Anime Character Spotlight: Kurotsuchi Mayuri from Tite Kubo’s Bleach

For those of us who have long followed the manga as well as the recently suspended anime series, it is safe to say that Tite Kubo’s Bleach is a fantastical series worthy of your attention. Revolving around the adventures of substitute Soul Reaper (?? Shinigami) Kurosaki Ichigo, we are launched into two worlds that separate the world of the living from the realm of these reapers. Throughout the series, we witness the constant duty of defending humans from evil spirits known as Hollows in order to ensure proper departure to the afterlife (Bare with me Bleach fans). The series is embedded with epic battles that will keep you captivated, as well as heart-warming storylines that constantly makes you click the “next episode” or “next chapter” button at the end of each section. All in all, Bleach is a series that creates a perfect blend of tradition and fantasy, sadness and happiness, and ultimately, friendship.

Here’s one of my favorite Bleach openings during the earlier chapters of the series:

Let us now dive deeper into the core of the shinigami society, namely the Gotei 13: Thirteen primary military divisions that reside in the afterlife realm known as Soul Society. A leader known as the captain heads each division, and we shall be honing in on a particular captain right now. More commonly associated with terms such as ‘creepy’, ‘inhumane’, or just plain ‘crazy’, the Captain of the 12^th Division, Kurotsuchi Mayuri, is certainly a character that ‘stands out’ among others. Regardless, I feel that many are too quick to judge him even though he does embody the stereotype of the mad scientist. Intelligent yet merciless, sadistic, and a durable fighter to boot, Mayuri’s skeletal appearance should not be taken lightly. In the words of Tite Kubo himself, he is a “researcher with a killing intent.” Nevertheless, he holds a vital position as the 2^nd and current president of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute and you might even view him as the backbone of intelligence across Soul Society. Without him, there would be no intel on the numerous foreign invasions that have permeated both the human and soul reaper realm, vital serums, life saving antidotes, poisons, and even a means of transportation between different dimensions (e.x. Hueco Mundo – the “Hollow World” – and the world of the living). As for Bleach fans, I’m sure you remember the battle against Szayel Apporo Granz . You have to admit that the ending was unexpected and impressive in a twisted way. Although Mayuri is devoid of empathy and constantly views the world around him as his next research subject, there is much more to this character than what meets the eye (plus an entirely different face under that visage).

Mayuri himself is an experiment, where he is able to transform into pure liquid and regenerate after during life-threatening situations. Clearly, he is a scientist who does not only prey on others, but also demonstrates the willingness to utilize his own body as a guinea pig. As for his unique soul-cutter sword, I wish not to disclose too much even though you could google it instantly. Like its owner, the sword is grotesque yet deadly. Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri may not be as quick footed as the other captains, as sympathetic, or patient, but he is a box of surprises that you do not want to fall into.

“There is nothing in this world that is truly “perfect”. Though it may be a rather large cliché, it is still the truth. It is the ordinary people who look up to “perfection” as an ideal and seek after it. But in truth, what is this idea of “perfection” truly worth? Nothing. Not a single thing. I detest “perfection”. To be “perfect” is to be unable to improve any further. There would be no scope for “creation”, not a single gap in one’s knowledge or one’s ability. Do you see now? To true scientists like you and I, “Perfection” is tantamount to “despair”. We aspire to reach greater levels of brilliance than ever before, but never, NEVER, to reach perfection. That is the paradox through which we scientists must struggle. Indeed, it is our duty to find pleasure in that struggle. In other words, the second you allowed yourself to spout a ridiculous word like “perfect”, in truth, you had already been defeated. That is if you wish to be treated as a scientist.” – Kurotsuchi Mayuri

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