Follow us on Google News

Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed

Decades after it was published for the first time,Narutomaintains its favorable position among the fans. Most fans love to dissect every part of the anime-manga series, delving into the different facets of the intricate storyline. Having a hold this strong is something unique to very few series,Narutobeing one of them.

Naruto has a determined expression on his face with a white glowing background

This popularity can be accredited to a multitude of reasons. but Masashi Kishimoto believes two factors played a huge role in the success of Naruto, especially among foreign readers.

Here’s What Appeals to Foreign Readers According to Kishimoto

For many series, it’s hard to garner the same amount of recognition in their homeland as well as overseas.Narutosets itself apart as an exception that has appealed to fans all over the world.Masashi Kishimotoshared that he owes this success to the famous mangaka that came before him. Duringan interviewwith the Los Angeles Times, Kishimoto shared that he didn’t begin the story thinking about an international audience.

I didn’t think much about foreign readers when I began ‘Naruto,’ but I knew that many of the artists who influenced me had already been accepted overseas,

Naruto: You Can Never Convince Us Masashi Kishimoto is a Bad Writer After His 1 Scene Put One Piece to Shame

With this statement, Kishimoto was probably hinting at the unprecedented success ofNarutomanga. When he was just beginning, the author probably didn’t have any clue aboutNaruto’s potential prominence among the international audience. Kishimoto mentioned the works ofAkira Toriyama,Katsuhiro Otomo, Hiroyuki Okiura, Koji Kiriyama, and Masamune Shiro as the inspiration behindNaruto.

Naruto: You Can Never Convince Us Masashi Kishimoto is a Bad Writer After His 1 Scene Put One Piece to Shame

The international popularity of these creators and their works laid the foundation for what was about to come with the next generation of anime and manga, includingNaruto. Without their contribution,Naruto’s rise to popularity would’ve been more difficult. Kishimoto stated another reason that appealed to his readers, and this reason was Uzumaki Naruto.

Naruto Mirrors What Readers Feel

Kishimoto shared the essence of Naruto’s character and how the readers resonate with him. Naruto is an endearing protagonist with immense willpower and dedication. While strong and cool protagonists are inspiring in their own way, Naruto had his weaknesses that made him more human.

“Put some respect on his name”: Masashi Kishimoto’s Single Greatest Feat in Naruto Even Eiichiro Oda Couldn’t Match in 27 Years

Having characters like Sasuke and Sakura who were exceptionally talented also helped his character. Initially always competing with them, he learned to grow alongside them. In the beginning, he showed signs of an inferiority complex, but he always hated losing.

Although he doesn’t think about it too much, he knows he hates to lose, and we all know what that feels like. I think readers see themselves in Naruto, and that’s what appeals to them: They can empathize with him and his weaknesses.

Naruto is sitting on a swing while other characters are assembled outside the academy in Naruto

These characteristics of Naruto made him relatable to fans. He faced a lot of hardships, but kept pushing through. He had imperfections and often fumbled, and who doesn’t? Failures are a part of life and Naruto faced them quite often, but he made it a point to never let the feelings of incompetence linger for too long. His shortcomings made him relatable, whereas his determination acted as a call for action. He was someone who readers could both empathize with and get inspired by.

Until the final war, Naruto was the embodiment of sheer hard work and indomitable will. His impact and influence were explored quite well in the manga, but it was not much different for his fans outside the manga; they also felt a series of positive emotions seeing him on screen.

“Put some respect on his name”: Masashi Kishimoto’s Single Greatest Feat in Naruto Even Eiichiro Oda Couldn’t Match in 27 Years

Narutois available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Laveena Joshi

Anime Writer

Articles Published :926

Laveena is an anime content writer at FandomWire. Having written more than 800 articles, she’s an expert in mainstream shonen series, ranging from the bizarre world of JoJo’s to the expansive worldbuilding of One Piece.With her formal education in Journalism and Mass Communication, she explores entertainment journalism through the lens of anime and manga, from mainstream and classic titles to niche and obscure ones.

More from Laveena Joshi

Toei Animation May Have Lost Its Touch After ‘One Piece’s Hiatus

10 Shonen Anime That Treat Their Female Characters Right

‘My Hero Academia’ Releases Trailer for the Final Season and Studio Bones Is Not Holding Back

Helldivers 2 X Halo ODST Legendary Warbond Crossover: Complete Rundown

Good Boy Director Explains How He Made His Dog Act in 2025’s Most Inventive Horror Movie

The Batman 2: Is Zoë Kravitz Not In the Robert Pattinson Starring Sequel? Reports

17 Years Later, This Iron Man Scene Was the Darkest MCU Moment No One Realized

When Is Absolute Flash #6 Coming Out? Release Date, Plot Prediction & Everything We Know

Masashi KishimotoNaruto

Naruto has a pleasant smile on his face and his hands raised high in Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto