October 3rd marks the start of an era for Naruto. The very first episode aired in October 3, 2002, hence becoming 20 years ago today. It is truly nostalgic for OG Naruto fans, especially who have stuck around for two decades. It may have made you feel old, but at the same time, reminded you of simpler times. You may have also realized that you also missed the characters from Naruto.
Well, to truly complete the viewers’ reminiscent journey, Pierrot Studio re-animated the highlights of Naruto. They released it as a compilation video on their YouTube channel, to commemorate the series’ 20th anniversary.
Get ready to be taken back by watching the video below:
It chronicled Naruto’s journey to become a Hokage. His training, strength, and victory over the course of the series were also shown. He became friends with Team 7 members: Sasuke and Sakura, under the tutelage of Kakashi. Sasuke’s goal to restore his clan’s honor were included as well, especially when he became an antagonist. The video ends with Team 7 successfully defeating Kaguya, the final threat. Naruto and Sasuke reconcile at the end, with latter being guilt-ridden.
There are new visuals too!
Aside from the video, Naruto also has released a visual series to celebrate the 20th anniversary. You can check them below:
These visuals basically depict the events that have happened in Naruto, as well as the crucial characters involved. It is similar to what the video did – giving the fans a recap of Naruto‘s story that captivated them.
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Naruto Anime Background
The first part of Naruto series aired from October 3, 2002 to February 8, 2007. It has a total of 220 episodes and 5 seasons overall. It was produced by Pierrot Studio, together with TV Tokyo and Shueisha.
The first part’s story is about Naruto Uzumaki who felt shunned in his village, Konohagakure, all the while having a goal of becoming the Hokage. This was because he has the Kyuubi or the Nine-Tailed Fox inside him. The beast in question have attacked the Konohagakure before, at the time when Naruto was still a baby. The Fourth Hokage sacrificed his life to protect Konohagakure and sealed the beast inside baby Naruto. Still, Naruto’s determination to become a Hokage is undeterred.
The first part was followed by Naruto: Shippuden, which aired from February 15, 2007 to March 23, 2017 with a total of 21 seasons and 500 episodes. Pierrot Studio served as its animation production house.
This followed Naruto’s story but he is much older and wiser. He also made it his goal to get his best friend and rival, Sasuke, back. Sasuke has allied himself with a dangerous shinobi organization, Akatsuki. Naruto will do whatever it takes to protect his home and loved ones, hence he had trained to become stronger.
Naruto: Shippuden was succeeded by Boruto: The Next Generations series. This was centered around Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki. Naruto successfully became the 7th Hokage of Konohagakure, hence Boruto is the subject of attention. Boruto is considered a prodigy, being able to unleash his abilities because of his supportive surroundings. