Credits: NaughtyAngelx

Contents

• Who is Yoruichi?
• Real or Fake: The Yoruichi Pose
• Fanservice in Bleach
• How Does Bleach Do Fanservice?
• Final Oppai Rating

If you're a Bleach fan, you already know who we'll talk about—Yoruichi Shihouin, the absolute queen of sass, strength, and speed! She's one of those characters who’s unforgettable and managed to break the internet with a single pose! Yep, we’re talking about that pose.

But before we get into that iconic moment, let’s dive deep into why Yoruichi’s fanservice is well done, how it’s used sparingly, and why it never gets in the way of her profound moments.

Who is Yoruichi?

Credits: Bleach Brave Souls Wiki

For those unfamiliar with Bleach (though, who isn’t at this point?), Yoruichi Shihouin is a former captain of the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13 and the former Commander of the Onmitsukidō (stealth forces). She’s a major powerhouse in the Bleach universe! She can transform into a black cat, and for a good chunk of the series, she fooled Ichigo and the crew into thinking she was just an ordinary feline. When she finally revealed her proper form (hello, iconic introduction scene!), it was nothing short of epic!

Yoruichi isn’t just another side character—she’s a core part of the story. From teaching Ichigo the ropes to being a fierce fighter, she’s a leader who commands respect. But that doesn’t mean she’s all business. One of Yoruichi’s biggest strengths as a character is her ability to seamlessly blend her profound warrior side with her playful, mischievous nature. And that’s where fanservice comes to play!

Real or Fake: The Yoruichi Pose

credits: r/lostpause

Now, for the moment, you've been waiting for The Yoruchi Pose! You might be wondering how exactly this came to be, and the answer might shock you:

The Yoruichi pose isn’t actually from the Bleach manga or anime, but it’s become so iconic that many fans mistakenly believe it’s canon! In reality, the pose originates from the Jack-O Pose, made famous by the character Jack-O from the Guilty Gear franchise. The Jack-O Pose went viral on Twitter when artists began recreating it with various characters, emphasizing a dramatic, arched-back stance that was both playful and provocative.

An unknown artist later drew Yoruichi Shihouin in her Shunkō: Raiju Senkei: Shunryū Kokubyō Senki form, striking the Jack-O Pose, and the internet went wild! With her lightning-clad, feline-inspired battle form, this version of Yoruichi looked so powerful and stunning that fans dubbed it the Yoruichi pose. The fanart blew up, spreading across platforms and leading many fans to search the Bleach manga for this epic moment—only to realize it doesn’t exist in the source material! Yoruichi's transformation only appears in a few manga panels, and the pose is entirely fan-made.

Despite being non-canon, the Yoruichi pose has transcended its fanart origins, becoming one of the most recognized and beloved fanservice in the Bleach community. It’s a perfect blend of Yoruichi’s badass aura and the sensuality of the pose, making her the ideal character for this viral moment!

Fanservice in Bleach

Credits: Bleach Brave Souls Wiki 

Bleach is an already exciting series that doesn’t rely on traditional methods like “oppai” shots or jiggle physics to entertain its audience. While Bleach certainly has moments of traditional fanservice transformations and Rangiku’s outfits come to mind), the series often takes a more nuanced and character-driven approach. Fanservice goes beyond physical appeal, adding humor and depth to character interactions to build fan attachment and lighten the story's tone.

One of the critical reasons Yoruichi’s fan service is so good is that it’s always done within the proper context, and in Bleach, fanservice is shoehorned into profound moments or battles. Unlike some characters who exist purely for eye candy, Yoruichi has minimal fanservice in her story. And that’s the key! It’s not about throwing in random shots to grab attention; it’s about using fanservice to her playful nature without detracting from the bigger picture.

How Does Bleach Do Fanservice?

Credits: Shontai

A great example is the Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book skits, which air at the end of specific episodes. These short, comedic segments give us a glimpse into the Soul Reapers' lighter, day-to-day lives, offering fanservice that’s not purely about physical appeal but about character dynamics and fun interactions.

These skits feature witty banter, inside jokes, and humorous takes on the Soul Reapers' everyday life, reminding fans that Bleach isn’t all about intense battles or dramatic plot twists. It's a reminder that fanservice must be about revealing outfits or provocative poses; sometimes, it’s about seeing beloved characters in more lighthearted, relatable moments.

Final Oppai Rating

In the world of anime, fanservice to get right. Too much, and it can detract from the story. Too little, and it might not serve its purpose. But Bleach nails it with Yoruichi, giving us a character whose fanservice, and always in line with her personality.

And for that, I give Yoruichi a 7.8/10.

Whether it’s the infamous pose that broke the internet or her playful banter with Ichigo, Yoruichi’s fanservice is done right—and when it’s time to get serious, the fanservice is to be found. That makes her stand out in the anime world and is why she deserves all the praise for handling her character and fan service. So, if you haven’t already, go back and appreciate those moments when Yoruichi made Bleach even more unforgettable. Let's talk all about it at the Otaku Community!