One of the best ‘BLEACH’ opening songs is getting the spotlight from Viz Media

(Featured Image Source: Tite Kubo / Pierrot / Viz Media)

In recent months Viz Media, as they celebrate the release of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, has been posting textless versions of opening and ending animations from the original Bleach anime series. This time, they have posted what is one of the best (in our humble personal opinions) openings from the series: the song “After Dark” by Japanese alt-rock group ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION!

Bleach began in 2001 as a manga series. It tells the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager able to see spirits. He is shocked when he comes across a “soul reaper,” later becoming one himself. It is now up to Ichigo to help souls crossover to the afterlife and defeat powerful monstrous spirits called hollows. The series got an anime adaption in 2004, several anime films, novels, video games, stage shows, and a live-action film. The anime adaption will continued after ending early with the premiere of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War.

You can watch all of Bleach and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War over on Hulu!

(Source: Viz Media YouTube.com)

Anime NYC 2025 has wrapped up, so make sure to check out our coverage to see what happened at NYC’s largest anime convention! And stay tuned! Anime NYC 2026 is set for August 20-23! We will keep you up to date as they announce their special guests, event lineup, and when badge sales go live!