This guy is Furuoki Otogawa, the original 10th Division captain of the original Gotei 13. I thought that his design was particularly interesting because of the hat he wears. From my research (btw it was just google and youtube so don’t just swallow everything I say) the hat is an amigasa, and it is worn during traditional folk dances. Made from woven straw, bamboo, sedge, and bark, its historical practical purposes involve shielding the wearer from the sun. It also conceals the face, adding a element of mystery, and can be used to hide weapons. Interestingly, the hat is worn exclusively by female dancers who engage in the specific ona adori style of dance (graceful, high arm movements, small steps, and more).
The biggest dance festival in Japan is the Awa Odori, held during Obon (Festival of the Dead), in which ancestors are welcomed back to the living world. It’s basically a four-day dance party. The awa odori is itself a type of dance with basic steps, and it’s also known as the fool’s dance. As for how the dance came about, one theory proposes that the dance was born when the Lord of Tokushima (16th Century) distributed large quantities of alcohol to celebrate the completion of his castle. The dance was first considered vulgar, characterized by madness. Samurai (shinigami in the world of Bleach, I guess) were forbidden to participate. But the practice has since evolved into an honored aspect of Japanese culture, the Awa Odori festival drawing huge numbers every year.
The festival has a motto: “It's a fool who dances and a fool who watches! If both are fools, then you may as well have fun dancing!”
Dancers come in teams and then parade down the streets. There’s the (I think) calmer day version, the nagashi version. During the night you can see “crazier” dances, the zomeki version.
All of this stirs my curiosity regarding who this Furuoki Ōtogawa is supposed to be. I hope that one day Bleach fans will get to know.
*again, please don’t take anything here for an exact truth. I am in no way an expert.
Nishimonai Bon Odori by mp4_7ra122e_b via Visit Japan
Along with the Gujo Odori in Gifu and the Awa Odori in Tokushima, the Nishimonai Bon Odori is one of Japan’s three best Bon dance festivals. It takes place annually from 16 to 18 August in the town of Ugo in Akita prefecture.
Also known as the “dance with the spirits of the dead” as participants hide their faces with black hoods known as Hikozukin and woven half-moon hats known as Amigasa while performing their elegant dance.
In contrast to their mysteriously hidden faces, the dancers perform in bright indigo-dyed Yukata and colourful patchwork Kimonos known as Hanui.
Por más momentos felices. Nunca, pero nunca dejes de sonreir. Te deseo lo mejor en la vida y me quedo corta. Sos muy importante para mi, no me faltes nunca q no imagino una vida sin grandes amigos q de los buenos quedan pocos. Felices 18♡ #Felizcumpleaños #amigasa
