Zanpakutō

"You've used your Zanpakutō as tools? Treated them like subordinates? Relied on them like partners? As family? As friends? Role models? Students? Pets? Acquaintances? Sweethearts? Lovers? [...] You're looking at things completely the wrong way. Which is superior, the Zanpakutō or the Shinigami? Let's think about that to start with, yeah?!" — Ōetsu Nimaiya in "THE BATTLE"

Overview

Image Gallery

Zanpakutō
Kanji	斬魄刀
English	Soul-Cutter Sword
Item Statistics
Use	Primary Weapon
Created By	Ōetsu Nimaiya
Used By	Shinigami, Arrancars

The Zanpakutō (斬魄刀, Soul-Cutter Sword; Viz "Soul Slayer") is the main weapon of the Shinigami, used for various purposes such as defeating Hollows and sending spirits to the afterlife. Apart from Shinigami, Hollows that have removed their masks and gained Shinigami powers, known as Arrancars, also wield Zanpakutō, though an Arrancar's Zanpakutō is fundamentally different from a Shinigami's. The art of wielding a Zanpakutō is called Zanjutsu (斬術, Swordsmanship), one of the four Shinigami combat styles in the Zankensoki.

History

Creation

The Zanpakutō was conceived and invented by Ōetsu Nimaiya of the Royal Guard. He forges them using a method that melds a multitude of Shinigami souls together. Ironically, a similar method was used by Sōsuke Aizen in his creation of his experimental Hollow, White. The terms "Zanpakutō," "Shikai," and "Bankai" were chosen and given by another member of the Royal Guard, Ichibē Hyōsube, whose Zanpakutō, Ichimonji, was also the first to gain an evolved form, then known as a "Shin'uchi."

Asauchi

The Asauchi found in Ōetsu Nimaiya's domain.

An Asauchi (浅打, Shallow Hit) is a nameless Zanpakutō given to Shinigami unworthy of being in the Gotei 13. "Shallow hit" refers to the grossly reduced power of a Zanpakutō whose wielder cannot connect with it properly. All Asauchi are exclusively forged by Ōetsu Nimaiya, and since the birth of Soul Society itself, there has never been a Shinigami who truly awakened their own Zanpakutō without wielding an Asauchi that Nimaiya forged. As the creator of every Asauchi, Nimaiya knows the exact location of every Zanpakutō in existence, no matter who the wielder is or how the blade is attained. Due to Ichibē Hyōsube's innate ability to determine the true name of all things, he also knows the names of every Zanpakutō from the time they are handed to a Shinigami as an Asauchi.

Asauchi are actually the ultimate Zanpakutō, for they have the potential to become anything. There are over 6,000 members of the Gotei 13, all of whom are loaned one of these nameless Zanpakutō upon first entering the Shin'ō Academy, and this same blade is officially given to them upon joining a division. All Shinigami must spend every waking moment with their own Asauchi, and as they progress in their training, they slowly and methodically imprint the essence of their soul into their Asauchi. This is how they guide and mold their own unique Zanpakutō. When manifested, Asauchi appear as blank humanoid figures with no distinctive traits other than two small mouths for eyes. Its through the wielder imprinting the essence of their soul that these figures gain unique traits and personalities. If the wielder already possesses a fully formed and self-aware Zanpakutō Spirit, the Asauchi instead acts as a catalyst and draws out the spirit, essentially being assimilated in the process.

Although Asauchi (and later unique Zanpakutō) are normally given to Shinigami upon joining the academy, Kenpachi Zaraki took an Asauchi from a dead Shinigami and made it his own without ever entering the institution. Kaname Tōsen also took the Asauchi of his late friend and transformed it into his own Zanpakutō, Suzumushi.

Those born from the Ise Clan cannot imprint their essence into an Asauchi, due to their family's Zanpakutō, Shinken Hakkyōken, being passed down from generation to generation. Because they are bound to this blade, it is impossible for members of the family to create their own unique Zanpakutō.

Overview

Zanpakutō are the trademark weapons of the Shinigami. Capable of cutting spiritual bodies, they are among the few weapons which can be used to combat Hollows. A Zanpakutō is different from a Quincy's Spirit Weapon; while a Shinigami channels Reiryoku from their soul into their blade, a Quincy does the opposite by gathering Reishi from the atmosphere to form a weapon and coat it with their Reiryoku. Each Shinigami carries a Zanpakutō, and each Zanpakutō is unique: far from mere weapons, the swords are reflections of a Shinigami's power and soul, and sentient beings unto themselves. Since they are sentient beings, this means that they are vulnerable to abilities such as PePe Waccabrada's Schrift, The Love, which otherwise does not affect non-living matter. Indeed, the very nature of the Zanpakutō is complex: they cannot simply be classified as weapons, powers, extensions of their wielders, or separate beings; they are all of those at the same time. The Zanpakutō's name is the name of the living spirit which empowers the sword and lends its strength to the Shinigami who wields it. These beings can vary greatly in appearance, and have their own distinct personalities, which are nonetheless similar to their owner's. A Zanpakutō's shape and abilities are based on their Shinigami's soul. Once a Shinigami learns their Zanpakutō's name, they can communicate with one another and grow stronger together. Zanpakutō are born with their Shinigami, and they die along with their Shinigami. Shinigami use them in battle as a reflection of their heart. When released, they can display a vibrant power. They are one with the Shinigami, and they share a Shinigami's conviction. However, if a Shinigami experiences mental instability, they can lose harmony with their Zanpakutō, making it impossible to hear the spirit's voice and rendering them unable to access their Shikai, even if they know its name. Abusing a Zanpakutō Spirit can further deteriorate this bond and may even permanently sever the connection between Shinigami and Zanpakutō.

Every Zanpakutō has its own name, which the wielder must learn. Such weapons are unique swords generated from their owner's souls. Its shape, even in its sealed state, differs depending on its owner. Because they are part of their owner's soul, a Zanpakutō cannot be replaced, though it will slowly regenerate if it is broken. No Zanpakutō has a Shikai and a Bankai with completely unrelated abilities. A Zanpakutō can determine if its wielder is worthy of its power. If the wielder is deemed unworthy, the Zanpakutō may refuse to reveal its true Bankai name, thereby limiting its full potential. Conversely, a wielder can release a weaker form of their Shikai by using an incorrect release command. Additionally, a Zanpakutō Spirit or an external entity connected to it can suppress the wielder's power, leading to a significantly weaker Shikai and Bankai with altered forms, even if the wielder knows their true names. A Zanpakutō possesses a true form that resides within its Shinigami. As sentient beings, Zanpakutō have their own minds and bodies, which dictate their powers. A Shinigami can grow stronger through communication with their Zanpakutō. In rare cases, a Zanpakutō Spirit can even create another Zanpakutō Spirit with a unique name and appearance. Inside each Zanpakutō is an incarnation which manifests itself upon the Zanpakutō's transformation. The first step is to acquaint oneself with this incarnation.

Zanpakutō that have merged with a power source that is not of Shinigami nature or origin can also gain the ability to protect their Shinigami wielders through various means, with the best examples being the manifestations represented by the two swords that make up Ichigo Kurosaki's dual Zanpakutō, Zangetsu. The Zangetsu that was born from the fusion of the Hollow White with Ichigo's natural Shinigami powers was able to manifest a Hollow mask to protect Ichigo from major injuries. After becoming the dominant spirit inside Ichigo, he was able to take possession of his body whenever he was on the brink of death to save him. The Quincy power manifestation, known as "Old Man" Zangetsu, on the other hand was able to similarly protect Ichigo from fatal blows and temporarily stop his bleeding with what appeared to be Blut Vene.

