The Noble Houses of Soul Society have an unclear role in the culture, social and governmental aspects of that dimensions existence. The Four Noble Families (四大貴族, Yondai Kizoku; lit. "Four Great Noble Families") carry the most weight and appear to have some influence over the governmental institutions (i.e. Central 46 Chambers) and even institutions outside of the government (i.e. Shin'ō Academy). The military (i.e. Gotei 13, Kidō Corps & Onmitsukidō) have no authority to act against a noble family without evidence that their actions are treasonous to Soul Society.
High Noble Families[]
Shihōin Clan []
By tradition, the head of the Shihōin family leads the Onmitsukidō. Also known as the Tenshiheisōban (天賜兵装番, House of Godly Gears), they are the Caretakers of the Hōgu (宝具, lit. "Treasure Tool") and Bugu (武具, lit. "War Tool") said to have been bestowed on them by the gods.
Kuchiki Clan[]
Members of the Kuchiki family have been known to wear Kenseikan (牽星箝, lit. "Star-Pulling Insert") in their hair, which symbolizes their nobility as one of Four Noble Families. The Kuchiki family also has a white scarf made by the master weaver, Tsujishirō Kuroemon III. The scarf is made from the Ginpaku Kazahana no Uzuginu (銀白風花の紗, Silks of the Silverwhite Wildflower), a silver-white, windflower light silk, and is a family heirloom that is handed down from generation to generation and is given to each Kuchiki family head. The scarf alone is worth enough to buy ten mansions in the Seireitei. By tradition, the family has been charged with compiling and protecting the history of Soul Society. The family resides in the Kuchiki Family Manor.
Low Noble Houses[]
Fēng Family[]
Traditionally serves the Shihōin Clan by joining the Onmitsukidō. The Fēng Family (蜂（フォン）家, Fon-ke) makes its living as assassins and executioners. Any member who doesn't pass the test to get into the Onmitsukidō's Executive Militia is exiled.
Kyōraku Family[]
The Kyōraku Family (京楽家, Kyōraku-ke) is an old, prestigious and high-ranking noble family.
Ukitake Family[]
A low-class aristocratic family.
Ōmaeda Family[]
An aristocratic, rich family. The family has a history of service in the Onmitsukidō.
Kira Family[]
A lesser noble family.
Former and Important Houses[]
The Shiba Clan: The family was once the fifth great noble family, having prestige along the lines of the Kuchiki and Shihōin families. For an unknown reason, the Shiba family fell from their high status position after the death of Lieutenant Kaien Shiba. The family specializes in fireworks.
The Ise Clan (伊勢家, Ise-ke; lit. "Ise family") is a clan of Shinto Priests from Soul Society.