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Naruto and One Piece have several commonalities. Both share the title of the Big 3 of Shonen Jump along with Bleach. But other than that, the series has an impressive cast of voice actors who made their mark in the industry. One of them is Showtaro Morikubo whose recent update has fans in disbelief.

Team 7 during the Fourth Shinobi World War | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Morikubo is a seasoned voice actor who has worked in Eiichiro Oda as well as Masashi Kishimoto’s series. His retirement was hinted through the recent updates but one thing is certain. This doesn’t diminish his pivotal role as a Va in the anime and video game industry, especially with his impressive roster.

Naruto voice actor hints at retirement

It isn’t uncommon for voice actors to work in a top-notch franchise and Naruto is no exception. From Junko Takeuchi to Toshiyuki Morikawa, the series...

In the world of Naruto, the Sharingan is considered to be one of the strongest dojutsu abilities that can literally perform miracles. From altering the opponent’s vision to changing reality, the Sharigan can do it all. And one of the most dangerous Sharingan users in the entire series is Itachi Uchiha, the character who contributed a lot to the success of Naruto.

Itachi Uchiha in Naruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Itachi was a world-class shinobi whose skills, even at a young age, were on a level that had never been seen before in Konoha’s history. He cleared the Chunin exams at the age of 10, became an Anbu captain at the age of 12, and massacred his entire clan at the age of 13. The level of maturity, talent, and strategy that Itachi showed at such a young age was nothing short of extraordinary.

Itachi’s talent helped him master Izanami, one...

It is no surprise that Masashi Kishimoto wasted some of the fabulous characters in Naruto. Be it Tenten or Rock Lee, the series has an array of side characters that deserved better. Either they were majorly sidelined or overshadowed by the main cast, but nothing justifies this character’s treatment.

Tsunade in a still from the Shippuden anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

In all seriousness, Masashi Kishimoto did this character dirty in more ways than one. Fans even went so far to troll that one scene which reduced the tragedy into pure comedy. But this isn’t the first time the series did a major disservice to its characters.

Naruto character’s tragedy reduced to comedy

Tragedy takes the center stage when it comes to characters and plot development in Naruto. From Sasuke to Naruto, characters are surrounded by doom altogether, which ultimately shapes the course of their path. With the Uchiha,...

Goodbyes are difficult, and for anime fans it hits different, especially with Naruto. The series kickstarted back in the 2000s and remains a cherished piece of our childhood. But, endings are necessary and it left us teary-eyed. With Junko Takeuchi, it took a different turn altogether.

Sakura Haruno in a still from Shippuden anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

We process endings and beginnings differently and the voice actor is no different. She was hesitant and had mixed feelings about her character’s closure, which is understandable. It further reflects on the bittersweet journey from childhood to parenthood in Masashi Kishimoto’s series.

Junko Takeuchi’s mixed feelings about Naruto’s ending

Other than Mamoru Endo (Inazuma Eleven) or Gon Freecs (Hunter x Hunter), Junko Takeuchi has worked on a diverse range of roles. Some of these include Noel (Claymore) and Rin Natsuki (Yes! Precure). Her breakthrough role as the knucklehead ninja overshadows other roles.

Anime has developed a lot over the years, and the origin of its popularity can be attributed to Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise. It was one of the first works in Shonen anime to break global barriers and captivate the global audience.

Dragon Ball inspired the ‘Big 3’, the trio of Bleach, One Piece and Naruto. When it comes to the ranking of these three, it has long been a divisive conclusion. But what is accepted is that Bleach is a step inferior to One Piece and Naruto.

Why do male protagonists often have female voice actors?

Be as it may, Bleach broke a major trend that had persisted in Shonen anime for decades. Ichigo Kurosaki, Bleach‘s protagonist, who was a 15-year-old high schooler, was the only main character among the Big 3 to be voiced by a male voice actor.

In comparison, Luffy (One Piece), Naruto (Naruto), and even...

Over 20 years ago, the world was introduced to one of the most famous ninjas in pop culture history. Naruto was an anime series that followed the path of young Naruto Uzumaki (voiced by Junko Takeuchi in the original Japanese and Maile Flanagan in the English dub) and the anime series has since become a cultural landmark – and Google decided to reflect this by celebrating the franchise's 25th anniversary. The company added an Easter Egg to the Naruto search page, and you can find out how to activate it in this article.

Shonen Jump has been a staple in the manga industry for decades, and over the years many of the weekly manga's ongoing series have become some of the industry's most renowned anime series. This bastion of shonen stories introduced fans to iconic characters like Goku, Luffy D Monkey, Naruto Uzumaki, and countless others. Both the characters and their stories have made names for themselves as anime, but they first gained prominence in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump.