Certain unique Zanpakutō can also be passed onto other Shinigami, who can then access their inherited abilities. The size of a Zanpakutō reflects the amount of the wielder's spiritual power. However, this does not necessarily mean that someone with a larger Zanpakutō is stronger than an opponent with a smaller one, as evidenced by Isshin Kurosaki's defeat of the Arrancar Grand Fisher; per the former's explanation, captain-class Shinigami must actively control the size of their Zanpakutō, or else they would wield swords as large as buildings. Regardless of a Zanpakutō's form or size, it is always effortless for its wielder to use because it is part of their soul. Some Bankai may be exceptions, such as Suì-Fēng stating that her Bankai is too heavy to move.

Zanpakutō possess their own Reiatsu, which can be sensed like any other Reiatsu and is similar to their wielder's, albeit with subtle differences. If a Shinigami pierces a human's chest with their Zanpakutō and channels their Reiryoku into them, it can temporarily transform the human into a Substitute Shinigami. However, this method has a low viability rate, even for spiritually aware Humans, and failure results in death.

Shinigami VS. Arrancar Zanpakutō

Though Shinigami and Arrancars both use Zanpakutō, an Arrancar's Zanpakutō differs from a Shingami's in several ways. While a Shinigami's Zanpakutō starts out as an Asauchi forged by Ōetsu Nimaiya that they must train to use effectively, a Hollow appears to gain a Zanpakutō from the moment it becomes an Arrancar and seemingly does not require any form of training to master their Zanpakutō's abilities, including Resurrección. An Arrancar's primary weapon is the same as a Shinigami's, but unlike a Shinigami's Zanpakutō, the blade is an embodiment of the Hollow's power. Though a Shinigami's Zanpakutō is used for various purposes outside of combat, an Arrancar's Zanpakutō appears to be solely battle-oriented and does not appear to have the same abilities as a Shinigami's Zanpakutō, such as Konsō. It is also unknown if Arrancars have Zanpakutō Spirits that reside within their weapons. The most notable difference between the Shinigami and Arrancar versions of the Zanpakutō is that an Arrancar's Zanpakutō possesses the power of Resurrección, as opposed to the Shingami's Shikai and Bankai. A Shinigami's Zanpakutō grants them greater power with each release state and new abilities that are typically unique to them, whereas an Arrancar's Zanpakutō release simply restores the powers they had as a Hollow. A Shinigami can still activate their Shikai or Bankai even if their blade is broken, but an Arrancar cannot use their Resurrección under the same circumstances.

General Powers

In their duty as balancers of the Three Worlds, the Zanpakutō of Shinigami possess abilities that help them maintain the balance by sending souls to the Soul Society. These are:

• Konsō (魂葬, Soul Burial) is the process by which a Shinigami sends wandering Pluses in the Human World to either Soul Society if they are good in life, or Hell if their life was full of evil acts (such as murders, theft, etc). Konsō is performed by using the pommel of the Shinigami's Zanpakutō to tap head of the spirit, thereby transporting them to the afterlife.

• Hollow Purification: When a Hollow is sliced with a Zanpakutō, it is cleansed of the sins it committed as a Hollow (but none before that), and passes into the afterlife. This is called sublimation. Like with Konsō, benevolent souls would be sent to the Soul Society while wicked Souls would end up in Hell. Souls who pass into Soul Society will be reborn again into the Human World once their "life" in Soul Society comes to an end.

• Regeneration: The only thing that can heal a broken Zanpakutō is its wielder's force of will, Reiatsu, and the time required to infuse the Zanpakutō with this Reiatsu. This process only applies to a Zanpakutō's sealed state and Shikai and can only be done if the hilt remains intact. Renji Abarai's Zabimaru fully regenerated after being broken during his rematch against Ichigo Kurosaki, seemingly even before Renji himself fully recovered, and Ichigo's own Zangetsu reformed after being previously broken in two by Kenpachi Zaraki during their fight. However, the destruction of a Shikai and the destruction of a Bankai hold different meanings, as a destroyed Bankai, barring a few exceptions, can never be restored to its original form and power (except under certain circumstances).

Zanpakutō Training

Main article: Zanpakutō Spirit

Jinzen

Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Ikkaku Madarame perform Jinzen.

It is not enough to simply know the name of one's Zanpakutō. If a wielder were to lend its power to their Zanpakutō, the weapon would become stronger. To fully use a Zanpakutō's power, a wielder must get to know their Zanpakutō's spirit. Jinzen (刃禅, Blade Zen; Viz "Sword Zen") is is the only way to carry on a proper conversation with one's Zanpakutō. One places their sword over their lap or stabs it in the ground right in front of them, takes a meditative pose, and forces their mind to become one with the Zanpakutō. In this form, one can call out the true form of the powers of their Zanpakutō. It has been refined over thousands of years, since the beginning of Soul Society, to allow one to commune with their Zanpakutō. This advanced form of training is far different from attaining abilities by force. In this form, one enters a state of calm to enter the inner world of the Zanpakutō and engage them there. In this state, a wielder will have to fight their Zanpakutō spirit in order to attain access to new abilities. Unwilling to teach its owner these abilities, especially those that would erase them, the Zanpakutō spirit engages its wielder in a battle, the likes of which has never taken place before. In this meditative state, one is so deeply entranced, even sustained wounds are ignored. Any form of injury sustained in the inner world while in this meditative state is reflected in the real world.

Communication & Personality

A wielder knows their Zanpakutō Spirit very closely and vice versa. The connection is very deep, though in the beginning the connection is one sided, with the wielder being unable to fully hear the spirit communicating with them. It is not uncommon for the introduction of the Shinigami and Zanpakutō spirit to take place in the Shinigami's "inner world" while the prospective Shinigami sleeps. As stated, a Zanpakutō is a being unto itself, and tends to be highly temperamental. Its mood is determined by how it is treated by its Shinigami and its overall personality. This allows a Shinigami to partially determine whether or not it will achieve its true power. For example, Yumichika Ayasegawa normally releases his Zanpakutō with the name Fuji Kujaku (藤孔雀, Wisteria Peacock), even though its true name is Ruri'iro Kujaku (瑠璃色孔雀, Azure Peacock), knowing its favorite color is azure and its least favorite is wisteria purple. He does this so its true power is not seen. Since his Zanpakutō hates the nickname, it becomes moody and only releases a fraction of its power. This allows him to pass off his Zanpakutō as a simple melee-type rather than what it truly is, a Kidō-type, something which is unacceptable in the 11th Division due to an unspoken rule that all Zanpakutō in the Eleventh Division must be melee-types. Only when its true name is uttered does it achieve full potential. Similarly, Renji Abarai obtained his true Bankai, Sōō Zabimaru, only after proving his strength to Zabimaru, who didn't respect Renji's power until his training with the Royal Guard. Shunsui Kyōraku also states Katen Kyōkotsu is moody and won't let him use the true extent of its power in battle unless in the mood for it.

