Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki is the hero of Bleach. He is a high school boy from Karakura Town who has always been able to see ghosts. His life changes when a Hollow (an evil, hungry spirit) attacks his family. A Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki is hurt while shielding him. To save everyone, she passes her powers to Ichigo. From then on, he works as a "substitute" Soul Reaper, a stand-in guardian who fights Hollows and guides lost souls to the afterlife.

On the outside, Ichigo seems rough. He frowns a lot, speaks bluntly, and is quick to anger. He says he does not care what others think of him. But the creator of the series has said that under this tough face, Ichigo is warm and caring. He puts other people first, even when that puts him in danger. When he loses an important fight or fails a friend, he blames himself hard. Still, he always gets back up to protect the people he loves.

Family is at the heart of his story. His mother, Masaki, was killed by a Hollow when he was nine years old. He lives with his father, Isshin, and his two younger sisters, Yuzu and Karin. His closest friends, Orihime Inoue, Yasutora "Chad" Sado, and Uryu Ishida, follow him into many battles. His bond with Rukia grows into a deep friendship that shapes the whole series. The shop owner Kisuke Urahara also helps him train and grow stronger.