The best series that came from Shonen Jump have been beloved since their debut. Though they had fans when they were in the magazine, they gained even more followers once they made the transition to anime. These juggernaut IPs have everything great shonen tales need to become top-tier stories for generations to come.

Related10 Brand-New Shonen Jump Manga You'll Be Glad You Read When They Get Anime Adaptations

Shonen Jump is thriving more...

Endings are a crucial part of any story. No matter how good an anime is, a poorly chosen ending can upset viewers and leave them unsatisfied. Even worse, a bad ending can sour the audience on the entire anime, making them hate the franchise even if they've enjoyed every episode up until that final one. The shonen genre is notorious for this, as due to the nature of the anime industry, many shows get forced to continue until they run out of momentum, eventually ending with a half-hearted whimper rather than a bang.

Thankfully, several shonen series have been able to stick the landing, giving audiences an ending that complements what has come before and rounds off the story in a way that leaves viewers satisfied and fulfilled. But which of these legendary endings is the best?

Yu Yu Hakusho Has a Charming Ending That Gives the Audience What They...

A major reason for anime's explosive growth over the past two decades is the presence of iconic franchises like Dragon Ball. The Dragon Ball manga and anime have inspired other creators, such as Masashi Kishimoto and Eiichiro Oda, who made Naruto and One Piece, respectively. Dragon Ball, which follows the adventures of the all-powerful Saiyan known as Son Goku, has been a mainstay in the anime medium since it debuted in the 1980s.

Goku's reputation as anime's strongest character is well-deserved — he's literally earned the status of a Super Saiyan God by the events of Dragon Ball Super, placing him on equal footing with various Gods of Destruction. Still, there are several other characters within the medium who, either through sheer power or savvy strategy, could defeat Goku in one-on-one combat.

Updated on February 12, 2025, by Ariadne Night: In the years since Goku first rose to hero status, there has...

Prime Video is known for its broad array of content that gives its subscribers access to a wide array of programs, including some great animated shows. Prime Video features original animated series like Invincible, but it's also the home of popular anime like Death Note. This variety of content ensures that even the pickiest of watchers can find something that interests them.

Animation hasn't been "just for kids" since The Simpsons premiered in 1989, if not much longer. Prime Video has taken this to heart, gathering a huge inventory of animated shows for both children and adults. Furthermore, several animated shows on Prime Video are perfect to watch as a family, blending great storylines with kid-friendly jokes and action. Whether a viewer is looking for a mature, experimental expression of art or some good old-fashioned action, Prime Video has the perfect show.

Updated by Jordan Iacobucci on January 30, 2025: Amazon Prime...

Sakura Haruno is the main female character in the Naruto anime/manga series, and one of the most recognizable modern shonen heroines. Now, a new collectible is being released that showcases the happy youth of the young lady before she became a medical kunoichi.

Gem Series Naruto - Sakura Haruno Go! is the latest entry in a line by MegaHobby that features Naruto characters as children. Reimagining Sakura's iconic design from the original series, the collectible is a must-have for those wanting to celebrate the legacy of Team 7 from beginning to end. Releasing by the middle of the year, fans can order Sakura now to display alongside two other childish figures for Konoha ninja.

Related Naruto Unleashes a 'Whopper no Jutsu' With Exclusive New Burger King Release

A new fast food team-up between Naruto and Burger King is adding new sandwiches and jutsu to the menu, along with other Naruto-themed products.

As one of the most popular anime and manga brands in the world, it makes sense that Naruto would have a plethora of collaborations. One of the most unexpected, and potentially the tastiest, involves a fast food icon where even the next homage can have it his way.

A new collaboration between Burger King and Naruto is taking France by storm, with marketing even reflecting this with a cheeky name change for the restaurant. Featuring new menus based around both Naruto and Sasuke, the deal is set to unleash "Whopper no Jutsu" on legions of hungry fans. There's also exclusive swag to be had, making the culinary crossover a dream come true that will make even the most ardent deniers "believe it."

Related Naruto Fan Dreams Come to Life in Official Theme Park's First-Look Reveal

From the anime series to real life, Naruto's adventures are set to continue with first-look...

With a unique art style and addictive background score that goes perfectly with the storyline, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has kept otakus hooked for over 35 years. Due to its distinct and unusual take on the Shonen genre, Hirohiko Araki has established himself as one of the greatest storytellers of this generation.

Dio Brando. Credits: David Production

The mangaka has been supported by ardent followers, who resonate the same passion that motivates them to stray away from the preconceived rules and regulations.

