Ryo Utagawa

is an anime-only character in the Bount arc. He is Kariya's former right hand man until he tries to overthrow him as Bount leader. Utagawa has shorter brown hair, which fans up at the ends, and a large goatee. He seems to dress rather formally, wearing a white button-up shirt, a tie, and a light vest. His golden pocket watch he carries on his vest transforms into his doll, a snake that he wears around his neck. In the Human World, he consumed a large amount of living souls. During his battle with Yoshino Sōma, it was revealed that, to him, all humans are food. When battling, he seems analytical and not the least taken by his enemy's abilities. He was the most power-hungry of the Bounts, and wanted to overthrow Kariya for his seat of power.

Appearing early, Ryō meets Orihime Inoue and Chad, but leaves before they have a chance to fight. Upon Kariya's orders, he captures Yoshino and brings her back to the mansion. He proceeds to attack the living, only to be interrupted by Uryū Ishida and his friends. Deeming him to be the weakest, he attacks Uryū, but is stopped by the escaped Yoshino. Ryō continues to generate countless snakes to attack Ichigo but Ururu, sporting her cannon, overpowers his defense. Renji, Tessai, and Jinta Hanakari show up and he is forced to retreat.

Gō Koga is then sent to pick up Yoshino and Uryū. This leads Ichigo and the rest of his friends to Kariya's mansion. Ichigo and Rukia manage to make it to the main room, while the others are being chased by many eye-like creatures. Being the first to step forward, Ryō opts to fight Ichigo. As a rule, none of the other Bounts can interfere. If they do, Ichigo can attack Kariya, who has removed his crest.

Ryō releases Fried and attacks Ichigo, using the doll as a sword. After they push each other back, Ryō begins swinging Fried wildly, creating a seal beneath him. Suddenly, everywhere Ichigo steps, a pillar of snakes arise from the ground and bite him. Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō, and Ryō is blown through a wall. It was then that he steals Kariya's crest and tries to attack him. However, Kariya deflects the attack and Maki Ichinose shows up. After releasing his Zanpakutō, Maki swiftly kills Ryō and carries his body off.