NARUTO, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is one of Japan’s most iconic manga and anime series. It was first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and quickly grew into a global cultural phenomenon. The story reimagines ninjas not as hidden figures, but as determined heroes who use their strength and willpower to protect their world and pursue their dreams.

Produced by Studio Pierrot, the anime adaptation aired from 2002 to 2017, spanning 720 episodes, followed by the ongoing sequel, Boruto: NARUTO Next Generations. Aired in over 80 countries, NARUTO consistently achieved top viewership ratings and comic sales across Japan, the U.S., France, and many other regions.

The franchise has astounding commercial success: manga sales have exceeded 130 million copies in Japan and over 200 million worldwide. Online, it has accumulated more than 8 billion views domestically, and Google search results for “NARUTO” surpass 20 million—the highest among all anime works. Its protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, was even named one of Newsweek’s “100 Most Respected Japanese People.”

With a 20-year legacy, NARUTO remains a treasured icon in Japan and a beloved masterpiece worldwide.