On the one hand, Araki-Sensei is immensely proud of having a magnum opus that has become a genre of its own. On the other hand, he has one massive regret that showcases his immaturity as a person, which still lingers and makes him feel embarrassed.

Hirohiko Araki was embarrassed by his pre-JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure work

Much of the Otaku community knows Hirohiko Araki for his most popular work, Jojo Bizarre Adventure,...

Junko Takeuchi is by far one of the most famous and celebrated voice actors in the world, with millions of fans having heard her voice as the protagonist of the beloved Naruto anime. Her work goes beyond the adventures of the blonde ninja, as she has also helped bring to life iconic characters like Mokuba from Yu-Gi-Oh! or Takuya from the underrated Digimon Frontier.

Yet, one of her least-known roles is also the most unique, as she is the official Japanese dub voice for MrBeast videos. This news has shocked Takeuchi’s fans on social media, who were not aware until recently that she was working with the world-famous influencer. Nonetheless, this collaboration has been occurring since around 2022, without many anime fans knowing about it.

Naruto’s Voice Actress Gave Voice to MrBeast Japanese Fans Link Takeuchi’s Voice With the Youtuber

MrBeast is undoubtedly one of the most famous content creators of all time,...

Out of all the mysteries that Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto left unsolved, the one that has probably troubled fans the most is the reason behind Hashirama Senju’s death. Hashirama was deemed the God of Shinobi and had unprecedented chakra. There was literally no one within the story who could have killed him or even reached his level.

Hashirama Senju in Naruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Thus, his premature death never made sense to Naruto fans. On top of that, he had healing and regenerative abilities that allowed him to take care of any injury he would receive in a battle. This is why many speculations and theories have been developed that try to figure out what could be the cause of the death of one of the strongest characters in Naruto.

However, there is a possibility that Kishimoto might have already hinted at the reason behind Hashirama’s death by...

When Masashi Kishimoto introduced the world to Naruto Uzumaki in his magnum opus of the same name, everyone was in awe of him. After all, the protagonist had the perfect recipe to be a main character, who went on to become a commendable shinobi just like his father, Minato Namikaze, who also happens to be the Fourth Hokage of Konohagakure.

Naruto Uzumaki. Credits: Studio Pierrot

For the most part in the Shinobi series, the limelight was on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, where the author flaunted immense character growth for him. In the process, many major characters from the Hidden Leaf Village were sidelined, who projected massive potential

The manga author did not give enough time to develop everyone. However, one name underwent massive growth that made them hardly recognizable by the time the series came to an end.

Masashi Kishimoto outdid himself with Gaara’s development

As it had been presented before,...

When it comes to one of the most engaging and popular YouTubers of the current generation, none could match the fame and popularity that follows James “MrBeast” Donaldson. The 26-year-old has achieved success thanks to his out-of-the-box ideas, which have resonated well with fans. Over the years, fans have witnessed his growth as a content creator, and with each video, his budget keeps increasing.

Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast. Credits: YouTube

Donaldson is not just a YouTuber who creates challenge videos that shot him into global success. It turns out the creator is obsessed with anime, and Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto has played a massive role in achieving a successful career.

However, he is not done yet because he has executed a genius move to make himself more popular. The internet went ablaze when they learned that MrBeast decided to hire the voice actor of Naruto Uzumaki for his Japanese channel.

Naruto fans will soon be able to experience their favorite anime in real life, with its upcoming theme park now revealing first-look concept art ahead of its opening in 2026.

French theme park Parc Spirou Provence revealed a new look at the upcoming Naruto theme park, set to open at some point in 2026. It features the Zamperla company's 75 km/h Family Thrill Launch Coaster, which spans the entire park, as well as nods to the Naruto anime like the Hokage's residence and stone faces, all of which can be seen in the new artwork below.

Related Naruto's Most Iconic Ninjas Get New Blind Box Figures With Just 8% Win Rate

Some of the most iconic ninjas from Naruto Shippuden get a new blind box figure set, with the odds of securing the rarest capped at just 8%.

Naruto Overseas Theme Park Reveals New Concept Art Ahead of Opening in 2026

Parc Spirou adds that...

Some of the most beloved and iconic ninjas from Naruto Shippuden have received a new collection of blind box figures for fans, with the odds of securing one of the rarest of them capped at just 8%.

Via a press release, Pop Mart has launched a new blind box collaboration inspired by the popular Naruto Shippuden series. The Naruto Ninkai Taisen Series Figures collection includes 10 different characters, featuring their forms and outfits from the Fourth Shinobi World War. Characters include Naruto Uzumaki in his Kurama Mode and Sage Mode combined form, Sasuke Uchiha, two versions of Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, Itachi Uchiha, Obito Uchiha, Madara Uchiha, Hashirama Senju and a secret edition of Kaguya Otsutsuki. A single figure retails for $16.99, although fans can get the whole set for $203.88.