Inner World

Normally, the Zanpakutō Spirit can only be seen by its wielder. Otherwise, they dwell in their own inner world (内在世界, naizai sekai), created within the minds of the Shinigami who wield them. As such, each Shinigami's inner world is drastically different from another Shinigami's, and, much like the Zanpakutō, is unique to themselves. A Zanpakutō's spirit can bring its wielder into its inner world, though Shinigami can voluntarily achieve this simply by meditation. While normally invisible and undetectable to anyone else but their wielder, Zanpakutō spirits can occasionally be heard or seen by other Shinigami. Ichigo Kurosaki was able to hear Nozarashi screaming toward an ignorant Kenpachi Zaraki during their fight, and he, alongside Yoruichi Shihōin, was able to see Renji Abarai's manifested Zabimaru in the Sōkyoku Hill Study Chamber. Nanao Ise was also able to see Katen and Kyōkotsu while hiding within Kageoni with Shunsui Kyōraku.

Zanpakutō Forms

All Zanpakutō, except those of Arrancars, have three forms: a sealed form and two released forms. A Zanpakutō's ability to transform depends on the Shinigami's communication with and control over its spirit. These two released forms, Shikai and Bankai, serve as upgrades that grant abilities far beyond the Zanpakutō’s use as a simple sword or its general powers used by Shinigami in their role as balancers. To become a captain, a Shinigami must be capable of performing both releases. The power and forms of Shikai and Bankai vary based on the Zanpakutō and are influenced by the wielder's strength and training. Shinigami typically carry their Zanpakutō in its sealed state, activating its released forms as needed. A Zanpakutō can also change in size and shape depending on the owner's spiritual strength. Unlike Shinigami, Arrancars do not possess Shikai and Bankai. Instead, their Zanpakutō grants them a Resurrección, which causes the blade to fuse with its wielder, restoring their Hollow abilities and partially reverting them to their Hollow form. The only known individual to simultaneously wield a Zanpakutō with a Shikai, Bankai, and Resurrección is Kaname Tōsen, due to his ability to use Hollowfication.

Sealed

In its sealed state, a Zanpakutō has the form of a Japanese sword. A Zanpakutō will return to its sealed state when its wielder is knocked unconscious. However, in cases of Shinigami with immeasurable levels of Reiryoku, the Zanpakutō will remain in Shikai state or automatically revert to this state from Bankai. A Zanpakutō may have several different sealed forms depending on the user. These include:

• Katana (刀, one-sided blade): The term katana may be applied to the standard-size, moderately curved, Japanese sword with a blade length of 2 shaku (606 mm / 23.9 in) and longer. The katana is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a curved, slender, single-edged blade, a circular or squared guard, and a hilt long enough to accommodate two hands. Most sealed Zanpakuto of Shinigami and Arrancars alike take this form; notable examples include Rukia Kuchiki's Sode no Shirayuki, Renji Abarai's Zabimaru, and Byakuya Kuchiki's Senbonzakura.

• Wakizashi (脇差, side inserted sword): A short blade between 30 and 60 cm (12 and 24 inches), with an average of 50 cm (20 inches). It is similar to but shorter than a katana, and usually shorter than the kodachi. An exemple of this sealed form of Zanpakutō is Gin Ichimaru's Shinsō. The wakizashi was usually worn together with the katana. When worn together, the pair of swords were called daishō (大小, large and small). The katana was often called the long sword, and the wakizashi the companion sword. Shunsui Kyōraku's Katen Kyōkotsu is the only known Zanpakutō to exist as a daishō pair.

• Ōdachi (大太刀, large/great sword): The ōdachi was more difficult to wield due to its size and weight. The average length of an ōdachi is 65-70 inches long (approx. 165-178 cm), often with a 4-5 foot (approx. 120-150 cm) blade. The length of the hilt of the ōdachi varied between 30 to 33 cm (12 to 13 inches). Due to its weight and size, its cutting capability and range exceeds those of a katana. Kenpachi Zaraki's Nozarashi is the best known example.

• Tantō (短刀, short sword): The tantō is commonly referred to as a knife or dagger. The blade is single or double edged, with a length between 15 and 30 cm (6-12 inches, in Japanese 1 shaku). The tantō was designed primarily as a stabbing weapon, but the edge can be used for slashing as well. Tetsuzaemon Iba'sZanpakutō is an example of a tantō.

A Zanpakutō can also be disguised as other objects, though such objects seem to need to be of similar proportions to the sword itself. Kisuke Urahara's Benihime and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's Ryūjin Jakka both take the forms of canes. Yamamoto's cane resembles a large walking stick, which dissolves on command to reveal his sheathed Zanpakutō, whereas Kisuke's forms a shikomizue, a thin blade hidden within the hollow shaft of a cane. Arrancar Zanpakutō have appeared in a wider variety of sealed forms, such as different types of weapons; Baraggan Louisenbairn's Arrogante and Nnoitra Gilga's Santa Teresa take the form of an axe and a uniquely-shaped scythe, respectively, while Aaroniero Arruruerie's sealed Glotonería takes the form of his own tentacle-like left arm. Coyote Starrk uniquely does not have a Zanpakutō, instead having his power sealed in the form of his own Fracción, Lilynette Gingerbuck, which he unleashes with his Resurrección, Los Lobos.

Normally, while Shinigami and Arrancars can only use the unique abilities of their Zanpakutō after releasing them, there are several examples of both beings being able to channel unique powers or techniques without releasing their sword first; Shingami examples include Hanatarō Yamada's Hisagomaru with its ability to heal injuries, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi's Kinshara with Arpeggio, and Ichibē Hyōsube's Ichimonji with its power to sever names. Arrancar examples include Tesra Lindocruz's Verruga with Plato Colmillo, Aaroniero's Glotonería with its aspect manifestation ability, Baraggan's Arrogante with Senescencia, and Tier Harribel's Tiburón with Ola Azul.

Shikai

Shikai (始解, Initial Release) is the second (or first upgraded) form available to a Zanpakutō. To activate it, the Shinigami must know their Zanpakutō's name, as well as be able to communicate and harmonize with their Zanpakutō effectively, which requires being able to speak to the spirit within its inner world. Gaining access to one's Shikai and releasing it for the first time is known as manifestation (顕現, kengen). The blade changes shape and gains special abilities by chanting a Kaigō (解号, Release Call), or release incantation. Uttering the Kaigō, followed by the name of the Zanpakutō, activates Shikai. It is crucial to memorize each phrase, as every Zanpakutō has a different incantation. The commands vary between users and range from a simple imperative verb to a short poem. They often relate to the Zanpakutō's signature ability or hint at the nature of its spirit. This step may be bypassed by expert Shinigami who have learned how to use their Bankai. By calling out a different name and Kaigō, a Zanpakutō will achieve a different release, which is weaker than by calling out the true name. This is usually done when the Shinigami in question wishes to conceal the true nature of their Zanpakutō, as Yumichika Ayasegawa does.

While each Shikai is unique to the holder, the Shikai of Shinigami that are related, specifically parents and children, may share at least a technique; this is shown by both Isshin Kurosaki's Engetsu and his son Ichigo's Zangetsu sharing the Getsuga Tenshō technique. However, even in those cases, each Shinigami's variation of the technique possesses subtle differences that, while not significant enough to be classified as two different techniques, are still important enough to differentiate the two versions.

