Welcome to the New Year (and a new decade)! We're kicking things off right with a birthday tribute to a certain hero (or should we say heroine?) from Bleach, Yoruichi! She's a fighter, she's a cute cat, she's a font of wisdom, and her birthday is January 1, so give it up for our favorite feline, and send some good wishes her way -- just don't step on her tail!

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Happy Birthday, Yoruichi! And here’s to a Happy New Year!

While the whole world is busy celebrating the start of another year, a very special someone will be marking her own beginning—the one and only Yoruichi Shihoin. The enigma formerly known as Mr. Yoruichi couldn’t blend into a crowd if she tried. Whether she’s prowling around Karakura Town disguised as a black cat or saving the day with her phenomenal fighting skills, Yoruichi is a commanding presence—possibly a result of her days running the Soul Society’s secret assassination squad.

Even in her feline form, Yoruichi can silence anyone with a look. Just try to avoid doing anything stupid, like grabbing her tail. Ichigo may want to forget that awkward moment… (See episode 25.) In less stressful times, Yoruichi has been known to reveal a playful side. No one, least of all Ichigo, will ever forget the experience of seeing Yoruichi’s true form for the first time. Talk about a shocker (episode 41)!

It’s hard to believe, but long before Ichigo and his friends knew her, Yoruichi was a daughter of the nobility! Elegant, dignified and extremely powerful, she fulfilled her duty as the defender of the realm (episode 57). But then one day she disappeared for reasons that remain a mystery, and she went underground, presumably with her childhood friend and former captain Kisuke Urahara. Together, these two appear to share more than a few secrets between them. Wouldn’t you want to be a fly on the wall when these two talk?

This January 1st may mark just another birthday among many for Yoruichi (trust us, she’s a lot older than she looks), but we all know how exceptional she is. Who else would we pick to teach us bankai in just three days?

-- Yuki Takagaki

As we ring in the New Year, we also ring in some major plot twists in the world of Naruto Shippuden as we launch the latest episode today. Madara claims to know the truth behind the tragedy that befell the Uchiha clan, and the story he has to tell Sasuke may change things forever! Check out the latest episode plus all previous episodes in the Naruto Shippuden section!

Episode 141: Truth

The Uchiha clan was plotting a coup d’etat. The story as told by Madara leaves Sasuke at a loss for words. Because of his gifted talent, Itachi was forced to suffer, torn between his loyalties to the Leaf Village and the Uchiha clan.

You know the saying "cheaters never win"? Those words are put to the test in the latest episodes of Hikaru no Go when Hikaru catches on to Yuki's big secret! Check out the new episodes and more at the Hikaru no Go series page!

Episode 11: A Very Despicable Act
Hikaru discovers Yuki secret to winning at Go…Cheating! When Hikaru returns to the Go Salon, it appears that the Shu, the Go Salon keeper, has brought in a ringer to stop Yuki and his hustling...

Episode 12: No Cheating Allowed!
In a token of thanks for defeating the ringer at the Go Salon, Yuki joins the Go Club and gives his word not to cheat. Over at Kaio Middle, Akira plots his next move in trying to face Hikaru once again...

Welcome to VIZ Anime, the official video streaming site for VIZ Media, bringing you the best in anime. When we started planning the site, it was clear what we wanted to do. We wanted to dry out your eyeballs and blow your mind while you watch hour after hour of the most imaginative anime around. If you live, breathe, talk, and dream anime—VIZ Anime is for you, because this is where dreams live.

If you are new to anime, VIZ Anime is also for you! Escape to thrilling worlds in the action sagas of Naruto, Bleach, Inuyasha, and Inuyasha - The Final Act. Immerse yourself in the dangerous universe of Death Note. Weep, feel the tension, and double up in stitches at the art-school antics of Honey and Clover and the rock 'n' roll drama in NANA.

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The VIZ Anime Team

It's Soul Reaper vs. Bount as Captain Hitsugaya is taking on all comers! The Bount storyline continues in Bleach with the release of episodes 105-9 today. Find the episodes at the Bleach series page, along with all the other episodes from the series!

Episode 105: 
Captain Hitsugaya has defeated Koga, leaving Jin Kariya as the last surviving Bount.

Episode 106:
During the battle between Jin Kariya and Rantao, Karyia learns the origin of his powers.

Episode 107:
Ichigo arrives just in time, as Uryu and Rantao struggle to fend off Jin Kariya. Captain Hitsugaya and the others try to go after Ichigo, but Rantao stops them.

Episode 108:
Ichigo and Kariya's final clash begins on Sokyoku hill. Ichigo realizes that Kariya's fighting style consists of counterattacks that rely on his incredible ability to recover.

Episode 109:
It has been a few days since Kariya was defeated, and all of the Jokai Crests have been sealed away. Ichigo and his friends rest until the Senkaimon is prepared so that they can return to the World of the Living.