First Division (JCP)

The First Division (一番隊, ichiban-tai; "Squad 1" in the English Dub) is one of the Gotei 13, formerly headed by Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and currently headed by Captain Shunsui Kyōraku.

Organization
Under Captain-Commander Yamamoto, the 1st Division followed the traditional organization of a Gotei 13 Division; however, when Shunsui Kyōraku took over, he assigned two lieutenants: Genshirō Okikiba, the lieutenant in charge of practical matters; and Nanao Ise, the lieutenant with the task of following him.[1]

Special Duties
The First Division is ranked highest among the 13 Divisions. Even subordinate members of the First Division are considered model Shinigami. Emergencies must be dealt with swiftly; quick decisions and quick actions are essential. The division is able to ascertain a situation and mobilize quickly even before an order is issued. In addition, although all the other 13 Divisions are ranked at the same level, the 1st Division is answerable only to Central 46. That is the true value of the First Division.

Barracks
Like all the other barracks, the 1st Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Shinigami of the 1st Division. In addition, due to the 1st Division being the division of the Captain-Commander, the barracks hosts the assembly hall where the captains gather for their meeting.[3] The barracks also has a room set aside for lieutenants' meeting.[4] Captain-Commander Shunsui's office within the barracks commands a wide, sweeping view of Seireitei.[5]

Directly underneath the division's barracks lies the Central Great Underground Prison.[6]

After Yamamoto's death, the shattered and scorched Ryūjin Jakka was returned to the barracks.[7]

Recruitment
As his leadership unites the Gotei 13, Captain-Commander Yamamoto seeks out soldiers who can serve as an example for every other division. When Shunsui took over he did as well, and the same goes for Joel after he took over. Therefore, being assigned to the 1st Division is a great honor.

Recruitment Fair Brochure
The following question and answer, plus illustration, was printed in the special issue of the Seireitei Communication that came out straight after the Ryoka Invasion of Soul Society.[2]

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto

1. What kind of individuals are you seeking?

Men with a strong sense of justice, always diligent.

2. How would you describe the atmosphere around your division?

Good.

3. What do you require of new recruits?

Nothing worth mentioning.

4. Some words for the Shinigami recruits.

Even I am still studying.

Chōjirō Tadaoki Sasakibe

1. What kind of individuals are you seeking?

Young people who are willing to cultivate themselves.

2. How would you describe the atmosphere around your division?

A Western atmosphere within all the Asian influence.

3. What do you require of new recruits?

Nothing special.

4. Some words for the Shinigami recruits.

The 1st Division is more exciting than meets the eye. Absolutely! Also, once a month, the captain organizes a tea party for the whole division.

Joel Goldsmith

''1.What kind of individuals are you seeking? ''

Strong Shinigami, of both mind body and soul, who are willing to maintane their own sense of justice, and do anything to achieve their goals and do what they feel is right.

''2.How do you desribe the atmosphere around your division? ''

Very laid back and lax, strict but at the same time fun.

''3.What do you require in new recruits. ''

Nothing special.....except they must at least have Shikai Mastery. Having Bankai Mastery will definitely get them a position though.

''4.Some words for the Shinigami recruits. ''

Pride destroys the mind, and corrupts the heart.

'''Frank talk!! with the 9th Division lieutenant, Shūhei Hisagi'''

Since the captain who leads the 1st Division is the Head Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, your first thought might be that this division is too hard for you. But actually, the captain throws a tea party once a month, and they hold really creative events in the lieutenant's English-style classroom, and it's a lot of fun! Plus, the 1st Division is near the bath house, and lately, the newspaper's been doing a feature on stone saunas, which they also have. So for those of you who want to get stronger, but don't want to get worn out, this is the division for you!

Shinigami Woman's Association Aptitude Test
According to the Shinigami Women's Association aptitude test, those who consider themselves "leaders" are best suited for the this division as Captain Yamamoto is a captain's captain and serving under him means that leadership skills are learnt from the very best.[9]

Trivia

 * Once a month, Captain-Commander Yamamoto gathered the 1st Division together for a tea party in their offices. Yachiru Kusajishi showed up to every one, but only to eat all the tea cakes and then go home.[2]