Highlights
- BLEACH marks the end of its 22-year anime run with a major finale.
- Tite Kubo’s comments fuel discussion about the franchise’s future.
- Upcoming events in 2027 could bring new developments for BLEACH fans.
The BLEACH anime concludes its 22-year television run on Oct. 26, 2026, with Episode 50 of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity. Yet, creator Tite Kubo’s recent comments and upcoming franchise events leave several questions about the series’ future unanswered.
BLEACH Finale Introduces a New Gotei 13 Captain
Titled “DEATH & STRAWBERRY,” the finale jumps 10 years beyond the battle against Yhwach. The Soul Society has rebuilt much of the Seireitei, and a new captain is set to join the Gotei 13.
However, the Technical Development Bureau detects an ominous spiritual pressure.
The episode concludes Ichigo Kurosaki’s confrontation with Yhwach, incorporating expanded material involving Uryu Ishida, Aizen, and other characters. Kubo also confirmed that anime-original scenes were based on ideas he had considered during the manga’s original serialization.
Kubo Discusses New Manga and the Hell Arc
During a recent fan-club Q&A, Kubo revealed that he has more stories he wants to illustrate but has no desire to return to a regular manga serialization schedule. He has not confirmed a continuation of the Hell Arc, introduced in a 2021 one-shot.
Kubo also discussed unrevealed character lore, Kazui’s potential mentor, and the possibility of revealing Kenpachi’s Bankai name at an upcoming exhibition. Fan theories linking the Hell Arc to the next art exhibition remain unconfirmed.
BLEACH FES and Art Exhibition Set for 2027
- BLEACH FES: Feb. 27 and 28, 2027, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, featuring voice actors, live performances, and exclusive programming. Tickets cost ¥11,000 (~$70 USD), or ¥15,000 (~$96) with merchandise.
- Jump Festa 2027: A BLEACH stage is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2026.
- BLEACH EX. II: The original art exhibition returns in summer 2027 with new artwork.
The franchise is likewise marking the manga’s 25th anniversary through exhibitions and merchandise releases, including new character figures.
