44 'Bleach' Quotes to Transport You into This Anime's Ghostly World

Many of us are afraid of the unknown, which is why the idea of spirits, ghosts, and the afterlife may make us turn the other way. Ichigo Kurosaki, however, faces these mysteries head-on.

One of the most popular anime series to air, "Bleach," is based on a shonen manga comic, "shonen," meaning it is related to the spirit world. The comic and show feature high school student Ichigo Kurosaki as the main character, whose main goal throughout the show and as a Death God is to purify Hollows.

These corrupt spirits called Hollows that have not passed over devour human beings' souls, but once purified, they are sent to "Soul Society," which is the name given to the afterlife.

Kurosaki's ability to interact with spirits began when he was a child when he could already see ghosts. His connection to the afterlife grew when Death God Kuchiki Rukia, attempting to save Kurosaki from a Hollow, had to transmit her powers to him. This transmission effectively turned him into a Death God.

Read the 44 quotes below to learn more about this high schooler who trudges the fine line between the living and the dead.

Ichigo Kurosaki’s quote: "Become strong not just for your own sake, but for your friends." | Image: AmoDays

Quote from the Stubborn and Short-Tempered Ichigo Kurosaki

"You wanted revenge? You're just making other people as miserable as you." — Ichigo Kurosaki

"Whatever she is, it doesn't change the fact that she's here now. She still experiences anger, happiness, and pain." — Ichigo Kurosaki

"I'm not fighting because I want to win; I'm fighting because I have to win." — Ichigo Kurosaki

"Because he attained so much power, he could only be controlled by it. And in the end, maybe his only option was to destroy himself." — Ichigo Kurosaki

"Don't break anyone's heart; they only have one. Break their bones; they have 206." — Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki’s quote: "You wanted revenge? You're just making other people as miserable as you." | Image: AmoDays

"We can't waste time worrying about the what-ifs." — Ichigo Kurosaki

"Become strong not just for your own sake, but for your friends." — Ichigo Kurosaki

"If I'm protecting someone, I won't let her die, and if I'm attacking, I'll cut you." — Ichigo Kurosaki

"You know why big brothers are born first? To protect the little ones that come after them." — Ichigo Kurosaki

"It's meaningless to just live, and it's meaningless to just fight. I want to win." — Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki’s quote: "We can't waste time worrying about the what-ifs." | Image: AmoDays

"I'm not Superman, so I can't say anything big like 'I'll protect everyone on Earth!' I'm not a modest guy who will say, 'It's enough if I can protect as many people as my two hands can handle,' either. I want to protect… a mountain-load of people." — Ichigo Kurosaki

Quotes from the Aloof Rukia Kuchiki

"We are taught never to shed tears. For to shed tears means that the body has been defeated by emotion. And to us, this simple act of crying proves, without question, that the existence of emotion is nothing but a burden." — Rukia Kuchiki

"We stand in awe before that which can not be seen... And we respect, with every fiber, that which can not be explained." — Rukia Kuchiki

"Hit a nerve, did I? Well, don't worry, Mr. Officer. Now you have the rank, and the pompous attitude, and weird eyebrows to go with it!" — Rukia Kuchiki

"Revolving... If fate is a wheel, we are the cogs that drive it. We have no choice but to believe that this wheel is flawless and forge on ahead. The power of the individual cogs and their destinations... And the blade that is brought down upon them." — Rukia Kuchiki

Rukia Kuchiki’s quote: "Even if no one believes in you, stick out your best and scream your defiance!" | Image: AmoDays

"People are able to hold onto hope since death is that which cannot be seen." — Rukia Kuchiki

"If history repeats itself and moves in a circular path, then believing that whatever force is turning it is perfect is all we can do as we move ahead. Pushed along by forces beyond our control, waiting, for the blade to be swung." — Rukia Kuchiki

"Love, companionship, friendship… it's nothing but trouble." — Rukia Kuchiki

"It's been a while! Or something like that..." — Rukia Kuchiki

"Even if no one believes in you, stick out your best and scream your defiance!" — Rukia Kuchiki

Rukia Kuchiki’s quote: "People are able to hold onto hope since death is that which cannot be seen." | Image: AmoDays

"Those who are left behind in a fight don't lack power. They lack resolve." — Rukia Kuchiki

"I know the loneliness of being a prisoner. I know the joy you feel when your friends come to rescue you and the fear of them being injured and defeated." — Rukia Kuchiki

