Ichigo Kurosaki has always been
able to see ghosts, but this ability
doesn't change his life nearly as
much as his close encounter with
Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper and
member of the mysterious Soul
Society. While fighting a Hollow, an
evil spirit that preys on humans who
display psychic energy, Rukia
attempts to lend Ichigo some of her
powers so that he can save his
family; but much to her surprise,
Ichigo absorbs every last drop of
her energy. Now a full-fledged Soul
Reaper himself, Ichigo quickly learns
that the world he inhabits is one full
of dangerous spirits and, along with
Rukia, it's Ichigo's job to protect the
innocent from Hollows and help the
spirits themselves find peace. In
2005, Bleach was awarded the
Shogakukan 日本漫画 Award in the shonen category.