Masashi Kishimoto: 50 Years of the Genius Behind Naruto

¡Today marks the 50th birthday of Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the popular and influential Naruto manga!

Kishimoto grew up alongside his twin brother, Seishi Kishimoto, and showed an early interest in animated drawings. Inspired by Akira Toriyama, he dreamed of becoming a famous manga artist—a dream he would ultimately fulfill.

Kishimoto created Naruto, a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest ninja in his village. The story takes us on countless adventures with Naruto and his friends as he pursues his life’s goal: to become the Hokage.

With over 250 million copies sold worldwide, Naruto has become one of the most successful manga series of our time. Recently, it was even recognized as “the most popular kids’ TV show in 83 countries,” according to Anime Hunch.

Currently, Kishimoto is working on Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, a Japanese anime series based on the manga of the same name. This spin-off and sequel to Naruto tells the story of Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto’s son, and his friends from the ninja academy as they discover their own paths as ninjas, just as their parents did.

Read more: Will There Be a Second Season of The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague?

A Shared Birthday

Coincidentally, on November 8, Sasori (a former member of the Akatsuki group) shares his birthday with his creator.

Sasori, from Sunagakure, is a Naruto manga and series character. Known for his intelligence and exceptional puppet arts skills, which he inherited from his grandmother Chiyo, Sasori distinguished himself from a young age.

After leaving his village and being recruited by Konan, Sasori joined Akatsuki, initially partnering with Orochimaru and later with Deidara.

This complex character gifted fans with one of the longest battles in Naruto Shippuden: the fight against Granny Chiyo and Sakura. It was an intense showdown with a bittersweet ending, leaving Sasori as he always wished—embraced by his parents.

Though Naruto ended over 15 years ago, Kishimoto’s legacy lives on, continuing to inspire new generations with its themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-improvement.