Usually, a Shikai manifests as the Zanpakutō's blade, or the Zanpakutō as a whole, changing its outward appearance. In some cases, this change is slight, with the Zanpakutō remaining as a katana but gains a new color scheme or additional traits, such as a ribbon, a chain, or some kind of ornament on the pommel (like Rukia Kuchiki's Sode no Shirayuki, Tōshirō Hitsugaya's Hyōrinmaru, or Shinji Hirako's Sakanade). Nevertheless, in most cases, the change is significant, sometimes even requiring holders to train in wielding another weapon besides a katana.

• Examples of Shikai that manifest as swords different from regular katana are: twin scimitars (Shunsui Kyōraku's Katen Kyōkotsu), a Western-style rapier (Chōjirō Sasakibe's Gonryōmaru), a double-edged seven-branched sword (Momo Hinamori's Tobiume); and a whip-sword (Renji Abarai's Zabimaru).

• Examples of non-sword forms taken via Shikai are: a kusarigama (Shūhei Hisagi's Kazeshini), a giant axe (Kenpachi Zaraki's Nozarashi), a spear (Ikkaku Madarame's Hōzukimaru), a sickle (Yumichika Ayasegawa's Ruri'iro Kujaku as Fuji Kujaku), a scalpel (Hanatarō Yamada's Hisagomaru), and a khyber knife or trench knife (Ichigo Kurosaki's Zangetsu), and a combat knife (Tachikaze).

• Examples of non-bladed Shikai forms are: a finger-mounted stinger (Suì-Fēng's Suzumebachi), a flail (Marechiyo Ōmaeda's Gegetsuburi), a whip (Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi's Kinshara), and a kanabō (Love Aikawa's Tengumaru).

• Retsu Unohana's Minazuki is one of the most extreme Shikai transformations seen, since it transforms the sword into giant, flying manta ray-like creature that is under Unohana's control.

However, there are cases where a Zanpakutō's Shikai does not alter the shape or size of the Zanpakutō at all, while still giving the sword special powers (usually Kidō-types). Examples include Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's Ryūjin Jakka, Sōsuke Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu, Kaname Tōsen's Suzumushi, Sajin Komamura's Tenken, and Isshin Kurosaki's Engetsu.

Bankai

Bankai (卍解, Final Release) is the second and final upgraded form of a Zanpakutō. Prior to Ichibē Hyōsube giving this form its name, it was known as a Shin'uchi (真打, True Strike), and when a Shinigami achieved it, they would possess an Evolved Zanpakutō (進化した斬魄刀, Shinkashita Zanpakutō). To achieve Bankai, one must be able to materialize and subjugate their Zanpakutō spirit. Materialization (具象化, Gushōka; Viz "Exteriorization") means the opposite of getting dragged into the Zanpakutō's inner world: the wielder needs to summon the Zanpakutō's spirit into the physical world. It usually takes 10 years or more to achieve, plus the experience needed to master it. Despite the Zanpakutō Spirit being subjugated for their Shinigami to learn Bankai, the Zanpakutō also becomes stronger and learns Bankai at precisely the moment their Shinigami learns it. Even though Bankai is the final stage of a Zanpakutō, it does not mean the Shinigami's growth ends there. A Bankai, especially one recently obtained, can evolve even further as its Shinigami gets stronger. Furthermore, obtaining Bankai allows a Shinigami to release their Shikai without calling its name, although some Shinigami still choose to release their Shikai by calling its name.

The power and forms of Shikai and Bankai are dependent on the Zanpakutō and vary according to the wielder's strength and training, but the power of a Zanpakutō's Bankai is generally 5 to 10 times greater than that of its Shikai. As such, a Shinigami wielding a Shikai usually cannot hope to contend with, let alone win against one wielding a Bankai. However, if the difference in power, skill and experience between the two is great enough, the more experienced one can block and at least temporarily incapacitate their opponent's Bankai with just Shikai or even Kidō, especially if their opponent has only recently achieved Bankai and lacks proper control over it. Only the strongest Shinigami can use Bankai, and it is the ultimate technique of a Zanpakutō. Even the four Noble Houses, whose members are always exceptionally talented, only have one member capable of Bankai every few generations. Those who achieve Bankai always have remarkable roles in the history of Soul Society.

Ichigo Kurosaki and Kisuke Urahara are the only known individuals who have attained Bankai through a far shorter, yet much more dangerous method. Using a special device created by Kisuke known as a Tenshintai, which forcibly materializes a Zanpakutō Spirit (thus bypassing a large portion of the training), they attained their Bankai within three days instead of the normal ten or more years. After successfully testing the device and achieving Bankai, Kisuke stated training by using this method for more than three consecutive days could prove to be fatal, which is why Ichigo was forced to achieve his own Bankai within three days.

As stated above, even if Bankai is the ultimate technique of a Zanpakutō, it can still evolve further, especially one obtained recently, like Ichigo Kurosaki's Tensa Zangetsu. Tōshirō Hitsugaya's Daiguren Hyōrinmaru is another example; despite the immense power Daiguren Hyōrinmaru's original form affords Hitsugaya, which allowed him to defeat and trap Tier Harribel, the Tres Espada in Sōsuke Aizen's Arrancar army (even while injured), Shawlong Koufang noted that it still had room to grow due to Hitsugaya's young age compared to other Shinigami. However, Hitsugaya trained endlessly following Aizen's defeat, completing his Bankai after eighteen months of hard work. Once Daiguren Hyōrinmaru reached its full potential, Hitsugaya's completed Bankai allowed him to not only freeze physical objects and beings, but also concepts and powers; as such, anything he freezes with his ice will lose all its powers.

Sometimes, Shinigami may not gain access to their real Bankai from the start due the Zanpakutō Spirit either suppressing most of their true power, as was the case for Ichigo Kurosaki with the original form of Tensa Zangetsu, or giving them a false name for the Bankai, as was the case for Renji Abarai with Hihiō Zabimaru. Despite these Bankai being weaker versions of what they should be, they are still powerful enough to be recognized as Bankai and can still be used against fully realized Bankai; Byakuya Kuchiki, who was the first person to fight both Renji and Ichigo's newly-achieved Bankai, stated that Hihiō Zabimaru was worthy of being called a Bankai, and, despite not believing Ichigo's original Tensa Zangetsu was a Bankai due to its simple katana form, he recognized it as such when he realized it compressed Ichigo's extraordinary power to greatly increase his speed (amongst other powers). Nevertheless, once the wielder demonstrates their power or resolve to their Zanpakutō Spirit, it will allow them access to their Bankai's full potential.

