Who is MASASHI KISHIMOTO?

Masashi Kishimoto is one of Japan's most famous mangakas, known for creating Naruto, one of the most successful manga series in history. With over 200 million copies sold worldwide, Naruto has become an iconic part of the manga world, not only as a manga, but also through its anime adaptations. Kishimoto's work continues to influence and inspire new generations of manga artists and fans.

Born on November 8, 1974 in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, Kishimoto's love of drawing began at an early age. He was particularly inspired by the anime characters he watched as a child, and one of his biggest influences was Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. Kishimoto, along with other famous mangakas such as Eiichiro Oda (One Piece), Tite Kubo (Bleach), and Hiro Mashima (Fairy Tail), has often expressed his admiration for Toriyama's work, considering Dragon Ball a masterpiece that shaped his artistic path.

Kishimoto's big break came in September 1999, when Naruto was first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. The series quickly became a worldwide sensation, joining the ranks of other manga giants such as One Piece and Bleach. For the next 15 years, Naruto would captivate fans around the world, with its unforgettable characters, intense battles, and heartwarming stories. After the series concluded in 2014, Kishimoto didn't stop there. He took on the role of overseer of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, focusing on the adventures of Naruto's son, continuing the legacy of his beloved world.

In his personal life, Kishimoto shares a special connection with his twin brother, Seishi Kishimoto, who is also a mangaka known for works such as 666 Satan and Blazer Drive. Kishimoto got married in 2003, which marked an important moment in his personal journey.

Notable Works:

• Karakuri One-Shot (1997-1998) (Published in Akamaru Jump)
• Naruto (1999-2014) (Published in Shūkan Shōnen Jump)
• Bench One-Shot (2010) (Published in Weekly Shōnen Jump)
• Mario One-Shot (2013) (Published in Jump Square)
• Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Month of Scarlet Spring (Naruto Spin-off) (2015)
• Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru (2019-2020)
• Boruto: Naruto Next Generation (2016-Current) (Published in Weekly Shōnen Magazine)
• Boruto Two Blue Vortex

Fun Facts About Masashi Kishimoto:

• In early Naruto designs, the character was supposed to wear boots instead of sandals. Additionally, Kishimoto initially wanted glasses to be a key feature of Naruto's design, but this idea was later scrapped because it was difficult to draw.
• Kishimoto, being a fan of Naruto characters, has often mentioned that Sasuke Uchiha is his personal favorite, though he admits that Sasuke is one of the most difficult characters to draw.
• While he originally disliked the idea of ​​popular couples like Sasuke and Sakura or Naruto and Hinata, Kishimoto later incorporated these relationships into the story, giving fans what they wanted.
• A peculiar detail about Naruto's design is the character's jacket, which features an angry circular face. This addition became iconic over time.
• Initially, Kakashi Hatake was to end his sentences with the word "Gozaru", in the same way that Naruto uses "Dattebayo", but this idea was changed before it made it into the final version of the series.
• In his office, Kishimoto has a plant named Ukki-Kun, which is often seen in the illustrations he creates for the manga between chapters.
• Kishimoto has shared a memory from his childhood where he was attacked by monkeys, a traumatic event that he eventually got over.
• Kishimoto is a huge fan of Dragon Ball and Akira Toriyama. As a tribute, during Naruto's search for Tsunade in the manga, he included a Chiaotzu mask from Dragon Ball, although it did not make it into the anime due to legal restrictions.
• Kishimoto's love for movies is as strong as his passion for manga. He is a huge fan of film trilogies and series such as The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter. In Volume 21 of Naruto, he even depicted himself flying around in Neo's suit from The Matrix, celebrating his favorite cinematic worlds.
• Masashi Kishimoto's impact on the world of manga is undeniable. His works, particularly Naruto, have influenced countless artists and fans around the world. His dedication to storytelling, distinctive characters, and ability to create captivating worlds have made him one of the most beloved figures in the manga community. Whether exploring the journey of a young ninja or overseeing the adventures of the next generation, Kishimoto continues to captivate audiences with his passion and creativity.