Related Studio Ghibli Puts an Even More Magical Spin on Totoro & Princess Mononoke With Transparent Crystal Puzzles

Studio Ghibli brings new whimsy to...

Jump Festa 2024 has been filled with big announcements, and a definite highlight for One Piece fans was the announcement of Franky's new Japanese voice actor. One Piece fans were shocked when Franky's Japanese voice actor, Kazuki Yao, announced his retirement. Though the beloved actor's interpretation of Franky will certainly be missed, New Voice actor is quite talented and is sure to do the larger-than-life Straw Hat justice.

At Jump Festa 2024, it was revealed that Kimura Subaru will replace Yao as Franky. The announcement started with a highlight reel of Fraanky's greatest moments throughout One Piece before revealing that Blank will take on the role in all future One Piece projects. Kimura Subaru stepped out onto stage to hug Yao in a touching moment of a veteran actor passing on the torch. Yao himself was full of energy throughout the early portions of One Piece's panel during Jump Festa...

One of the best things about shonen anime is the broad appeal, with fans ranging from elementary school kids to teenagers and adults in their 20s and beyond. By default, shonen anime is meant for young male audiences, but anyone of any age may appreciate it, and shonen only gets better with age. Plenty of Millennial and older Gen Z anime fans, for example, are getting more out of these series than they did as kids.

That's because the best shonen anime series are deeper than they seem at first pass. Such anime series are balanced so they are easy for younger audiences to follow, while offering serious personal and thematic depth for older audiences to absorb. It's true that kids and teens may get the basic idea of those deep themes, but fans in their 20s and 30s will think even more deeply about the messages in shonen anime...

The anime industry is revered for its vivid storytelling and new ideas that send shockwaves across the internet, from Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball to Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, and new-gen series like Dandadan have elevated its allure in recent years.

Monkey D. Luffy. Credits: Toei Animation

Despite such glory, the industry tends to get overshadowed by a glaring issue surrounding its female voice actors in particular. It is quite ironic for the industry to showcase strong and empowered voices, as voice actors tend to have a different reality to see for themselves as compared to their male colleagues.

However, these archetypes and limitations of some women in the industry have become synonymous with the iconic characters that they have voiced. Their talent and service to the industry have been so commendable that even Crunchyroll’s Vice President has become vocal about their contribution.

Emiko Iijima sheds light on...

This article touches on only a few reasons why each fandom described is toxic, and it is not a critique of any anime mentioned.

A "fandom" is a term used for a sizable collective of people who've fallen in love with the same piece of media, and getting involved in one is an excellent way for fans to gather and share ideas as well as gush about their favorite characters. It's an experience that can give many a sense of camaraderie and belonging. A good deal of mainstream anime — like Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball—can raise communities large enough to overflow a city. But, unfortunately, fandom toxicity becomes an inevitable occurrence because of the sheer number of people partaking in discussions centered on a subject of passion.

Fans can be passionate; it's as simple as that. And there is nothing wrong with loving a work of fiction so ardently.

Blue Lock captivated anime fans with its first season. It's unique take on sports mixed with a battle royale added a fresh take to the shonen world of sports anime. However, fans have found season two to be incredibly disappointing, with a story that veers off from original expectations and animation that fans find lacking. Blue Lock may have started strong, but it ran out of steam in its second season, leaving many fans disappointed.

However, the world of anime has plenty of other sports anime that might pique fans' interest. Instead of focusing solely on the competition between egotistical strikers, these tales of friendship mixed with competition will satisfy anime fans far more than Blue Lock was able to. If Blue Lock didn't strike a fan's fancy or failed to live up to the hype, these ten action-packed sports anime will better live up to Blue Lock's failed expectations.

Takopi’s Original Sin is one of the most controversial manga ever to be published by Shōnen Jump, and it’s finally getting an anime. Takopi’s Original Sin is about an alien octopus named Takopi who comes to Earth to help spread happiness, but when he tries to help a troubled girl named Shizuka, things quickly spiral out of control, and Takopi is forced to take drastic measures to keep everything together.

With a combination of dark and thoughtful storytelling, Takopi’s Original Sin is a truly standout manga, and it’s about to get even more prestige. In a surprise announcement, it’s been officially confirmed that Takopi’s Original Sin will be receiving an anime adaptation, with more information set to be revealed during Jump Festa 2024.

One Of Shōnen Jump's Best & Darkest Manga Is Finally Getting An Anime Based On The Manga By Taizan 5

Between the excellent...

