"OPENING OF THE YEAR"— Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 opening theme song has fans screaming

On Friday, October 4, 2024, Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 released the non-credit version of the opening theme, Kotoba ni Sezu tomo (Even Without Words) by SIX LOUNGE, a day ahead of the sequel's premiere. The theme song has enthralled fans so much that they are already calling it the "Opening Theme Song of the Year."

The opening theme features the iconic battles and moments that will take place in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3. Like the previous opening themes, Kotoba ni Sezu tomo contains many scenes that may potentially spoil the audience. Yet, the song's lyrics and the visuals have captivated fans who can't contain their unbridled excitement.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3.

Exploring the Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 opening theme song, Kotoba ni Sezu tomo

Although Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War premieres on October 5, 2024, the anime's staff has released the sequel's creditless opening theme song, Kotoba ni Sezu tomo (Even Without Words) by SIX LOUNGE, on Aniplex's official YouTube channel, on Friday, October 4, 2024.

With stunning visuals and impressive direction, the opening theme enlivens the iconic panels from Tite Kubo's manga. The Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 opening theme begins with a cosmic hand, representing Yhwach, engulfing the light, which here stands for the Soul King.

The video then transitions to Yhwach, seated on his throne, with his Almighty eyes visible. After that, the short clip shifts to Ichigo Kurosaki, whose eyes burn with resolve. As the opening theme's lyrics roll in, the video depicts Ichibei Hyosube, Jushiro Ukitake, Shunsui Kyoraku, and other characters.

Aizen, as seen in the opening theme (Image via Pierrot Films)

The Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 opening theme spoils a major moment of Jushiro Ukitake, where he invokes the deity, Mimihagi. Additionally, the short clip shows the conflict between Bazz-B and Jugram Hashchwalth, which becomes one of the pivotal plot points for the third part.

Yet, nothing was more exciting than seeing Aizen Sosuke in the Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 opening theme. From the video, it appears as if he's performing his Kurohitsugi without the chant. Besides him, the visual shows Yhwach's Schutzstaffel, who gear up for the battle.

Ichigo's Getsuga Jujisho (Image via Pierrot Films)

As SIX LONGUE's Kotoba ni Sezu Tomo reaches its hook, the visuals grandly showcase the battles that take place in the third part. The opening theme all but confirms that Ichigo Kurosaki will combat Uryu Ishida in an anime original scene. The OP video also confirms the return of Grimmjow in the series.

Moreover, the short clip foreshadows Shunsui Kyoraku vs. Lille Barro, Nanao Ise's God Slayer scene, Nemu and Mayuri Kurotsuchi's battle against Pernida, and others.

Yhwach, as seen in the opening theme (Image via Pierrot Films)

Interestingly, the Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 opening theme shows Ichigo Kurosaki demonstrating Getsuga Jujisho, something he has only done once in the manga, and that too against Candice, which has already happened. The opening theme ends with Yhwach's cosmic hand absorbing the crystallized Soul King.

From a production perspective, the opening theme song is visually stunning. Pierrot Films has masterfully mixed the monochrome and colors, providing a sublime touch to the opening theme's visuals. From a lyrical perspective, the song embodies the series' core, and the tune recalls the old Bleach themes.

How fans reacted to the Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 opening theme

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The official Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 opening theme has sent the fandom abuzz with delight. Fans have been calling Kotoba ni Sezu Tomo the "Opening Theme Song of the Year."

It's interesting because Fall 2024 has many anime, with impressive opening themes, such as the one from Dandadan. Yet, fans can't control their unbridled excitement on X and want to see the show's premiere as quickly as possible.

"visually bIeach opening is 10/10 black & white theme is so accurate not wrong to say opening of the year," a fan said.

"PEAK ABSOLUTE PEAK OPENING OF THE YEAR THANK YOU SO MUCH," another fan expressed their excitement.

"Yup it is indeed 10/10 Opening. Now all other anime should fight for No.2 spot for opening of the year because this is unbeatable," a fan said.

"I thought Dandadan had easily won the opening of the Fall anime season, but holy god that Bleach opening,"a fan delightfully said.

Some fans also pointed out how the opening theme spoiled part 3's crucial moments.

"They really spoiled Nanao’s Zanpakuto reveal in the opening," a fan said.

"I saw the new opening for Bleach and it was awesome with manga related spoilers on which I can’t say," another fan said.

Conclusion

Ichigo Kurosaki, as seen in the opening theme (Image via Pierrot Films)

Undoubtedly, the Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 opening theme created a buzz in the anime community, with the majority calling it the best opening theme song of the year. While it's arguable, considering there are many opening themes released throughout the year, there's no doubt SIX LOUNGE's song is worthy of fans' praise.