In addition to a Bankai continuing to grow in power with its wielder, acquiring a new kind of power (especially one that enhances all of the Shinigami's other powers) will supplement the Bankai's own power. After defeating his inner Hollow and training with the Visored, Ichigo Kurosaki used his Hollowfication in combination with his Bankai to fight at the level of and win against several opponents. Indeed, according to both Sōsuke Aizen and Kisuke Urahara, Hollowfication allows the Shinigami to exceed the limits of their power by breaking the boundary between the Hollow and Shinigami souls. During the Quincy Blood War, when Urahara learned that Hollows are poisonous to Quincy, he created the Shin'eiyaku, which introduces a small portion of Hollow spiritual power into Shinigami souls, causing the Bankai stolen by the Quincy with a Medallion to become Hollowfied. The newly Hollowfied Bankai (ホロウ化した卍解, Horōka shita Bankai) then gradually return to their wielders while harming or weakening the Quincy who stole them. This temporary Hollowfication also slightly altered the appearance of some Bankai while in effect, such as Daiguren Hyōrinmaru. After having his Bankai stolen by Bambietta Basterbine, Sajin Komamura learned the Humanization Technique (which made him temporarily immortal) from the elder of the Wolfman Clan to become stronger to face the invading Wandenreich. Later, he also received a Shin'eiyaku to regain Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, which in turn also synchronized with the Humanization Technicque and became Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō: Dangai Jōe, becoming as invulnerable as its wielder. With Dangai Jōe, Komamura was easily able to defeat Bambietta even with her Schrift, The Explode, and Quincy: Vollständig activated. Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who regularily modifies both himself and his Zanpakutō, is the only individual to display a Modified Bankai (改造卍解, 'Kaizō Bankai'). With this, Mayuri can utilize a unique variant of his normal Bankai that adapts to the battle/situation upon activation.

Drawbacks

• Training Requirement: The biggest flaw of Bankai lies in the overwhelming power it releases. Its power and form are often far beyond those of a normal weapon, which is why one needs to train at least 10 years with Bankai in order for one to become capable of using it completely and effectively. No Bankai should be used in battle before this period of time has been reached. Otherwise, the wielder risks to loose control over their Bankai or, worse, becoming injured by their own Bankai's power.

• Breaking & Fixing: While a broken Shikai will eventually regenerate, a broken Bankai can never be returned to its former state. Ikkaku Madarame's Ryūmon Hōzukimaru became drastically weaker even after being restored by Akon, and Renji Abarai's original Bankai, Hihiō Zabimaru, had permanently lost some of its joints during his battle with Byakuya Kuchiki. The only known exceptions to this are the Bankai of Sajin Komamura, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi:

• Komamura and Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō share a bond so strong that when one is injured, the other reflects the damage, but likewise the Bankai is healed when Komamura is healed.
• Daiguren Hyōrinmaru can regenerate itself as long as there is still water in the air.
• Due to his modification expertise, Mayuri can remodel Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō whenever it is broken, though he insists it has never been "properly" fixed.

The only known way to truly fix a Bankai is to have it reforged by the creator of the Zanpakutō, Ōetsu Nimaiya. Orihime Inoue's Sōten Kisshun also possesses the capacity to reject the damage inflicted upon a broken Bankai, thus repairing it.

Witholding Power: A Bankai's form and strength is determinant on how much the spirit recognizes its wielder. If the Zanpakutō does not fully recognize its wielder, then it may not give its Bankai's true name. The result is the Bankai not being in its true form and therefore weaker.

• Possible Sign of Death: A Bankai normally only disappears with its user's permission. However, if a Bankai disappears without the permission of its user, it could mean that the user will soon die if not treated immediately.

• Energy Requirement: A Shinigami needs to exert a certain amount of Reiatsu in order to maintain their Bankai. If they are somehow drained of their Reiatsu, they will be unable to maintain or reactivate their Bankai until they recover. According to Shawlong Koufang, Bankai requires an enormous amount of Reiryoku to use, making it difficult for even captains of the Gotei 13 to maintain during long battles.

Resurrección

Resurrección (帰刃 (レスレクシオン), Resurekushion; Spanish for "Resurrection", Japanese for "Returning Blade") returns the essence of an Arrancar's offensive Hollow abilities— sealed within their swords— to their humanoid bodies; hence, the Zanpakutō wielded by Arrancars fundamentally differ from those of Shinigami, with an Arrancar's Resurrección being considered the equivalent of a Shinigami's Bankai.

Zanpakutō Types

A Shinigami's Zanpakutō can be grouped into different types (系, kei) according to the abilities they hold, with the most major distinction being between Melee-type and Kidō-type Zanpakutō. It should be noted that some Zanpakutō may be difficult to fit neatly into just one of those two categories due to a degree of overlap, or may be difficult to assign to either category altogether without concrete verification.

• Melee-type (直接攻撃系, Chokusetsu Kōgeki-kei; Direct Attack-type) Zanpakutō are geared towards physical (often close-ranged) combat and lack the special properties that Kidō types possess, making Melee types easier to predict and, usually, less versatile. Instead, they are endowed with straightforward abilities that involve heightening the wielder's physical abilities and/or changing the Zanpakutō's shape in some way to facilitate stronger attacks; hence, they may also be called Power types (パワー型 (タイプ), Pawā taipu). Examples of Melee types are Renji Abarai's Zabimaru, Ikkaku Madarame's Hōzukimaru, Kenpachi Zaraki's Nozarashi, and Ichigo Kurosaki's Zangetsu. Some Melee-types may involve unique manipulations of the wielder's Reiatsu, which may indicate a degree of overlap with the Kidō category (though importantly, the Reiatsu itself retains its innate properties rather than being converted into something else).
  • Some Zanpakutō are of the Projectile (飛び道具, Tobidōgu) variety, meaning that, upon entering Shikai, they can move about independently and attack from a distance; the trade-off is that the Zanpakutō's deployment at range makes its wielder vulnerable to close-range assault. An example of such a Zanpakutō is Jirōbō Ikkanzaka's Tsunzakigarasu, which, in Shikai, breaks up into fragments that flitter through the air.

• Kidō-type (鬼道系, Kidō-kei; lit. "Demon Way-type") Zanpakutō are the most commonly seen and, as the term suggests, are designed to channel special, often energy-based abilities. Usually, these Zanpakutō do not drastically change shape, as the focus is on attacking the enemy with a special power that functions independently from the weapon itself and/or is projected outwards. Frequently, the Kidō powers come in the form of elements (like fire or ice), allowing the wielder to convert their Reiryoku into an element and release it from their sword; however, a Zanpakutō cannot possess elemental abilities of more than one element. Other examples of Kidō-type Zanpakutō are ones that control the senses or ones that transform into (or spawn) living creatures. Apart from the basic distinction between elemental and non-elemental Kidō types, several sub-types can be noted; those that have been explicitly named are as follows:
  • Ice-types (氷雪系, Hyōsetsu-kei; Ice-and-Snow types): Zanpakutō that involve manipulating the element of ice (and by extension water). The strongest Ice-type Zanpakutō in Soul Society is Tōshirō Hitsugaya's Hyōrinmaru. Rukia Kuchiki's Sode no Shirayuki is an example of a Zanpakutō that, rather than ice itself, manipulates pure cold.
  • Fire-types (焱熱系, Ennetsu-kei; Flame-and-Heat types): Zanpakutō that involve manipulating the element of fire. The most prominent example is Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's Ryūjin Jakka, which is known as the strongest and oldest Fire-type Zanpakutō, being said to have greater offensive power than any other Zanpakutō.
  • Water-types (流水系, Ryūsui-kei; Flowing Water types): Zanpakutō that involve the manipulation of liquid water to attack the enemy. Sōsuke Aizen lied about his Kyōka Suigetsu belonging to this type (its power supposedly entailing diffuse reflections in fog and water currents to confuse the senses); however, this was a ruse meant to hide his sword's true power. An example of a true Water-type Zanpakutō is Kaien Shiba's Nejibana.