Ah, "Fullmetal Alchemist." Hiromu Arakawa's breakout manga follows two alchemist brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, on a quest to find the Philosopher's Stone. They tried, and failed, to bring their dead mother Trisha back to life with alchemy — instead of regaining their mother, Ed lost his left leg and Al his whole body. (Ed then gave up his right arm to bind Al's soul to a suit of armor.). Now, only the mythic elixir can help the two brothers heal each other both in body and spirit.

It's one of my favorite anime and a key reason I think about it so often is because it's really two anime in one. Studio Bones adapted Arakawa's original "Fullmetal Alchemist" manga twice, first in 2003 then again in 2009 for a second, more faithful anime known in the West as "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood."

The two shows complement each other by being so different.

Isekai's rise to dominance has been the most noticeable anime trend of the last decade. Not an anime season goes past without a new isekai series launching, be it a new original show or a sequel to an existing one. The same is true for isekai anime movies, as they have become increasingly common since the early 2000s, with several new isekai movies arriving at the box office every year.

The downside of this isekai ubiquity is that many good movies get overshadowed by projects with bigger marketing budgets, leading to them getting lost in the shuffle. However, this does mean that anime fans looking for a new isekai experience have a lot of great films to choose from if they don't mind digging a little deeper into the genre's overlooked corners. From passionately delivered classic isekai narratives to creative twists on the usual format, there is an isekai anime movie for every taste.

For the longest time, the rivalry between Naruto and One Piece has been one of the most intriguing aspects of the anime and manga industry. The two series have competed with each other for the top spot, and this fierce competition between the two has led to the series becoming the pillar of the anime and manga community’s global recognition.

One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

Their creators, Eiichiro Oda, and Masashi Kishimoto, started their manga journeys almost at the same time. The two are legends in the manga community, and while they are friends in real life, they have always maintained a healthy feud by making their stories more compelling for the readers. One of the aspects that has helped them is the portrayal of death in their work.

While Oda has rarely relied on making the One Piece story intriguing by killing its characters, Kishimoto has used it extensively.

Among the most hated villains in Naruto, Danzo Shimura takes the case. This is especially true with his notoriety and menacing tact. From the Uchiha massacre to Third Hokage’s assassination, the fandom’s hate toward the character is justified.

But what would rile up most fans is the chain of wrongs he participated in. His control over Konoha and the clan massacre isn’t the end of it all. This is especially true with his involvement in his secret organization.

Sasuke Uchiha’s Sharingan in a still from the Shippuden series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

According to this theory, he may have capitalized on the Uchiha clan’s inheritance through unfair means to fund his organization.

This includes Sasuke’s inheritance specifically since he is the sole survivor of the massacre. The theory also points to the Uchiha clan’s possible legacy in the sequel as well.

Danzo used Sasuke...

As one of the iconic ninja stories in the shonen genre, Naruto redefined most concepts for kids. Be it friendships or villainy, it highlighted the complexities and stark realities of life.

For decades, the series continued to tug at viewers and readers’ heartstrings. With versatile characters and a vibrant cast, the anime impacted millions of people worldwide and this also includes the beloved hero’s voice actor.

Naruto Uzumaki aka The Seventh Hokage in Boruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Junko Takeuchi, who plays the titular character, opened up about her journey in an interview. Playing the character for decades shaped her life along with her perspectives.

This holds with Masashi Kishimoto’s flair and understanding of emotions. Empathy and compassion are not mere words but tools that are pivotal in shaping the course of the story.

Playing Naruto made Junko Takeuchi better

Fans know him as a knucklehead ninja who was...

The talented and beloved voice actor Eiji Yanagisawa has been confirmed to have passed away this past Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 57. The artist was better known for his outstanding work as Genzo in Naruto, Okabe-Sensei in the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and Worm the Trailmon in Digimon Frontier.

Eiji Yanagisawa Left A Long And Impressive Legacy Fans Lament The Lose of The Voice Actor

The talent agency with whom he worked, Production Baobab, revealed this tragic news on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Fans came together on social media to say goodbye to the voice actor and show their condolences to the family he left behind.

Naruto

Naruto is an action-adventure anime series based on the manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. The titular Naruto Uzumaki is a fearsome Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed inside him, which once wreaked havoc on his village. Shunned by his community yet determined to earn their respect, Naruto dreams of becoming the greatest ninja,...

Naruto has some of the most interesting and compelling fights in the franchise. Several of the movie's duels even outclass the anime's battles. Due to their increased budget, certain theatrical releases have better animation than the anime. Many of the movie's clashes, like Rock Lee's conflict with Kongo, are some of the best fights in the shonen.

