Naruto Drew Inspiration From the TMNT, Says Creator Masashi Kishimoto

Naruto Drew Inspiration From the TMNT, Says Creator Masashi Kishimoto

As a seasoned gamer with a heart for manga and an eye for intricate storylines, I can confidently say that Masashi Kishimoto‘s creation of Naruto has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of shonen. His latest confession about being inspired by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) only serves to further solidify its status as a global phenomenon.


In terms of manga popularity, certain series stand out among the rest. For example, “Dragon Ball” and “One Piece” are well-known in the shonen genre. The arrival of “Naruto” in late 1999 added another legendary title to that list. Masashi Kishimoto, the creator, has guided the series as it grew into a worldwide sensation. Recently, the artist shared insights about the inspirations behind “Naruto,” including “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Kishimoto, who seldom travels abroad, joined forces with artist Mikio Ikemoto for a special event in France, where they discussed ‘Boruto’ with fans and journalists such as ‘La Nouvelle Republique’. During this conversation, Kishimoto was questioned about the potential influence of ninja tales on ‘Naruto’, to which he promptly referred to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT).

How Did TMNT Influence Naruto

Kishimoto mentioned that when he thinks about literature, he recalls “The Kouga Ninja Scrolls” by Futaro Yamada, a book his editor recommended to him and found intriguing.

I find both the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and their movies quite appealing, along with various manga related to the theme. For instance, “Ninku” by Koji Kiriyama is one such great read, featuring characters like Fusuke from “Ninku” and Ninja Hattori.

Naruto Drew Inspiration From the TMNT, Says Creator Masashi Kishimoto

It’s clear that various narratives centered around ninjas served as a foundation for the creation of ‘Naruto.’ The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, dating back to 1958, revolve around two rival ninja groups, the Kouga and the Iga. These ninjas possess extraordinary abilities, which originate from generations of interbreeding, effectively cursing both bloodlines. Masashi Kishimoto also paid homage to earlier Shonen Jump series such as ‘Ninku,’ blending ninjutsu and kung fu. Additionally, ‘Ninja Hattori’ was acknowledged, as Motoo Abiko developed the action manga in 1964.

A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto Crossover Is Coming

Kishimoto drew inspiration from various sources while developing Naruto, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) were particularly popular during the manga’s initial phase. It’s worth noting that these turtle heroes were conceived by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird back in 1984. Initially introduced as comic book characters, the TMNT franchise has expanded into numerous mediums over time, including films, TV shows, and video games. Even today, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continue to thrive, with their latest revamp, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, launching in 2023.

The popular series “Naruto” started gaining momentum back in 1999. Masashi Kishimoto was responsible for writing the main manga, which continued until it concluded in November 2014. However, the final chapter of “Naruto” didn’t mean the end of the story. Instead, a sequel titled “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” was created by Ikemoto and Kishimoto themselves. This new installment is currently in the middle of the arc “Boruto: Two Blue Vortex“. Interestingly, much like “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (TMNT), “Naruto” has transitioned from film to television, and soon, these two intellectual properties will collaborate.

Absolutely correct! The eagerly awaited fusion of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Naruto is almost here. IDW Publishing and Viz Media have collaborated on this unique comic series. Anticipated to debut in fall 2025, the official crossover will find Team 7 venturing into a new nation modeled after the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. If you’re curious about what ninjutsu Donatello might master, don’t go anywhere!

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2024-09-09 21:40