Other types (not defined by the Zanpakutō's abilities) are:

• Constant Release types (常時解放型, Jōji Kaihō-gata): Zanpakutō that are supposedly always in Shikai because of the immensity of the wielders' spiritual power and their lack of control over it. However, upon seeing Kenpachi Zaraki's fully realized Shikai, Nozarashi, for the first time, Byakuya Kuchiki called into question whether this type of Zanpakutō truly exists. Currently, only a single case of such a Zanpakutō is known: Ichigo's Zangetsu.
• Dual-types (二刀一対, Nitō Ittsui; Two-Sword Pairs): Generally, members of the Gotei 13 are issued (and can feasably wield) a single Zanpakutō only, so even if they use Shikai or Bankai, the count of blades does not increase. However, in extremely rare cases, two swords make up a single Zanpakutō and are referred to as dual-types. Originally, it was believed that Shunsui Kyōraku's Katen Kyōkotsu and Jūshirō Ukitake's Sōgyo no Kotowari were the only existing Zanpakutō of this type in all of Soul Society. Later on, Shūhei Hisagi's Kazeshini is revealed to take on the form of twin scythes (albeit connected by a chain), and Ichigo's Zangetsu becomes two blades after being reforged, one embodying his inner Hollow and the other his Quincy powers.

Below is a comprehensive list of known Zanpakutō wielded by Shinigami, grouped according to their type (with some types conjecturally named).

Melee Types

Misc. Melee-Type Zanpakutō (Designed for armed/bladed melee combat rather than special Kidō-based abilities)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Zangetsu (斬月, Slaying Moon)	Ichigo Kurosaki	None	Tensa Zangetsu (天鎖斬月, Heaven Chain Slaying Moon)
Nozarashi (野晒, Weather-Beaten One)	Kenpachi Zaraki	Drink	Unnamed
Zabimaru (蛇尾丸, Snake Tail)	Renji Abarai	Howl	Sōō Zabimaru (双王蛇尾丸, Twin Kings Snake Tail)
Hōzukimaru (鬼灯丸, Demon Light)	Ikkaku Madarame	Grow/Split Apart	Ryūmon Hōzukimaru (龍紋鬼灯丸, Dragon Crest Demon Light)
Kazeshini (風死, Wind of Death)	Shūhei Hisagi	Reap	Not Revealed
Gegetsuburi (五形頭, Five-Formed Head)	Marechiyo Ōmaeda	Crush	Not Yet Achieved
Sanpo Kenjū (三步剣獣, Three-Step Sword Beasts)	Yachiru Kusajishi	Unknown	Not Yet Achieved
Shinsō (神鎗, God Spear)	Gin Ichimaru	Shoot To Kill	Kamishini no Yari (神殺鎗, God-Killing Spear)

Projectile-Type Zanpakutō (When released separate into many airborne blades that the owner can control freely)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Tsunzakigarasu (劈烏, Splitting Crow)	Jirōbō Ikkanzaka	Flap Away	Not Achieved

Kidō Types

Misc. Kidō-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to channel a special ability rather than enhance close-range combat potential)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Ruri'iro Kujaku (瑠璃色孔雀, Azure Peacock)	Yumichika Ayasegawa	Bloom/Split and Deviate	Not Yet Achieved
Benihime (紅姫, Crimson Princess)	Kisuke Urahara	Awaken	Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame (観音開紅姫改メ, Modification of the Crimson Princess' Dissection at the Doors of Avalokiteśvara)
Suzumushi (清虫, Cricket)	Kaname Tōsen	Cry	Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi (清虫終式閻魔蟋蟀, Cricket Final Form: Yama Cricket)
Hisagomaru (瓠丸, Gourd)	Hanatarō Yamada	Fulfill	Not Yet Achieved
Katen Kyōkotsu (花天狂骨, Bones of Heavenly Blooming Madness)	Shunsui Kyōraku	The Flowery Winds Become Disturbed, The God Of Flowers Sings, The Heavenly Winds Become Disturbed, The Devil Of Heaven Sneers.	Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū (花天狂骨枯松心中, Bones of Heavenly Blooming Madness: Withered Pine Lovers' Suicide):
Sōgyo no Kotowari (双魚理, Truth of Pisces)	Jūshirō Ukitake	All Ye Waves, Become My Shield. All Ye Thunder, Become My Blade	Not Revealed
Wabisuke (侘助, The Wretched One)	Izuru Kira	Raise Your Head	Not Yet Achieved
Shigarami (刺絡, Piercing Entanglement)	Senjumaru Shutara	Unknown	Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami no Tsuji (娑闥迦羅骸刺絡辻, Crossing of Sahā's Gate, Kāla's Corpse and Piercing Entanglements)

Poison-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate and administer poison as a form of attack)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Ashisogi Jizō (疋殺地蔵, Leg-Cutting Jizō)	Mayuri Kurotsuchi	Rip	Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō (金色疋殺地蔵, Golden Leg-Cutting Jizō)

Illusion-Type Zanpakutō (Designed around the ability to generate and manipulate perceptions via illusions)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Kyōka Suigetsu (鏡花水月, Mirror Flower, Water Moon)	Sōsuke Aizen	Shatter	Not Revealed
Sakanade (逆撫, Counter Stroke)	Shinji Hirako	Collapse	Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari (逆様邪八宝塞, Reversed Evil Eight Treasure Blockade)
Kinshara (金沙羅, Golden Sal Tree)	Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi	Play	Kinshara Butōdan (金沙羅舞踏団, Golden Sal Tree Dancing Troupe)

Living-Type Zanpakutō (Designed around the ability to generate living creatures that obey the wielder)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Tenken (天譴, Heavenly Punishment)	Sajin Komamura	Roar	Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō (黒縄天譴明王, Vidyaraja of Kalasutra's Heavenly Punishment)
Minazuki (肉雫唼, Flesh-Drops' Gorge)	Retsu Unohana	Unknown	Minazuki (皆尽, All Things' End)
Unknown	Atau Rindō	Give Birth	Not Yet Achieved

Elemental Kidō Types

Fire-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate fire and manipulate fire for various forms of attack or defense)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Ryūjin Jakka (流刃若火, Flowing Blade-Like Flame)	Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto	Reduce All Creation to Ash	Zanka no Tachi (残火の太刀, Longsword of the Remnant Flame)
Tengumaru (天狗丸, Long-Nosed Goblin)	Love Aikawa	Crush Down	Not Revealed
Tobiume (飛梅, Flying Plum Tree)	Momo Hinamori	Snap	Not Yet Achieved
Engetsu (剡月, Scathing Moon)	Isshin Kurosaki	Burn	Not Revealed

Ice-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate water and manipulate it into ice (and related effects) for various forms of attack or defense)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Hyōrinmaru (氷輪丸, Ice Ring)	Tōshirō Hitsugaya	Sit Upon the Frozen Heavens	Daiguren Hyōrinmaru (大紅蓮 氷輪丸, Mahāpadma Ice Ring)
Sode no Shirayuki (袖白雪, Sleeved White Snow)	Rukia Kuchiki	Dance	Hakka no Togame (白霞罸, Censure of the White Haze)

Earth-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to manipulate the ground for various forms of attack or defense)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Tsuchinamazu (土鯰, Soil Catfish)	Zennosuke Kurumadani	Good Morning	Not Yet Achieved

