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)[1], 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.[2]
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.[3] By tradition, the family has been charged with compiling and protecting the history of Soul Society.[4] The family resides in the Kuchiki Family Manor.
Third Great Noble House
No information about this house has been revealed.
Fourth Great Noble House
No information about this house has been revealed.
Lower Noble Houses
Fēng Clan
Traditionally serves the Shihōin Clan by joining the Onmitsukidō. The family makes its living as assassins and executioners.[5] Any member who doesn't pass the test to get into the Onmitsukidō's Executive Militia is exiled.[6]
(† = confirmed death)
Fēng Family | |||
Name | Title | Relation | Status |
Suì-Fēng | 9th Head of the Fēng Family | Granddaughter of Suì-Fēng | Active |
Former Members | |||
---|---|---|---|
Suì-Fēng | Noblewoman | Suì-Fēng's Grandmother | Deceased † |
Unnamed Father | Nobleman/Assassin | Suì-Fēng's Father | Deceased † |
Unnamed Mother | Noblewoman/Assassin | Suì-Fēng's Mother | 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 Clan
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 |
Shunsui Kyōraku | Nobleman | 2nd Son of the Kyōraku Family | Active |
Former Members | |||
---|---|---|---|
Unnamed Brother | Nobleman | 1st Son of the Kyōraku Family Father of Nanao Ise |
Deceased † |
Ukitake Clan
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 Clan
An aristocratic, rich family. The family has a history of service in the Onmitsukidō.[7]
(† = 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 | 1st Son of the Ōmaeda Family | Active |
Maremi Ōmaeda | Noblewoman | 1st Daughter of the Ōmaeda Family | Active |
Marejirōsaburō Ōmaeda | Nobleman | 2nd Son of the Ōmaeda Family | Active |
Mareyo Ōmaeda | Noblewoman | 2nd Daughter of the Ōmaeda Family | Active |
Kira Clan
A lesser noble family.
(† = confirmed death)
Kira Family | |||
Name | Title | Relation | Status |
Izuru Kira | Nobleman | Son of the Kira Family | Active |
Former Members | |||
---|---|---|---|
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.[8] The family is traditionally lead by a female.[9]
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 once the fifth great noble family, having prestige along the lines of the Kuchiki and Shihōin families. For an unknown reason, the Shiba family fell from their high status position after the death of Lieutenant 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.[10]
References
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 159, page 7
- ↑ "Bleach": Official Bootleg KaraBuri+, page 82
- ↑ Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 188
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 88
- ↑ Bleach: Official Character Book SOULs, page 196
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 159, page 8
- ↑ Bleach Official Character book 2 MASKED, Kubo's Interview
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 189
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 174
- ↑ Bleach movie; Bleach: Memories of Nobody