Unohana, Motherhood and Femininity in Bleach

[@blackfox4138]

I can definitely see the motherhood symbolism in Unohana, but I think that leads to a broader point of how Kubo defines those with power. When Zaraki becomes the true Kenpachi, his first fight with Gremmy feels very much like that of a teacher and student, where Kenpachi is pushing Gremmy to open up and fully embrace his power. On top of Aizen's monologue of transcendent beings, this is definitely Kubo communicating that seeking power for its own sake is an empty "hollow" feeling. However, those who do manage to achive power, experience, knowledge, etc. have an inherent duty to teach, groom, and mold those who come after them. You see this with everyone in the series, and how the antagonists seeking power never understand this concept and doomed to loneliness. Given how Starrk, the Primera Espada, embodies the aspect of loneliness, and how Ichigo theorizes that the Hogyoku granted Aizen's deepest wish in finidng someone whom he can call his equal.

[@stoffelthedestroyer3741]

curious how Aizen always miraculously evaded being in the same room as Kenpachi. The last time he met Unohana, he ran like a little peach.

[@ปลาทองอยู่ในน้ํา]

Speaking of Unohana, in hell she'll be so happy that she can face many opponents who can entertain her, it's like she's in Kenpachi paradise.

[@Jakokokoroko]

Please Kubo... please give us all what we want.

[@KuraSourTakanHour]

I always thought if anyone could enjoy in Hell it would have to be Zaraki and Unohana

[@jacuz_2587]

One of my favorite things about Unohana is her character design, and how simple yet incredibly effective it is. The scar on her chest is located directly above her heart, representing the permanent "heart" that was formed the moment she crossed swords with Kenpachi. Like a scar, it's a permanent bond, affecting every action in her life from that point forward. The permanence of this "scar" left on Unohana is reflected in my favorite quote from this entire fight (ch 526): "When the strong finds the next strongest... one can no longer swing one's sword for oneself. The tip of the sword will always be pointed either toward killing the next strongest or toward nurturing them." She then covers over that scar with her hair, literally constraining her true nature like braided hair, until she finally bares her heart to Kenpachi one last time. There's a visceral shock when you first read Unohana's reveal, as we see a complete shift to the cold demeanor that was only hinted at previously. This is reflected in her design as well; Her eyes are harsh and narrow, a complete contrast to the kind, round eyes she had up until now. At first these sides of her personality seem contradictory, but as the fight progresses we see how both sides, the nurturer and the killer, are essential to each other. As we near the climax of the fight, her eyes constantly shift between those of a crazed killer and the familiar round eyes whenever she contemplates her role as a nurturer. Her mastery of healing, seemingly in conflict with her status as Kenpachi, represents her ultimate decision: to point her sword not at killing the next strongest, but at nurturing them.

[@NICKatronMC]

I never thought about the connections between Unohana's Bankai and the process of giving birth to a baby yet it makes SO much sense Absolutely well done video, well done!

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you!

[@cayder7485]

And the day is now on pause for this

[@Anhiksi]

Unomama is amazing. Great analysis.

[@Aleczandxr]

Much obliged!

[@yesthisislyra]

Some people say this fight cut her character short, but it would seem you and I agree that it actually gives her everything we now associate with her. Fantastic video, Unohana ftw

[@Girentina242]

Man, Bleach really is something special Great vid, dude!

[@Aleczandxr]

Appreciated!

[@anonymousanonymous6796]

Glad to see you getting deeper into Bleach

[@misterfuzzyflippers]

Fantastic analysis of the dynamic between Unohana and Kenpachi, and just Unohana in general. Unohana felt like such an overlooked character at the time (at least in the places where I discussed Bleach as it was ongoing), which is a shame because she's a fascinating character.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

The GOAT IS BACK

[@Balthizar101]

Interesting that you would emphasize Unohana's femininity as part of this topic. I've seen another video essay recently that discussed how each female character in Bleach explores a different aspect of femininity. It emphasizes how they're each written to be very feminine but in a way that makes them, "good female characters," rather than, "good characters that happen to be female." I'm curious to know your thoughts on this.

[@bio1804]

Naked Snake/The Boss: Dude, we're so connected on this. He represent an idea, she represent it limits, his corruption..the Yang to his Ying, or the other way maybe ? I love this feeling of ''poetical uncleareness'', the match has a victor, yes, but idéologically (Sorry french Guy here), its an a all different answers, if it even exist...Bleach is really ''mythologics'' here, it seems like an epic of battle and clash of sword and blood spilled..but in the end, YOU have to answer the primary question: does i feel better to be the better here ? Im sorry i write to much. God i love this channel. I dont say it often, but man, i passed weeks reflects about subjects and i love your content, it really do good to watch other people way of thinkin', sometimes you see things k see people never see. Sometimes the inverse, its really stimulating. I love your Channel and content. The most sincerely. Peace and sorry for the english mistakes. Hope you understand me

[@Aleczandxr]

I understand you very well, thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoy the channel so much.