Wind-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to manipulate wind for various forms of attack or defense)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Tachikaze (断地風, Earth-Severing Wind)	Kensei Muguruma	Blow It Away	Tekken Tachikaze (鐡拳・断風, Iron Fist Earth-Severing Wind)

Water-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate and manipulate water (and related effects) for various forms of attack or defense)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Nejibana (捩花, Spiranthes)	Kaien Shiba	Watery Heaven, Surge	Not Achieved

Lightning-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate and manipulate lightning for various forms of effects)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Gonryōmaru (厳霊丸, Stern Spirit)	Chōjirō Sasakibe	Bite	Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū (黄煌厳霊離宮, Yellow-Glittering Royal Villa of the Stern Spirit)

Darkness-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate and manipulate darkness for various forms of effects)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Ichimonji (一文字, Straight Line)	Ichibē Hyōsube	Blacken	Shirafude Ichimonji (しら筆 一文字, White Brush Straight Line)

Unclassified Types

Unclassified Types (These are Zanpakutō which cannot have their type readily verified)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Senbonzakura (千本桜, Thousand Cherry Blossoms)	Byakuya Kuchiki	Scatter	Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (千本桜景厳, Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms)
Suzumebachi (雀蜂, Hornet)	Suì-Fēng	Sting All Enemies To Death	Jakuhō Raikōben (雀蜂雷公鞭, Hornet Thunder Whip)
Haineko (灰猫, Ash Cat)	Rangiku Matsumoto	Growl	Not Yet Achieved
Itegumo (凍雲, Frozen Cloud)	Isane Kotetsu	Run	Not Revealed
Unknown	Tetsuzaemon Iba	Unknown	Not Revealed
Kubikiri Orochi (馘大蛇, Beheading Serpent)	Hiyori Sarugaki	Chop Cleanly	Not Yet Achieved
Haguro Tonbo (鉄漿蜻蛉, Iron Drink Dragonfly)	Lisa Yadōmaru	Smash	Not Revealed
Hōzan (崩山, Avalanche)	Tatsufusa Enjōji	Dance Madly	Not Yet Achieved
Katakage (片陰, One-Sided Shadow)	Asuka Katakura	Drown Out	Not Achieved
Shunjin (春塵, Spring Dust)	Rikū Togakushi	Coil Upward	Not Achieved
Mogaribue (虎落笛, Tiger-Fall Flute)	Taketsuna Gori	Sound with a Blow	Not Achieved
Kinpika (金毘迦, Gilded Splendor)	Tenjirō Kirinji	Flash from Illuminating Heavens	Not Revealed
Sayafushi (鞘伏, Sheath Cover)	Ōetsu Nimaiya	Unknown	Not Revealed

Appearances In Other Media

Melee Types

Melee-Type Zanpakutō (Designed for armed/bladed melee combat rather than special Kidō-based abilities)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Reppū (烈風, Gale)	Makoto Kibune	Rage Violently	Not Achieved

Kidō Types

Misc. Kidō-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to channel a special ability rather than enhance close-range combat potential)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Ryūjōmaru (竜条丸, Dragon Brander)	Fujimaru Kudō	Flash	Kokyū Ryūjōmaru (虎糾竜条丸, Tiger-Seeking Dragon Brander)
Kotōmaru (虎淘丸, Tiger Culler)	Matsuri Kudō	Swath	Ryūkyū Kotōmaru (竜糾虎淘丸, Dragon-Seeking Tiger Culler)
Ikomikidomoe (已己巳己巴)	N/A	Orbit the stars, Ikomikidomoe! Jot down their funeral, Ikomikidomoe! Hatch out and be ruined, Ikomikidomoe!	Ikomikidomoe Hōraku Hakkei (已己巳己巴 鳳落八景, Ikomikidomoe Eight Picturesque Sights of the Fenghuang's Fall; Viz "Ikomikidomoe, Eight Views of the Fall of the Phoenix.")
Enrakyōten (艶羅鏡典, Law of the Bewitching Lucid Mirror)	Tsunayashiro Clan	Sip from the four seas, the heavenly shores entwine. Equally duplicate ten thousands, and sharpen	N/A
Sumitsukigasa (墨月暈, Ink Moon Halo)	Ōko Yushima	Seethe	Not Achieved
Raikū (來空, Coming Void)	Kagerōza Inaba	Go Mad	Not Achieved
Arazome Shigure (退紅時雨, Faded Scarlet Late Autumn Shower)	Nozomi Kujō	Rain Without End	Not Achieved
N/A	Sōya Azashiro	N/A	Urozakuro (雨露柘榴, Rain and Dew Pomegranate)

Defense-Type Zanpakutō (Designed around an defensive power, with little or no offensive potential)
Name	Sealed Form	Release Command	Bankai Name
Daichimaru (大地丸, The Land)	Rusaburō Enkōgawa	Rock	Not Yet Achieved

Illusion-Type Zanpakutō (Designed around the ability to generate and manipulate perceptions via illusions)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Muramasa (村正, Village-Just)	Kōga Kuchiki	Whisper	Mukōjōchū Muramasa (無鉤条誅村正, Nil-Stinger Streaked-Death Penalty Village-Just)

Living-Type Zanpakutō (Designed around the ability to generate living creatures that obey the wielder)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Gagaku Kairō (餓樂廻廊, Corridor of Hungering Music)	Kenpachi Kuruyashiki	Massacre the auspicious omens and come into being; respect the darkness as you become decrepit with age (瑞祥屠りて生まれ出で　暗翳尊び老いさらばえよ, Zuishō hofurite umareide, an'ei tattobi oisarabae yo)	Gagaku Kairō (餓樂廻廊, Corridor of Hungering Music)

Elemental Kidō Types

Wind-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to manipulate wind for various forms of attack or defense)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Mirokumaru (弥勒丸, Maitreya Circle)	Senna	Call forth the Twilight	Not Achieved

Lightning-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate and manipulate lightning for various forms of effects)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Shiden (紫電, Violet Lightning)	Seigen Suzunami	Strike Down	Not Revealed

Fire-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate fire and manipulate fire for various forms of attack or defense)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Raika (雷火, Lightning Flash)	Shūsuke Amagai	Sever	Raika Gōen Kaku (雷火・業炎殻, Lightning Flash: Karmic Flame Shell)

Plant-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate and manipulate plant(s) for various forms of attack or defense)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Benishidare (紅枝垂, Crimson Weeping Bough)	Ryūsei Kenzaki	Bloom Madly	Not Yet Achieved

Light-Type Zanpakutō (Designed to generate and manipulate light for various forms of effects.)
Name	Owner	Release Command	Bankai Name
Nijigasumi (虹霞, Rainbow Mist)	Maki Ichinose	Flicker with Splendor	Not Achieved

Bankai Only

Non-Canon Releases (Canon Zanpakutō Bankai forms that have only been displayed in non-canonical material)
Shinigami	Bankai Name	Type
Shūhei Hisagi	Fushi no Kōjō (風死絞縄, Wind of Death Hangman's Noose)	Kidō-type

Beyond Bankai

Bleach: Brave Souls features alternate-universe versions of the Gotei 13 captains who have attained a power beyond Bankai, effectively fusing themselves with their own Zanpakutō in the process and dramatically altering their physical appearances in ways corresponding to their unique abilities.

