Ichigo Kurosaki’s most distinguishing feature is his spiky orange hair, a trait that has made him the subject of ridicule for many years. He is a fairly tall, lean-built young man with peach-colored skin and brown eyes. Ichigo prefers slim-fitting clothes and frequently wears shirts with the number 15, a reference to his name being a homonym for the number. Since becoming a Shinigami, he has noticeably gained muscle, as observed by his sister Karin.

Seventeen months after his battle with Aizen, Ichigo’s physical appearance remains mostly unchanged, though he becomes taller and develops sideburns. Upon regaining his powers, partially due to residual energy from his Fullbring, Ichigo’s Shinigami attire includes a thicker strap across his chest, along with four black vertical lines on his forearms and black, tattoo-like bands across his chest, wrists, and ankles. Additional bands with white ends appear around his neck, resembling collars.

Following his training at the Soul King Palace, Ichigo’s appearance in his Shinigami form changes once again. He dons his standard black shihakushō, with two white shoulder plates crossing his chest in an X shape that secure his Shikai blades. The left shoulder plate has three sections adorned with red scales, while the right plate has matching sections on his waist. He also wears a white cloak with black markings, tied around his waist.

As a child, Ichigo Kurosaki was deeply attached to his mother, Masaki, viewing her as the center of his world. He would always smile when with her and held her hand regularly. Although Ichigo would cry when losing in matches at his dojo, his mood immediately lifted upon seeing Masaki when she came to pick him up. At a young age, Ichigo overheard his father explaining that his name means “to protect one thing,” which inspired him to protect his mother. After his sisters, Karin and Yuzu, were born, Ichigo began attending the dojo to protect them, and as he grew older, the number of people he felt compelled to protect increased. This strong sense of responsibility drives Ichigo to risk his life for both loved ones and strangers.

Despite his brash exterior, Ichigo is compassionate and empathetic. He has been known to comfort others in distress and makes promises to fulfill the wishes of spirits. Though he often displays a tough exterior, Ichigo is also shy and uncomfortable around immodestly dressed women, a fact that Yoruichi Shihōin and Rangiku Matsumoto tease him about.

Ichigo is an intelligent and capable student, ranking 23rd in his year at school. He studies regularly, determined to overcome the misconceptions people form about him based on his distinctive orange hair and tendency to get into fights. Ichigo dislikes fortune-telling, horoscopes, and anything involving the supernatural for profit. He also struggles with remembering faces and names, although he can recall the names of significant individuals even when not directly introduced.

In battle, Ichigo exhibits a strong sense of honor, often seeking revenge against opponents who have wronged him or his friends. He is known to taunt his enemies and sometimes strikes without warning. Despite his desire to win, Ichigo values fair combat and has been reluctant to rely on his inner Hollow, even when it would grant him an advantage. His resolve in battle can sometimes waver, leading to moments of self-doubt and depression, particularly after significant defeats or perceived failures to protect others.

Ichigo despises individuals who mistreat their allies, regardless of whether they are his enemies. He showed disgust toward Yammy Llargo for demeaning Ulquiorra Cifer, Nnoitra Gilga, and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, calling them “trash.”

Ichigo Kurosaki was born on July 15th to Isshin and Masaki Kurosaki, 15 years before he became a Shinigami. His younger sisters, Karin and Yuzu Kurosaki, were born a few years later. At the age of four, Ichigo joined a karate dojo, where he met Tatsuki Arisawa. Although Tatsuki consistently defeated Ichigo in their matches, she often protected him from bullies and cheered him up when he was upset.

During his time at Mashiba Junior High School, Ichigo finally defeated Tatsuki in a karate match, which marked the end of their regular sparring. Ichigo often got into fights due to his distinctive orange hair, and during one such altercation, he met Yasutora “Chad” Sado, who helped him fend off bullies. Ichigo later returned the favor by rescuing Chad from two gang members. After this, the two formed a strong bond, vowing to protect and fight for each other.

Before becoming a Shinigami, Ichigo and Chad began attending Karakura High School, where their reputations as tough fighters followed them. During a confrontation with a gang led by Reiichi Ōshima, Ichigo and Chad met Keigo Asano and Mizuiro Kojima, saving Keigo in the process. Although Keigo was initially intimidated by Ichigo and Chad, he eventually became friends with both of them.

Six weeks after Kurapika’s departure, the Kurta Clan was massacred by the Phantom Troupe, a notorious group of thieves. All 128 members of the clan were killed, and their Scarlet Eyes were gouged out and sold on the black market. Upon hearing the news, Kurapika, the sole survivor of his clan, vowed to recover the stolen eyes of his people and to capture or eliminate all members of the Phantom Troupe.