Celebrating 20 Years of Naruto

In the vast landscape of anime, few series have achieved the level of global recognition and adoration that Naruto has. For two decades, this beloved franchise has left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. From the early days of Naruto Uzumaki's journey as a young ninja to the epic adventures of Boruto, the legacy of Naruto Shippuden has continued to captivate audiences.

Join us in paying tribute to Masashi Kishimoto's masterpiece and diving into the world of Naruto. This is a celebration fit for a Hokage!

Naruto: A Journey Through the YearsImage courtesy: Netflix

The world of Naruto began with the inception of Masashi Kishimoto's manga masterpiece in 1999. With its compelling storyline and unforgettable characters, the manga quickly gained a dedicated following. However, it was in 2002 that the series truly exploded onto the scene when the first Naruto anime adaptation graced our screens. This animated version brought the Hidden Leaf Village to life in vibrant animation and is now celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Over the years, we've witnessed Naruto Uzumaki's growth, Sasuke Uchiha's darkness, and the evolution of Sakura Haruno into a formidable kunoichi. Iconic moments like the Chunin Exams, the battle against the Akatsuki, and Naruto's pursuit of becoming Hokage have etched themselves into the annals of anime history.

This epic journey continues in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, where Naruto's son, Boruto, sets out on his path as a ninja, creating a bridge between the past and the future of the ninja world.

Impact on Anime and Pop Culture
Image courtesy: VIZ

Naruto's impact on anime and pop culture can hardly be overstated. What began as a story of a young ninja's journey for recognition blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon. Its influence extends far beyond the borders of the Hidden Leaf Village.

One of Naruto's most significant contributions lies in its role in popularising the "shonen" genre, characterised by action-packed battles, memorable rivalries, and themes of perseverance and friendship. This genre has since become a cornerstone of anime and manga, with countless series drawing inspiration from Naruto's success.

Furthermore, Naruto's global fanbase illustrates its universal appeal. Fans from all walks of life have connected with its characters and themes, transcending language and cultural barriers. Cosplay conventions, fan gatherings, and special events across the world are a testament to Naruto's enduring popularity. 

The series also introduced us to the "Akatsuki," a group of rogue ninjas with unique abilities and iconic costumes. These enigmatic characters have left an indelible mark on cosplay and fandom culture, with members like Itachi, Pain, and Kisame becoming beloved anti-heroes.

In essence, Naruto's impact goes far beyond the confines of its episodes and pages; it has woven itself into the fabric of global pop culture. As we celebrate its 20th anniversary, we honour not just a beloved series but a cultural touchstone that continues to inspire new generations of anime enthusiasts.

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary
Image courtesy: VIZ

Special events and collaborations with major anime conventions and festivals are in the works, bringing fans closer to the world of Naruto than ever before. Attendees can immerse themselves in themed attractions, meet voice actors, and even take part in ninja-themed challenges.

One special event worth mentioning is the NARUTOP99. This was a worldwide poll to determine the most popular character of the original Naruto manga. From December 17, 2022, through January 31, 2023, fans of the series could vote once per day for one of 488 possible characters. The results were announced in April 2023.

Naruto’s author and artist Masashi Kishimoto illustrated a gorgeous mural of the Top 20 highest-voted characters (with 2 bonus characters included) to commemorate this poll.
Masashi Kishimoto also announced as a result of the NaruTop99 poll, that he would create a brand new short manga based around the #1 ranked character, Minato Namikaze, the fourth Hokage and father of Naruto Uzumaki.

But the celebration doesn’t stop there, as there is more exciting content on the horizon. Four new special anime episodes are on the way, promising to delve into untold stories and provide a deeper look into the lives of your beloved ninjas. These episodes are not just a gift to fans but a testament to the enduring legacy of Naruto.

However, there's a twist in the tale. In the spirit of perfection that defines Naruto's journey, the release of these new episodes has been delayed. Studio Pierrot, returning to the world of Naruto after six years, made the bold decision to postpone the broadcast to "improve their quality." This move underscores their commitment to delivering top-tier animation and ensuring that the 20th-anniversary celebration lives up to the legendary status of the series.

While the release date for the four upcoming Naruto episodes remains undisclosed, fans can stay updated on release announcements by visiting the Naruto website and following their social media accounts.

Explore Hobbyco's Naruto Collection

As we reflect on Naruto's remarkable journey and its 20th-anniversary celebration, it's the perfect time to embark on your own adventure. And what better way to do that than by diving into Hobbyco's extensive Naruto collection?

Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newbie looking to dive into the series, our selection caters to all. From action figures that vividly recreate memorable scenes to collectables that showcase the evolution of your beloved ninjas, there's something for everyone.

As you watch the milestones unfold, you can have a tangible reminder of the indomitable spirit of Naruto Uzumaki, the determination of Sakura Haruno, the complexity of Sasuke Uchiha, the wisdom of Kakashi Hatake, and the exciting new adventures of Boruto Uzumaki.

So, whether you're looking to complete your lineup of ninjas, find the perfect gift for a fellow Naruto fan, or simply bask in the nostalgia of this incredible series, Hobbyco has you covered.