15 Interesting Facts About Naruto You Didn’t Know

15. Naruto was originally set in modern times

In the original pilot issue, Naruto solved crimes in a modern-day setting rather than in a fantastical past. Due to the stark tone of this pilot, Kishimoto shifted to a second version that paved the way for the series fans adore today. | © TXN

14. Kakuzu uses techniques from Mobile Suit Gundam

Techniques Kakuzu uses during the battles are named after elements from Mobile Suit Gundam, which pays tribute to Kishimoto’s favorite anime. While he isn’t linked to giant robots, his ability to transform into numerous writhing tendrils makes him a comparably formidable ninja. | © TXN

13. Kakashi used to have a catchphrase

Kakashi was originally slated to end his sentences with "gozaru", a historical term popularized in samurai dramas like Rurouni Kenshin and Seven Samurai. However, his catchphrase was scrapped by the manga editor to allow more flexibility in his character development. | © TXN

12. Headbands saved artists time and energy

The iconic headbands in Naruto were introduced as a time-saving measure by the artists, who found them quicker to draw than detailed goggles. This practical choice not only conserved resources but also became a standout merchandising feature for the series. | © TXN

11. You can visit Naruto's favorite ramen shop in real life

Naruto's favorite ramen shop, Ichiraku, is based on a real restaurant in Fukuoka, Japan that fans can visit. The waterfront eatery was a college favorite of creator Masashi Kishimoto and lives up to its name, which means Ramen is the best pleasure. | © TXN

10. Large parts of the anime were created on the fly

Masashi Kishimoto often had to develop the story on the fly due to the monthly release schedule of the manga. To prevent the anime from overtaking the manga, additional filler episodes were added, making it one of the series with the most filler content. | © TXN

9. Naruto got taller over the course of the anime

Many fans theorize that Naruto's growth, from roughly 145-147 centimeters in Part I to about 166 centimeters in Part II, symbolizes his evolving character. Although official records note these measurements, the discussion around his height change is largely fueled by fan interpretations – he grew older, hence he got taller like most of his peers. | © TXN

8. Naruto kept Kishimoto busy

Naruto's production consumed years of Kishimoto's time, significantly impacting his personal life. He even postponed his honeymoon for ten years after marrying just before the show began. | © TXN

7. The Toads are named after famous actors

The toads in Naruto are named after renowned 1980s actors, with Shima, Gamabunta, and Gamaken paying tribute to Shima Iwashita, Bunta Sugawara, and Ken Takakura respectively. | © TXN

6. Naruto has many references to Dragon Ball

Masashi Kishimoto has openly admitted that Dragon Ball Z, one of the era's most successful anime, greatly influenced Naruto. This inspiration is evident in the similar character traits and even shared names, with parallels like Goku and Roshi appearing in both series. | © TXN

5. Naruto had to be cleaned up before debuting in the United States

Before debuting in the United States, Naruto underwent edits to better suit American audiences. For example, you may have noticed that Asuma’s cigarettes are never lit, and Tazuna isn’t drunk when he appears. | © TXN

4. Naruto has Type B blood type

In Japan, some believe that blood type can reveal a person's personality. According to Naruto's databooks, he's Type B, and fans say his early immaturity and later heroics fit the selfish yet creative traits linked to that blood type. | © TXN

3. Naruto was never supposed to meet his parents

Naruto was originally not supposed to meet his parents, as his isolation and being the Jinchuriki of Kurama were key elements of his character. But after Masashi Kishimoto became a father, he decided to reunite Naruto with his parents using time travel and reanimation, even just for a couple of seconds. | © TXN

2. Naruto is not the last of the Uzumaki Clan

Naruto was believed to be the last of the Uzumaki Clan, but that's not entirely accurate. He is distantly related to Lady Tsunade through an early intermarriage of their clans, and characters like Karin and Nagato also share Uzumaki descent. | © TXN

1. Kurama is based on a real demon

Kurama, the nine-tailed fox in Naruto, is based on Kitsune, a real demon from Japanese folklore. Like Kurama, Kitsune can possess humans, a trait that mirrors the relationship between Kurama and Naruto. | © TXN