Beyond Bankai Forms
Captain	Special Technique	Appearance
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto	Yōkō no Sōkotsu (溶劫の双骨, Twin/Double Bones of Melting Kalpa)
Yoruichi Shihōin	Tenshi no Mai (天賜の舞, Dance of the Heavenly Granted)
Suì-Fēng	Suiran Jakusetsu (遂乱螫殺, Finishing Chaos of Deadly/Killing Stings)
Gin Ichimaru	Kodoku no Tanga (狐毒の綻牙, Rent Fang of Vulpine Venom)
Retsu Unohana	Jihinaru Gokusaishiki (慈悲なる極彩色, Merciful Splendor)
Sōsuke Aizen	Mugen Hōka (夢幻崩華, Illusion-Shattering Flower)
Shinji Hirako	Sakaemadowashi Senkōhō (逆廻惑閃光砲, Reversed Puzzling Flash Cannon)
Byakuya Kuchiki	Bōkei: Kyōgahakuteiken (望景・矜雅白帝剣, Hopescape: White Imperial Sword of Graceful Pride)
Sajin Komamura	Gi no Issaizan (義の一切斬, Righteous Strike)
Shunsui Kyōraku	Kagome Kagome (囲召籠目, Encircling Woven-Bamboo Pattern)
Kaname Tōsen	Onkyōkurin (怨響九臨, Rings of Vengeance)
Tōshirō Hitsugaya	Ryōran Hyōrenge (繚乱氷蓮華, Profusion of Icy Lotus Blossoms)
Kenpachi Zaraki	Nitō Shinzui (二刀心髄, Twin Blade Apotheosis)
Kisuke Urahara	Karakuri Benihime Kaikuguri (絡繰紅姫掻い潜り, Karakuri Crimson Princess Scrambling)
Mayuri Kurotsuchi	Konjiki Yayajarashi (金色稚戯らし, Golden Child's Tease)
Jūshirō Ukitake	Sōkoku no Awase (双黒戮, Twin Blackness Joined to Kill)

Trivia

• Ryōgo Narita's novel Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You introduces the following ideas:
  • Retsu Unohana's Minazuki and Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's Gagaku Kairō are designated as so-called living-type (生物系, seibutsu-kei; living creature-type) Zanpakutō.
  • Sōya Azashiro's Zanpakutō is introduced as one that always exists in its Bankai state, Urozakuro, with its Shikai being entirely reliant on the Bankai being used first.
• In Ryōgo Narita's novel Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, it is further elaborated that no dual-type Zanpakutō occurs naturally:
  • Katen Kyōkotsu exists in a dual-type state even when sealed because the original spirit split herself in two so the other half could store Shinken Hakkyōken.
  • Mimihagi's presence influenced Sōgyo no Kotowari to manifest as two blades instead of one.
  • The true essence of Kazeshini is in its chain, rather than the two scythes; Kazeshini specifically took on the dual-scythe form because he knew Hisagi would dislike its shape.
    • Kazeshini is actually classified as a Kidō-type Zanpakutō here due to having said abilities, instead of a Melee-type in the original manga and anime.
  • In the anime, one of the Shinigami sent by the Sixth Division's elites to attack Kōga Kuchiki was wielding dual-bladed Zanpakutō.
• In the anime, Kōga Kuchiki's Muramasa is designated as an illusion-type (幻覚系, Genkaku-kei) Zanpakutō.
• In Bleach: Blade Battlers, where the possibility of swapping Zanpakutō amongst various users exists, the kaigo/release commands tend to undergo some unique changes depending on the user. The most important aspect is that the command remains the same, but can be altered via through the current user's speech pattern:
  • One notable example is when Ichigo Kurosaki is using Byakuya Kuchiki's Zanpakutō (via using his Bankai), he speaks out the original command "scatter" (散れ, chire) instead as "go 'n' scatter" (散りやがれ, chiri yagare) via loosely-informal speech.
  • Also in the same game, when Gin Ichimaru uses Renji Abarai's Zabimaru, in his Kyōto dialect, "howl" (咆えろ, hoero) becomes "do be howlin'" (咆えなはれ, hoe na hare), while also referring to Zabimaru as "Zabimaru-han" (蛇尾丸はん, Mr. Snake Tail).

Klub Outside Trivia

According to Q&A #171 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", older Zanpakutō (for example, Katen Kyōkotsu) more often tend to have longer release commands than younger Zanpakutō (for example, Sode no Shirayuki). According to Q&A #238 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", if a Zanpakutō is inherited from a deceased Shinigami (such as the Zanpakutō of Kaname Tōsen and Kenpachi Zaraki), its name and powers will either be overwritten, or it will become an amalgamation of the two Shinigami's natural Zanpakutō. According to Q&A #277 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", all Zanpakutō consist of two separate parts, the blade and the scabbard; Sayafushi and Zangetsu are the only two Zanpakutō without a scabbard. After it was reforged, Zangetsu, now being a dual-type Zanpakutō, was made up of "the blade" and "the scabbard," fixing it to its "correct form". The Bankai then fuses the two blades, giving Tensa Zangetsu the appearance of a single, sheathed blade. As of NO BREATHES FROM HELL, Zangetsu is seen without the "scabbard" once again, but Kubo said Ichigo could summon it back if he so chose. According to Q&A #350 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", while Shinigami that have achieved Bankai can activate their Shikai without saying their Zanpakutō name, it is still possible for non-Bankai users to activate their Shikai without saying the release command if they are skilled enough to do so, and even then it might mean the Shikai will not be at full power. According to Q&A #402 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", while no two Shinigami can have a Zanpakutō with the same name in any given era, it is possible for Zanpakutō to share a name with another Zanpakutō from the distant past. According to Q&A #472 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", Zanpakutō can share similarities between Shinigami with a blood connection, as evidenced with Ichigo's Zangetsu and Isshin's Engetsu having similar names and sharing the Getsuga Tenshō ability. According to Q&A #495 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", when a Shinigami retires from the Gotei 13 for any reason, their Zanpakutō is stored for a certain time until it is returned to Ōetsu Nimaiya and reforged into a new Asauchi. According to Q&A #522 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", when Nimaiya first invented the Asauchi, he had no idea that the Asauchi could evolve depending on the wielder; it is only after this discovery that Ichibē Hyōsube gave these unique forms the names "Shikai" and "Bankai". According to Q&A #556 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", an Asauchi's blade does not change length during its existence; however, a Shikai form can change over time. According to Q&A #648 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", when asked about how Tōshirō Hitsugaya could still use his Shikai after his Bankai was medalized, yet could not communicate with Hyōrinmaru anymore, Kubo explains that the main difference between Shikai and Bankai is that "Shikai is the state in which the wielder’s power is reflected onto the sword. Bankai is the state in which the ego of the sword that was subsequently born has been developed and manifested." According to Q&A #666 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", Isane Kotetsu's Itegumo is an ice-type Zanpakutō with healing properties. According to Q&A #675 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", Quincy and Fullbringers could also imprint upon an Asauchi if given the chance to. According to Q&A #535 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", when a Hollow becomes an Arrancar, the part of their mask that breaks off becomes their Zanpakutō. According to Q&A #608 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", as opposed to those of Shinigami, an Arrancar's sealed Zanpakutō can change its shape if the owner (and thus their Reiatsu) grows stronger and/or changes in any way. This was shown with Nnoitra Gilga's Zanpakutō, Santa Teresa, changing shape between his position as Espada 8 and Espada 5.