


The Zanpakutō's name is the name of the living spirit which empowers the sword and lends its strength to the Shinigami who wields it. Each Shinigami carries a Zanpakutō, and each Zanpakutō is unique: the swords are reflections of a Shinigami's power and soul, and sentient beings unto themselves. Capable of cutting spiritual bodies, they are among the few weapons which can be used to combat Hollows. Zanpakutō are the trademark weapons of the Shinigami.

Its shape differs depending on its owner. Such weapons are unique swords generated from their owner's souls. In its sealed state, a Zanpakutō has the form of a Japanese sword. The Zanpakutō of low-ranking Shinigami are called Asauchi and do not have names, but the Zanpakutō of high-ranking Shinigami do have names.