Some Extra Quotes from Characters Who Dabble with the Afterlife

"Fear is necessary for evolution. The fear that could be destroyed at any moment." — Aizen Sosuke

"War is not heroic. War is not exhilarating. War is full of despair. It's dark. It's dreadful. It's a thing of sorrow and gloom." — Izuru Kira

"Do we really have to fight, Yama-jii?" — Shunsui Kyoraku

Shunsui Kyouraku’s quote: "Change is inevitable. Instead of resisting it, you're better served simply going with the flow." | Image: AmoDays

"As long as someone's still breathing, The fight isn't over." — Kenpachi Zaraki

"Why so cold, Nanao-chan?" — Shunsui Kyoraku

"Ichigo…I know this is shameful, but I'm begging you — Rukia… Please save Rukia!!" — Renji Abarai

"Worrying about a warrior's life on the battlefield is only an insult." — Renji Abarai

"Are you afraid? You don't want to die, do you? Not just Abarai, if anyone… acts upon the thought of not wanting you to die, you will suddenly begin to fear your impending death, right?" — Ichimaru Gin

Ichimaru Gin’s quote: "It's easier to crush a dream than realize one. Forming a bond is infinitely more difficult than breaking one." | Image: AmoDays

"Change is inevitable. Instead of resisting it, you're better served simply going with the flow." — Shunsui Kyouraku

"If you ask anyone to name a universal rule that governs animals and humans alike, I bet you most people would answer 'survival of the fittest.' There are strong people, and there are weak people. At a glance, it looks like the difference is pretty clear-cut. But the truth is, there's a lot more to it than just a simple battle of 'strong' against 'weak'; of kill or be killed. You must understand what I'm talking about, too, right? The true meaning of 'survival of the fittest' isn't as simple as all that." — Riruka Dokugamine

"Battles aren't supposed to be heroic affairs. They are not supposed to be fun or exciting; to us, every battle is filled with despair; they are dark, horrifying, and grizzly. We should fear warfare, avoid it always, and whenever possible, choose the path of peace." — Izuru Kira

"I placed this blade of grass in my mouth, thinking I'd look cool. But it must be poison 'cause ith making ma mouth numb." — Shunsui Kyoraku

"There are two kinds of fights. As long as we place ourselves in battle, we must always know the difference, a fight to defend life or a fight to defend pride." — Jushiro Ukitake

Renji Abarai’s quote: "Worrying about a warrior's life on the battlefield is only an insult." | Image: AmoDays

"A man who raises his hands on a woman is trash." — Renji Abarai

"There isn't even water! Huh? Then how'd we have tea earlier?” — Ichimaru Gin

"Flowers are disturbed, god of flowers weeps, winds of Heaven are disturbed, demon of Heaven laughs. Katen Kyōkotsu!” — Shunsui Kyoraku

"Honor will not protect the world. I do not believe that using evil to defeat evil is itself an evil act." — Shunsui Kyoraku

Shunsui Kyoraku’s quote: "Honor will not protect the world. I do not believe that using evil to defeat evil is itself an evil act." | Image: AmoDays

"I thought you were interesting before, but now you're just a creepy kid." — Ichimaru Gin

"It's easier to crush a dream than realize one. Forming a bond is infinitely more difficult than breaking one." — Ichimaru Gin

"Only underlings get caught up in the matter of style and lose the battle. A captain can't afford such indulgences. Don't try to be a good kid. Whether you own somebody or they own you. The moment you start a fight, you are wrong in either way." — Shunsui Kyoraku

"Emotions? Nope, I've got nothing like that. I told you when we first met, didn't I? I'm a snake. With cold skin, no emotions, that slithers around searching for prey with its tongue, swallowing down whatever looks tasty." — Gin Ichimaru

Ichimaru Gin’s quote: "Those who do not know what love is, liken it to beauty. Those who claim to know what love is, liken it to ugliness." | Image: AmoDays

There have been 16 seasons of this award-winning anime show. It's won the Best Male Lead Vocal Performance in an Anime Television Series/OVA award at the 2015 Behind the Voice Actors Awards, among others.

On top of that, and according to an IMDB poll, it's rated among the top 35 animes of the 2000s. This means it's ranked next to other beloved shows such as "Death Note" and "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood."

To read more quotes from another famous anime character, scan these one-liners by Rengoku.