While the anime has its fair share of amazing fights, some movie battles are truly on another level. Almost every cinematic brawl is a masterclass in animation and choreography. Conflicts like Naruto's rematch with Gaara are extremely entertaining. However, several of the movie's fights are considered better than others.

Naruto Uzumaki Defeats Doto Kazahana Despite His Young Age Appears in Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow

Naruto and his team guide the princess to her home when the Land of Snow is threatened. On their journey, they are...

The smash-hit shonen anime Bleach has earned its place in the shonen "big three" thanks to its outsized influence in the shonen demographic and its robus manga volume sales. On the plus side, the Bleach anime features truly memorable character designs, legendary plot twists, and a cool blend of isekai and reverse-isekai with conventional shonen action. The new Bleach anime is even better, though in the long run, this anime still has some issues. For all its strengths, Bleach still has weaknesses like excessive filler, repetitive story beats, and worst of all, countless contrivances.

While Bleach's positives outweigh the negatives, the fact remains that this anime is rather bloated and has aged awkwardly in some ways, while newer anime series are leaner, meaner versions of what Bleach tried to do. Pound for pound, these anime series beat Bleach at its own game, and they offer some truly stunning ideas...

It's been time to duel for the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise for 25 years, and since then, numerous magical monsters have become synonymous with the property. In celebration, the Japanese postal service is activating its trap card with a series of Yu-Gi-Oh! stamps.

These stamps are based on the iconic Blue-Eyes White Dragon, which has long since become a veritable mascot for the brand. Sold as a sheet of monster stamps, the collection will come complete with a truly Japanese take on the monster's card. Available for a limited time, the set is the ultimate way to mail home a victory in a Duel Monsters match.

Related Konami Reveals Its New Yu-Gi-Oh I:p Masquerena Action Figure

The Yu-Gi-Oh! I:p Masquerena action figure by Konami and Snail Shell rolls with details and add-ons, making it perfect for fans to add to their deck.

New Limited-Time Yu-Gi-Oh! Stamps Come With a Uniquely Artistic Ukiyo-e Card

As noted,...

This article contains references to sensitive topics such as sexual abuse, child abuse and pedophilia.

The classics of anime have stood the test of time for a reason. Be it their impact on the community, the popularity that has persisted over many years, or niche cult classic appeal, the merits of older anime prevail through time and make some shows relevant regardless of how much the medium has evolved. However, the technical improvements and shifts in trends arent the only things that change over time - so do peoples values and notions of what is acceptable to depict in art.

The moral connotations and messaging of many classic series from even 20 years ago - let alone the shows that came out before the turn of the millennium - arent considered acceptable in modern times, making plenty of older anime hard to recommend. From small yet uncomfortable details, like promoting outdated...

In a new blog post, Viz Media has officially announced that all of the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden movies are now available to stream for free on YouTube. While the free streaming includes ads, this move allows fans, especially those in the U.S., to marathon their favorite Naruto films without any cost. Its an exciting chance for long-time fans and newcomers to dive back into the ninja world of Naruto without a subscription.

In addition to Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, Viz Media is streaming hundreds of other popular anime episodes and movies on YouTube with English subtitles. Some of the major titles included are Death Note, Hunter x Hunter, Inuyasha, Ranma 1/2, Vampire Knight, Captain Tsubasa, Mr. Osomatsu, and Sailor Moon. Fans can discover even more anime series and movies by visiting Viz Media's official YouTube channel. This extensive lineup offers a golden opportunity for anime lovers to revisit...

Usually, an anime character will make an accurate and informative first impression once they first appear. Whether that character makes a positive or terrible first impression, they will let viewers know exactly what they are like and what they are capable of or at least, that is how it usually works. Sometimes, to take the viewer by surprise, an anime series will give the viewer a completely false first impression about a cast member.

False first impressions can make for delightful and shocking plot twists later when the character shows their true nature to the protagonist and viewer. Often, a character will do this on purpose, introducing themselves as one person and ambushing everyone with their true identity and nature later. While it's rare for protagonists to do that, plenty of side characters may do this, especially antagonistic ones who are as unpredictable as they are dangerous.

Kakashi Hatake Let...

Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! , an upcoming TV anime based on the comedic boys' love manga by Syundei, revealed the main cast members for the series as well as a new trailer. The series will broadcast in Japan in 2025, and Crunchyroll will also simulcast the series as it airs . Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! TV Anime Trailer The main cast for the series includes: Okuto Nakamura voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi (Hajime Saito in Blue Miburo ) Okuta Nakamura character art Aiki Hirose voiced by Yuki Sakakihara (Tamao Akisame in A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School! ) Aiki Hirose character art Voice actors Kappei Yamaguchi and Junko Takeuchi, who previously voiced Okuta Nakamura and Aiki Hirose, respectively, in the Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! audio drama, will also appear in the TV anime, although their new roles have not yet been revealed. Akane Shinsha serialized the original Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! manga from 2014 to 2016 in their...