[@dontaecrowder7952]

The most beautiful bleach analysis there is omfg I’m in shambles

[@manuelacosta9463]

Her duality is her most interesting trait. A monstrous serial killer who was considered Soul Society's worst of the worst until she stopped and became the opposite, saving many and allowing life to blossom. But the beast simmered just below the surface. Still, even though it was possibly inevitable we can imagine how many lives could've been saved if she lived. I'm sure Isane would've convinced her to put the beast away and continue with her present course given the crisis.

[@max8519]

when reading tybw for the first time, I genuinely had to put it down for a bit after unohana died. she wasn't a particular favourite of mine, but something in her death was just so tragic for me. and I still can't quite figure out what made me feel that way. God bleach is fantastic

[@zekken8227]

That parallel with Ichigo was quite apt to showcase what Kubo was going for with Unohana. And that edit at the end wow!

[@ivan_d_feets4495]

It is at this moment i realize that kenpachi’s fight with unohana is basically “The blade is me” but for ichigo. Like all of the physical, emotional, psychological resolutions are just there

[@danurkresnamurti3598]

Dang i can not wait alex made video about blade is me

[@xbabe1107]

Yknow, I'm one of the suckers for the romantic aspect of their relationship, and it's something that I liked AGES before Unohana reveal and their fight dropped in the manga, so I can't even begin to count and describe how many shits I've lost over it. I legitimately screamed over the last pages of their fight, because it was everything I wanted and more. And this fight (and some more) was the reason when I said last time that I can't wait for more of your Bleach analysis because god damn does Kubo has his way with poetry. I never could properly put my finger why I shipped Zaraki with Unohana way back when they had zero interaction. Something about him being animal that he is and her being soft spoken healer made my brain tingle, and majority of the people had written it of as a crack ship, and frankly it was, it was based basically on nothing. However, when these chapters dropped I went deep researching character databooks, Bleach musicals (some of the stuff was written by Kubo himself), and it became apparent that Kubo planned this for quite some time, there's whole scene in Bleach Rock Musical - Bankai Show Code 003 where, after Zaraki asks her what the name of the flowers are next to his hospital bed, she tells him to name them himself. This show was performing in 2007. And Pink Yachiru having 2 theme songs for some reasons... hint's were always there, but it always went over my head. Your video was simply amazing. and you're right, their relationship is ''everything'' combined together, which is why it's so goddamn peak, and overlay of Black Sails quote you did over panels at the end is fantastic. That's it. That's goddamn it. Thank you for putting years of my brain rambling about these two into 17 minutes of joy.

[@Aleczandxr]

My pleasure, thank you for sharing and I’m so glad you liked the Black Sails touch! I’m pretty sure it won’t be recognized by most so I’ll take what I can get.

[@kylemma33]

Both desperately loved fighting powerful opponents, and both were smart enough to not challenge Yama.

[@impactovernumbers5157]

My goat even before the reveal and I had no idea why I just liked her lol

[@Atticus-Catnipp]

Unohana is such a fascinating character to this day and will forever be a true loss to Gotei 13. With an unmatched reputation and personality. She is actually what shinigami woman should strive to be. Powerful and caring. Though there’s a dark history behind the smile that’s just as sinister as soul society’s history itself.

[@SuraimuWasTaken]

Unohana was one of those characters I fell in love with based solely on her design when I first watched Bleach and started to fall more and more in love with through the bits and pieces we got about her throughout the series, culminating in her being my second favorite character when we finally saw her fated battle with Kenpachi animated in the TYBW. Such a deep, complicated, and beautiful character executed (pun intended) perfectly and given a gorgeous send off so that Kenpachi could finally reach his full potential is one of my favorite things about Kubo's writing. A lesser author would have had Unohana fall to a Quincy while Kenpachi watched but Kubo manages to give every one of his characters the tender love and care they need to grow and develop.

[@uraharakisuke1329]

Loved your reaction on stream to this, love this video even more. Amazing analysis!

[@ichigo5612]

The voice over at the end… Chefs kiss! 🤌

[@SpinSurgery]

i pretty much thought all of these things as well. i think either you nailed it or we are just coming from a similar perspective. Unohana being so maternal for as long as we’ve known her, is the reason her predatory, bloodlust expression is so jarring and the underlying reason everyone is so fascinated by it imo.

[@gr4840]

great analysis on unohana, an underrated character.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@uchenna8885]

I saw it as lover’s or motherly relationship especially when she said you are the only man that made me happy. And the way they were going word for word in the show like when Kenpachi speak unohana answer in her inner thoughts. Peak fight, also that was the second and last time we ever saw Kenpachi cry

[@Jimbobluejay]

Wonderful break down and an unique angle to their relationship. Keep the Bleach content coming!

