The Noble Houses of Soul Society have an unclear role in the culture, social and governmental aspects of that dimensions existence. The Four Noble Families carry the most weight and appear to have some influence over the governmental institutions (i.e. Central 46 Chambers) and even institutions outside of the government (i.e. Shin'ō Academy). The military (i.e. Gotei 13, Kidō Corps & Onmitsukidō) have no authority to act against a noble family without evidence that their actions are treasonous to Soul Society.
Four Noble Families
Shihōin Clan
By tradition, the head of the Shihōin family leads the Onmitsukidō. Also known as the Tenshiheisōban (天賜兵装番, House of Godly Gears)Bleach manga; Chapter 159, page 7, they are the Caretakers of the Hōgu (宝具, lit. "Treasure Tool") and Bugu (武具, lit. "War Tool") said to have been bestowed on them by the gods."Bleach": Official Bootleg KaraBuri+, page 82
Kuchiki Clan
Members of the Kuchiki family have been known to wear Kenseikan (牽星箝, lit. "Star-Pulling Insert") in their hair, which symbolizes their nobility as one of Four Noble Families. The Kuchiki family also has a white scarf made by the master weaver, Tsujishirō Kuroemon III. The scarf is made from the Ginpaku Kazahana no Uzuginu (銀白風花の紗, Silks of the Silverwhite Wildflower), a silver-white, windflower light silk, and is a family heirloom that is handed down from generation to generation and is given to each Kuchiki family head. The scarf alone is worth enough to buy ten mansions in the Seireitei.Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 188 By tradition, the family has been charged with compiling and protecting the history of Soul Society.Bleach anime; Episode 88 The family resides in the Kuchiki Family Manor.
Kasumiōji Clan
No information about this house has been revealed.
Fourth Great Noble House
No information about this house has been revealed.
Lower Noble Houses
Fēng Family
Traditionally serves the Shihōin family by joining the Onmitsukidō. The family makes its living as assassins and executioners.Bleach: Official Character Book SOULs, page 196 Any member who doesn't pass the test to get into the Onmitsukidō is immediately exiled from the family.
Notable Members
(† = confirmed death)
Fēng Family | |||
Name | Title | Relation | Status |
Suì-Fēng | 9th Head of the Fēng Family | Granddaughter of Suì-Fēng | Active |
Suì-Fēng | Noblewoman | Suì-Fēng's Grandmother | Deceased † |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman/Assassin | Suì-Fēng's Brother | Deceased † |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman/Assassin | Suì-Fēng's Brother | Deceased † |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman/Assassin | Suì-Fēng's Brother | Deceased † |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman/Assassin | Suì-Fēng's Brother | Deceased † |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman/Assassin | Suì-Fēng's Brother | Deceased † |
Kyōraku Family
An old, prestigious and high-ranking noble family.
(† = confirmed death)
Kyōraku Family | |||
Name | Title | Relation | Status |
Unnamed Father | Head of the Kyōraku Family | Father of the Kyōraku Family | Active |
Unnamed Mother | Lady of the Kyōraku Family | Mother of the Kyōraku Family | Active |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman | 1st Son of the Kyōraku Family | Active |
Shunsui Kyōraku | Nobleman | 2nd Son of the Kyōraku Family | Active |
Ukitake Family
A low-class aristocratic family.
(† = confirmed death)
Ukitake Family | |||
Name | Title | Relation | Status |
Jūshirō Ukitake | Head of the Ukitake Family | Oldest Brother of the Ukitake Siblings | Active |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman | Unnamed Younger Brother of Jūshirō | Active |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman | Unnamed Younger Brother of Jūshirō | Active |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman | Unnamed Younger Brother of Jūshirō | Active |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman | Unnamed Younger Brother of Jūshirō | Active |
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman | Unnamed Younger Brother of Jūshirō | Active |
Unnamed Sister | Noblewoman | Unnamed Younger Sister of Jūshirō | Active |
Unnamed Sister | Noblewoman | Unnamed Younger Sister of Jūshirō | Active |
Ōmaeda Family
An aristocratic, rich family. The family has a history of service in the Onmitsukidō.Bleach Official Character book 2 MASKED; Kubo's Interview
(† = confirmed death)
Ōmaeda Family | |||
Name | Title | Relation | Status |
Marenoshin Ōmaeda | Head of the Ōmaeda Family | Father of the Ōmaeda Family | Active |
Mareka Ōmaeda | Lady of the Ōmaeda Family | Mother of the Ōmaeda Family | Active |
Marechiyo Ōmaeda | Nobleman | Oldest son of the Ōmaeda Family | Active |
Maremi Ōmaeda | Noblewoman | Sister of Marechiyo | Active |
Marejirōsaburō Ōmaeda | Nobleman | Brother of Marechiyo | Active |
Mareyo Ōmaeda | Noblewoman | Sister of Marechiyo | Active |
Kira Family
A lesser noble family. The only known living member of the house is:
(† = confirmed death)
Kira Family | |||
Name | Title | Relation | Status |
Izuru Kira | Nobleman | Son of the Kira Family | Active |
Kagekiyo Kira | Nobleman | Father of Izuru Kira | Deceased † |
Shizuka Kira | Noblewoman | Mother of Izuru Kira | Deceased † |
Kasumiōji Clan and Kannogi Family
Note: These Noble Houses are only in the anime and information concerning them does not constitute canon material.
The Kasumiōji Clan is a high-ranking noble family that is just below the four great noble families in status, with Yoruichi Shihōin commenting that their circumstances are a bit "special." The Kasumiōji family members are well known as master forgers in the art of weapons crafting, making the finest weapons in all of Soul Society. The family is traditionally lead by a female.
The Kannogi Family is another high-ranking noble family. They are connected to and often affiliated with the Kasumiōji Family.
Former Noble House
Shiba Clan
The family was apparently the 5th noble family, having prestige along the lines of the Kuchiki and Shihōin family. For an unknown reason, the Shiba family fell from their high status position after the death of its most prominent member, the former lieutenant of the 13th Division, Kaien Shiba. The family specializes in fireworks.
Appearance In Other Media
Former Noble House
Ryōdoji Family
Once a noble family in Soul Society exiled from their position 1,000 years ago. They are now known as The Dark Ones.Bleach movie; Bleach: Memories of Nobody
Equipment
- Shihōin Shield: the device used by Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku to destroy the Sōkyoku. It is a large, shield-like item with the Shihōin family crest stamped on it and a long cord connected to it. When the cord is wrapped around the Sōkyoku and two Zanpakutō are stabbed into two vertical slots running from its top, their Reiryoku flows through the cord and destroys the Sōkyoku. The Shield is normally kept under a seal for some form of protective purposes.Bleach manga; Chapter 151, pages 11-16