In plenty of Japanese anime series, family means everything, but not always for the better. On the plus side, anime viewers can point to delightful families like the Forgers in Spy x Family or the Komis in Komi Can't Communiate as loving and stable households, but other family units or family clans are the dark opposite. More than a few anime families either have twisted rules, suffer serious misfortune, or both.

For either or both reasons, anime fans would not want to be a part of these bloodlines, either being born into that family or marrying into it. Such families might have some perks, such as superpowers or wealth, but the family's dysfunction and/or misfortune would make it miserable to be a member. Interestingly, a few of those families actually were health and normal, until tragedy and catastrophe tore them apart, and no one would want to be in...

A countless number of anime's notable characters use unique and memorable weapons. Many of the most iconic weapons come from the shonen genre. Several of shonen's skilled fighters use rare weapons like the sword, Samehada. These fantastical weapons are often used by some of the most powerful characters in their respective series.

Like iconic characters, several anime weapons have become extremely recognizable. Jonathan's Pluck and Gut's Dragon Slayer are perfect examples of this. Many of these weapons almost take on a personality of their own. Each of these amazing weapons is exceptionally iconic and has made a significant impact on shonen history.

Samehada Can Steal People's Chakra for Itself Samehada Develops a Symbiotic Relationship with its Wielder

Samehada, also called Shark Skin, is one of the most powerful swords in Naruto. The weapon is a two-handed sword covered in bandages. Under the bandages lies Samehada's true form, containing fearsome spikes and a sharp-toothed mouth.

Transformations are one of the most iconic anime tropes. Many anime protagonists can transform and become more powerful. Some of the most iconic anime transformations take place in shonen. Transformations like Gon's Limitation Transformation and Deku's Full Cowl are some of the most epic transformations in anime.

Shonen anime transformations allow many characters to gain an edge in battle. Several protagonists would have lost pivotal fights in their respective series without transformations. Characters like Luffy and Naruto regularly rely on their transformations to win the day. Each of these shonen transformations redefines their respective series with their awesomeness.

The 8 Inner Gates Allow Its Users to Surpass Their Full Potential Rock Lee Activates the 8 Inner Gates to Defeat Gaara

Users of the 8 Inner Gates are Naruto's most proficient hand-to-hand fighters. Due to the extreme pressure it puts on the body, there are only a few users of the technique. At its highest level,...

Plenty of shonen anime series feature a female love interest to add emotional depth, friendship, and other kinds of support for the male lead, with Bleach starring Orihime Inoue as the apple of Ichigo Kurosaki's eye. At first, the anime suggested that Ichigo and Rukia Kuchiki would become an item, only for Ichigo to end up with Orihime instead. That canon pairing had its fans, but it also had many detractors, and not just because fans felt like Orihime "stole" Ichigo from Rukia.

On the plus side, Orihime Inoue had unique spiritual powers and was a brave and loyal ally for her friends, but aside from that, Bleach fans didn't see that much to like about her. Orihime had a pleasant yet generic personality and character arc, meaning she lacked the "wow" factor that makes other anime girls popular waifus or Best Girls. Orihime's romantic connection felt a bit weak...

It's common in anime, especially shonen anime, for the protagonist or their friends to fight hard and prove something about themselves. Those characters tend to be underdogs with everything to prove about their abilities and ideals, which opens the doors to incredible personal arcs. A character may fight hard to disprove negative perceptions about them, or they might be a total nobody who won't get any respect until they do something to earn it.

Such character arcs led to some of the best stories in anime, with the protagonists and their friends pushing themselves hard to become someone great and establish a reputation. Some of those characters do this because they want recognition and feel good about proving themselves, and in other cases, they're just trying to do the right thing for its own sake. In either case, it's truly uplifting and exciting to watch anime characters prove something about...

The best shonen characters are charismatic heroes like Naruto Uzumaki, Izuku Midoriya, and Tanjiro Kamado, who fans have grown to love over the course of watching their stories. These characters always deserve more screen time, but other shonen heroes are quite different. They actually benefit from less screen time, since a little of them goes a long way, or else they wear out their welcome.

Plenty of supporting heroes in shonen anime wore out their welcome and became a chore to watch, because they had terrible personalities that grated on viewers. In a few other cases, the characters overstayed their welcome because they had boring personalities or dull character arcs that were going nowhere fast, making viewers wonder why those shonen heroes even bothered showing up after a certain point.

