Hollow (虚) in Japanese Kanji: Meaning & Tattoo Guide

Here is the correct Kanji writing for Hollow, the corrupt spirits that serve as the primary antagonists in the early arcs of BLEACH. Known for the holes in their chests and their white skull masks, they represent emptiness and loss.

The Meaning of the Name (虚)

The name consists of a single, powerful character.

• 虚 (Kyo / Ko) – Void / Emptiness / Falsehood
  Literally “Void,” “Empty,” or “Hollow.” It represents something that has no substance or has lost its core. This perfectly explains the nature of Hollows—souls that have lost their hearts (chains of fate), leaving only an empty hole and a hunger to fill it.

Combined Meaning: “The Hollow” (Void)
In the series, this Kanji is read as “Hollow” (Horō), but its visual meaning is purely “Void.” It stands as a symbol of nihilism and the tragic nature of these monsters.

Tattoo Design Tips

This is a fantastic choice for fans of minimalist, single-character tattoos.

• Impactful Layout: As a single character (One Kanji), it holds strong visual weight. It looks iconic on the neck, behind the ear, or the center of the chest (referencing the Hollow hole).
• Style: A chaotic, splashed Brush style is highly recommended. The strokes should look wild or fading away, representing the unstable nature of a Hollow’s soul.
• Pairing: It pairs excellently with a tattoo of a Hollow Mask or the Arrancar (破面) text.

Related Concepts in BLEACH

See what lies beyond the mask:

• Evolved Form: Arrancar (破面)
• The Elite: Espada (十刃)
• Hybrid: Ichigo Kurosaki (黒崎 一護)
• Back to Collection: BLEACH Kanji List