Anken
ItemAnken are the small throwing blades that Yoruichi Shihōin keeps tucked inside her boots. Instead of drawing them by hand, she flicks them at a target with a sharp kick, folding the concealed weapons neatly into her hand-to-hand fighting style.
Overview
Anken, a name meaning Dark Blade and rendered as Dark Sword in the Viz release, are a set of compact throwing knives. They belong to Yoruichi Shihōin, who hides them within her boots so they stay out of sight until the moment she decides to use them.
Function
Because the blades rest in her footwear, Yoruichi has no need of her hands to bring them out. One swing of her leg sends a knife flying toward its mark, letting the weapons fit seamlessly into her kick-driven, close-quarters combat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Anken in Bleach?
Anken are a set of compact throwing knives whose name means Dark Blade, rendered as Dark Sword in the Viz release. They belong to Yoruichi Shihoin, who hides them inside her boots so they stay out of sight until she decides to use them.
Who uses the Anken in Bleach?
The Anken are a personal tool of Yoruichi Shihoin. They were first shown in Chapter 158 during the events in Soul Society.
Where does Yoruichi hide her Anken?
Yoruichi keeps her Anken concealed within her boots. Because the blades rest in her footwear, she has no need of her hands to bring them out.
How does Yoruichi use the Anken?
Yoruichi launches the Anken with her legs rather than her hands. One swing sends a knife flying toward its mark, letting the concealed weapons fit seamlessly into her kick-driven, close-quarters fighting style.
What does the name Anken mean?
The name Anken means Dark Blade, and the Viz release translates it as Dark Sword. It describes the set of concealed throwing knives Yoruichi Shihoin carries.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Anken? 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.
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:
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- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Tite Kubo.
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