Sakura Haruno Never Outgrew Her Worst Problems Her Glow-Up Didn't Make Enough of a Difference

It's true that Sakura Haruno...

Plenty of shonen anime heroes make a clear and wonderful first impression when they appear. First impressions mean everything, so a shonen anime character will usually show their best side right away by saying or doing something the viewer and the other characters will like. Examples are many, such as the mature, loyal Mikasa Ackerman or the big-brotherly Kamina. Other shonen heroes, however, raised some eyebrows when they first showed up.

Even some of the most popular and iconic shonen heroes made a weak or bad first impression when they made their on-screen debuts, and sometimes, it was clearly on purpose on the author's part. Sometimes, a bad first impression made the hero's good side shine that much more brightly, or brutal methods were needed for that shonen hero to stand out and not just be another friendly face in the team. Best of all, every single one of these...

International Naruto fans have something new to look forward to, as the globally popular anime series has revealed a release window for a theme park in France that promises fun, nostalgia and of course, ninjas.

Via Manga News, France's Parc Spirou has announced that a major new Naruto attraction will arrive at the theme park in 2026. The site will be 15,000m, offering different attractions related to Naruto and the Leaf Village. While details are unknown, park manager Herv Lux said, "It is a great joy and an honor for us to bring the Naruto universe to life at Parc Spirou. We have been working on this incredible expansion for 4 years now. Led hand in hand between the Park, Mediatoon Licensing, and our Japanese partners Shueisha, Studio Pierrot, and TV Tokyo, this project will allow us to offer visitors the most immersive experience possible for a theme park."

Related B.B.

As Naruto enjoys its cemented popularity as one of the greatest anime and manga franchises of all time, it's unsurprising that its brand would be exciting as the new face of a theme park attraction. Confirmed by manga-news.com, Parc Spirou Provence in France will be gaining a 15,000m dedicated Naruto portion where fans can be transported to Konoha thanks to their partnership with Studio Pierrot and Shueisha in 2026. With the theme park continuously expanding its spaces, this is a sure draw to the mighty manga-reading populace of France.

With France's spending per capita on manga being among the greatest in the world, it is unsurprising that a theme park attraction would be built around one of the medium's most adored franchises. Parc Spirou Provence was founded in 2018 and has brought in over 1.5 million visitors, with kids and adults sure to flock to the world's most beloved ninja franchise. With...

Some anime characters, while evil, are understandable. They commit irresponsible acts, but when the bigger picture is taken into context, their actions can be comprehended. Other characters are straight up evil for almost no reason. These characters are so despicable, they can be nothing but hated. They use the people in their lives as nothing more than tools to get a job done. Or, they're willing to lie, cheat, and steal their way to the top, justifying their actions with nothing.

These self-righteous characters don't have a good side at all. Itachi Uchiha was once one of the most hated characters in anime until his real motive was revealed, shining a light on a previously unseen side of the Akatsuki member. Shou Tucker used his dog and daughter as an experiment, making him just the worst, plain and simple.

Sakura Haruno Naruto

Naruto (2002)

Cast Kazuhiko Inoue, Chie Nakamura, Noriaki Sugiyama,...

The one thing that’s common between most Shonen series is the bubbly, and cheerful heroes. Even this Hunter x Hunter star will vouch for it. Junko Takeuchi played the role of Gon in Yoshihiro Togashi’s series. Her role as Naruto is more notable and praiseworthy. The actress, however, has a different opinion regarding the character altogether.

Gon Freecs in a still from the anime | Credit: Madhouse

Takeuchi voiced the titular character for nine years in a row. While most would assume her to mirror the character, it isn’t the case. Especially with her initial views regarding the character. This, however, has changed in the past few years, especially with the hero’s development. This only proves Masashi Kishimoto’s brilliance in creating a fleshed-out protagonist.

Hunter x Hunter star reveals her opinion of Naruto

From Digimon to Inazuma Eleven, Junko Takeuchi has a diverse portfolio of work.

Since shonen anime is aimed at young male audiences, these stories tend to focus not just on action and competition, but also growth. Young viewers need fictional role models who show them how to grow up, from training hard to achieve great things all the way to maturing emotionally, for example. Also, when a shonen anime focuses on character growth, that gives the narrative a strong sense of progress and makes the heroes more dynamic.

Not all shonen anime do this some shonen series focus more on the world-building and may feature static leads who change everyone around them. But in plenty of other cases, the protagonist and perhaps a few of their friends will grow, evolve, and become better people over time. That includes fighters who train and practice to become stronger, ordinary people who gain the maturity, responsibility, and perspective needed to become all grown up. And even...