[@Omegateck16]

This makes me love kenpachi and unohana more

[@4thelust]

im glad you touched on the romantic or motherly son relationship aspect of unohana and zaraki, i've seen so many people say it's one or the other without ever actually thinking that this relationship is far from the norm and not something that can be labelled easily if at all

[@tinfoilslacks3750]

"My mom with the grandkids versus my mom when we were kids"

[@guddu212]

wonderful editing

[@KuraSourTakanHour]

I liked your bloodborne comparison but having played Elden Ring to death, her bankai instantly reminded me of the katana weapon Rivers of Blood. And the history of it's wielder is someone who has an insatiable bloodlust.

[@jonahtran1834]

This video is not a mother but it definitely delivered

[@silvastone1691]

I would like to add that in Japanese Buddhist Hell failed mothers burn in a pit of boiling blood (Something like that) So blood and motherhood are linked.

[@madambutterfly1997]

Zaraki is definitely from Hell. It's only explanation as to how he was leagues stronger than Unohana in her prime.

[@Palducks]

Interesting that you got pushback for that interpretation. Bleach is full of (odd) motherhood-dynamics, just look at Kenpachi's Frenemy Mayuri who is obsessed with artificial reproduction, evolution/development & who’s Bankai is a Baby (that now births other babies). It’s Mothers all the way down.

[@jacuz_2587]

Not to mention the main character's central trauma being his mother's death, or one of the biggest reveals being the story of his conception (shoutout masaki my goat)

[@Hamzethegoat]

I’m here for this Unohana glaze

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your content! Thanks For this! And theres also best girl ORIHIME

[@danieldelgado7573]

I love the bleach content,unohana is so good

[@seantobin3842]

round two with a new breath from hell anyone, let these soulmates dance once more whether as mother and son or etc, let them see each-other again!!!!!!!!

[@Botekodh]

Oh yea this is what we're here for

[@dashawnhines9612]

Let me just say I think this video is very touching and beautiful I think you hit the needle right on the head 🩸⚔️❤️

[@peyton5322]

Yes kenpachi similiar to ichigo, i notice every group in bleach there someone who resemble ichigo. Human : Orihime Soul reaper : kenpachi Hollow : Aizen ( well aizen not really hollow but from Arancar arc he is the one who resemble ichigo) Fullbring : Ginjo Quincy : yhwach Remind me Orihime 5 lifetime one Love quotes. Maybe if ichigo born as soul reaper he will be similiar like kenpachi.

[@OnizukaAllMighty]

Great video, but I didn't get the feeling or sign that there is "love" relationship between Kenpachi and Unohana, especially as she is like a millenia older than him (even though in terms of soul reapers that doesn't play much society vise) I do agree on motherly or platonic master relationship

[@Aleczandxr]

I mean I don’t either LOL that’s what I said throughout it! I said I can see why others think that but I don’t.

[@OnizukaAllMighty]

@Aleczandxr I was just confirming it through my own words

[@Aleczandxr]

And I was just clarifying what seemed like a misunderstanding.

[@Jerome616]

Great video and good points. 😊

[@MrAwesomeVVV]

fuck yeah

[@mazokuwolf1279]

Great analysis, side question. Do you also play the Kiseki (Trails) series at all?

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks, and yes, I’ve been playing through it over the past year and posting updates in the Discord server!

[@NICKatronMC]

I just saw Radman recommend this video 20 minutes ago and I see that it's about my ALL-TIME FAVORITE character in Bleach... *...subscribed.*

[@doggerlander]

Just wanna say there might be some major spoilers in the comments lol Aside from that, awesome video

[@benzohhhhh]

My fav bleach character

[@Void-qd2qy]

I love mother.

[@Orianna_Bumssen321]

I personally subscribe to the motherhood angle because its weird compared to other interpretations.

[@NXNero2]

We love Unomama 🫶

[@AtelaLafford]

oh hell hyeah big popcorn big soda i'm so set to hear about mother

[@grantzu]

i love bleach

[@j.m.3600]

Nice

[@Hess-b9f]

Nothing personal but I've noticed how people who mostly gravitate towards male centric stuff (like yourself since your top favourites are mostly that) will hype up themes of "motherhood & femininity" and that too in such a traditional dynamic in their shonen while never actually reading or talking about art that actually fully dedicates itself to these themes especially in a non traditional female centric way.

[@Eterrath]

​@@ogata100nosuke What's so woke here? They suggested delving into art that explores motherhood in more depth. The only one who needs to wake up here is you.

[@Murammassa]

​@@ogata100nosuke You need to get outta the sad little echo chamber you're in bro

[@ogata100nosuke]

@@Murammassa thanks

[@jonahwilliams1331]

First omg so excited for this!