Shunsui Kyoraku is the Shinigami captain of the 8th Division in Gotei 13. Shunsui's a laid-back and flamboyant man, evident in his style of dress: he wears a straw hat and a pink flowered haori over his captain's uniform. In his off time, he can be seen drinking sake  and napping. Other times, he likes to chase after women, particularly his lieutenant Nanao. Kyoraku is a peace-loving man who will always try to find a nonviolent solution, though he does not wish to insult opponents by refusing to fight. He and his friend Jūshiro Ukitake are two of the oldest captains in the Gotei 13. They both trained under General Yamamoto, who Kyoraku calls Old-man Yama (Yama-ji). Though generally peace-loving he is an adept fighter, able to defeat the Primera Espada using only his shikai and shown in his skill at almost hiding the difference in the speed of his swing between his left and right hands.

Shunsui's zanpakuto is Katen Kyokotsu ("flower-heaven crazy-bone"). His zanpakuto is unique in that it exists as two completely separate swords, being as a daisho sword pair. In Katen Kyokotsu's shikai state, the daisho sword pair transforms into two large swords resembling dao or falchions. When released, Katen Kyokotsu gains the ability to "turn children's games into reality." One such game, Busho Goma (Lazy Spinning Top), involves spinning around wind like a top. Another, Takaoni (Mountain Demon), declares that whomever is the highest is the winner. A third technique, Kageoni (Shadow Demon), forces the players to alter their own shadows; whoever steps on a shadow, even their own, is declared the loser. The last known game is known as Iro-Oni (Colored Demon) and it involves the players calling out a name of a color and then slicing the enemy where that color is displayed. However, if the color is not on the body of the person who called it out then the damage given is minimal; the more that the declared color is prevalent on the declarer's body, the more damage the attack will commit. His bankai is still unknown.

The Katen Kyokotsu Twin Sword Replica set are Carbon Steel blades with two tone colors, black and silver which have an Arabian look. The spine of the blade has the cut-outs imitating the sword which seen in Bleach Manga. The guard and fittings are also made from Carbon Steel while the entire metal parts of this sword has been Electroplated to prevent from rust or weather damage. The handle has been wrapped with red nylon cord for extra grip followed by a red tassel attached to the pommel. The Katen Kyokotsu Twin Sword Replica set comes equipped with two black nylon sheaths with back straps for easy maneuverability

Katen Kyokotsu Twin Sword Replica Feature:
    * Overall Length: 26 inch.
    * Blade Material: Carbon Steel Black and Silver Tone.
    * Fittings Material: Carbon Steel, Electroplated to Prevent Rust and Corrosion.
    * Handle Material: Red Nylon Cord Wrap with Red Tassel Attached.
    * Includes: Two Sword with Black Nylon Sheath

If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

I’m a big fan of Bleach created by Tite Kubo and after watching the second movie release The Diamond Dust Rebellion, I’ve upgraded myself to a die-hard fan. My favourite Shinigami Taicho (Soul Reaper Captain) is Toshiro Hitsugaya of the 10th Division in Gotei 13 whom I am dedicating this post to. If you are not a fan, check it out on the net for both the manga and anime. I guarantee you will be hooked.


Captain Hitsugaya's zanpakutou is Hyourinmaru which literally means “ice ring”. Hyourinmaru’s spirit is a giant winged ice-dragon. In its sealed state, Hyourinmaru looks like a common Japanese katana with a unique tsuba (guard) design similar to a flower with four petals.


To release Hyourinmaru’s shikai state, Hitsugaya recites the phrase "soten ni zase Hyourinmaru" translated as “sit upon the frozen heavens”. In shikai state, Hyourinmaru looks no much different with only an additional crescent blade attached by a long chain to the katana’s hilt.

To release its more powerful bankai state, Hitsugaya commands the phrase "Bankai Daiguren Hyourinmaru" which means “great crimson lotus ice ring”. The katana tsuba (guard) changes to eight petals from the original four. Ice partly covers Hitsugaya’s body to form two giant dragon wings on his back, a dragon tail, a dragon head frozen over his right hand and sword’s hilt, also dragon claws enveloping his left hand and both feet. Three huge flowers (with 4-petals each) similar to his sealed zanpakutou's tsuba appear behind Hitsugaya. Each of the petals fade away slowly as the bankai state prolongs.

There are two special techniques Hitsugaya used in bankai state. The first is "ryuusenka" or “dragon hail flower” which freeze opponents that Hitsugaya stabs, imprisoning them in a cocoon of ice. The second technique is "sennen hyoro" or “thousand year ice prison” which envelops the enemy with pillars of ice and freezing them.


In this post, we feature the elegant Hitsugaya sword replica Hyourinmaru, manufactured by Musashi. It is a full-tang functional sword replica with overall length of 42”, blade length 29.5” and handle length 12.5”. The blade is made of high-carbon steel with razor-sharp edge so take caution. The tsuka (handle) is hardwood wrapped in ray skin. The wooden scabbard is attached to a black back-strap which should have been green as shown in the anime (that should be easily taken care of). The Hitsugaya sword replica comes delivered in a sword bag placed inside a stunning long gift box decorated in red Chinese silk. A display stand is also included and with the sword helps enhance the interior of your living room or study. If you are looking for a functional sword, the Musashi Handmade Hitsugaya Sword replica Hyourinmaru is a good buy for its low price and quality.


But if you just intend to use the sword as a decorative item, the 440 Stainless Steel Hitsugaya Sword replica Hyourinmaru from TopSwords is a better choice.


For cosplay events, I would recommend the Wooden Hitsugaya sword replica Hyourinmaru from RoyalArm which is safe to handle even for a child.


If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.