Some no mai, Tsukishiro
CharacterSome no mai, Tsukishiro is the opening dance of Rukia Kuchiki's zanpakuto, Sode no Shirayuki. Named the First Dance, Moon White, it traps a marked area in ice and raises a towering column of frost that leaves anything caught inside frozen solid before it splinters apart.
Overview
This attack is the first of the dance forms wielded through Sode no Shirayuki, the pure ice blade of Rukia Kuchiki. Its title translates to First Dance, Moon White, with the Viz edition rendering it as Dance Number One, White Moon.
It serves as Rukia's signature freezing technique, defined by the pillar of light it summons.
Mechanics
Rukia grips her sword inverted and speaks the dance's name, causing the blade to shine. Once her opponent stands where she wants them, she sweeps the tip through the air to inscribe a ring, and the ground it encloses turns to ice.
The freezing does not stop at the surface. Everything within the ring's reach, including the space rising above it, is drawn into an ascending shaft of frost that locks the target in place. Moments later the victim shatters together with the ice, though the column stays intact if no one is trapped inside it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Some no mai, Tsukishiro?
Some no mai, Tsukishiro is the opening dance of Rukia Kuchiki's Zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki, that entombs a marked area in ice and raises a towering column of frost around anything caught inside.
What does the name Tsukishiro mean?
The technique's title translates to First Dance, Moon White, with the Viz edition rendering it as Dance Number One, White Moon.
How does Rukia perform Some no mai, Tsukishiro?
Rukia grips her sword inverted and speaks the dance's name, then sweeps the tip through the air to inscribe a ring on the ground, turning the enclosed area to ice and raising a shaft of frost that locks the target in place before they shatter with the ice.
Who uses Some no mai, Tsukishiro?
Rukia Kuchiki is the only character shown performing Some no mai, Tsukishiro.
Did earlier Bleach media feature a similar technique to Tsukishiro?
Yes, the video game Heat the Soul 3 gave Rukia a forerunner move called Hyoha Setsugekka that froze a foe with a single pass and let the ice break apart, though it lacked the distinctive rising pillar of light.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Some no mai, Tsukishiro? The Bleach Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byTite Kubo
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and the production committee.
- Game pages: official box art for the Bleach console and mobile games, credited to Bandai Namco and other publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Tite Kubo.
Official resources:
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