How Bleach Set The New Standard For Black Character Representation
As with the rest of the global entertainment industry, black characters have not had the best representation in Anime, (if any at all) and are generally cast in an unfavorable light. After years of submitting to a whitewashed television screen, the arrival of Bleach thankfully changes the tone by casting an attractive black woman as one of the most significant characters in Ichigo's development (initially, at least.)
The introduction of Yoruichi Shihōin is one of the first moments in Anime history whereby a black character is portrayed as powerful, successful, and respectable, and fundamentally impacted the industry to create opportunities for celebrating these previously disgraced role models in all their glory.
Bleach: What is Kido?
Yoruichi arrives on the scene relatively early in Ichigo's adventures, making her first feline appearance in Season 1 episode 13, «Flower and Hollow.» The young Shinigami-in-training was kept in the dark about this black cat's true form for quite some time, having no idea of her human, female identity until episode 41 rolled around. The wisdom behind his animal guide's advice all makes sense after realizing Yoruichi's ranking within Soul Society, as she was previously the Commander of the Onmitsukidō (Secret Special Ops Force) and the 2nd Division Captain of the Gotei 13 (responsible for protecting the most valuable treasures of Seireitei.)
Born into one of the four noble families also elevated Yoruichi's status significantly higher than most other Shinigami, particularly when she gained authority over the Shihōin Clan as their first female leader. She is also the mastermind behind the highly renowned Shunkō technique (Flash Step), which she devised by combining Kidō and Hakuda, resulting in a
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