultimate Attack: Don Kan'onji's special attack, consisting of a tiny ball of golden (or sky-blue) light that moves slowly before exploding with a surprising amount of power. He calls it the Golden Kan'onball.
 * Later on, in various filler episodes, this technique appears to have expanded in size, and perhaps in explosive power, but has yet to increase its speed in any noticeable way.


 * Super Spirit Stick: Don Kan'onji's special melee attack. He shocks the enemy with a golden stick infused with spiritual energy and can completely destroy a lesser Hollow with it.

Appearance in Other Media
In the video game Bleach: Dark Souls, Don Kanonji is an unlockable character. His speed and attacks make him one of the stronger characters. He has a ratings gauge that affects his special attacks and damage, as well as taunts that can raise ratings. His Karakura Super Attack is the strongest in the game, being able to defeat weaker characters like Ririn in only a single blow.

He also appears on the game Bleach: The 3rd Phantom as a guest, and playable character. He is technique type and unlike in Bleach: Dark Souls, is considerably weak. His Sp. Attack consist of attacks from the Karakura Superheroes. He also makes Fujimaru or Matsuri his self-proclaimed apprentice, just like Ichigo. He also helps in the twins' Bankai training. In one of the sessions, Fujimaru/Matsuri is drastically weakened, making Don Kanonji and Kon seemingly more powerful. Urahara asks him/her to defeat them in that state.

Trivia

 * His theme song, as chosen by Tite Kubo, is "L'Arlesienne Suite #2" by George Bizet.

Quotes

 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "Every week, when it is time, they stick to the TV. They watch my actions in the comfort of their families after dinner. Children watch my actions and their hearts leap. They see me stand up to evil spirits and... they know what courage is...! Do you understand, boy? With them watching, I can't run away from the enemy...!"
 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "I have abilities... I can understand the difference between myself and the enemy. However, boy... your ideas made an impression on me! The way of fighting where one thinks people's safety first indiscriminately... your way of fighting is befitting of a hero! Allow me to call you battle buddy."

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Don Kan'onji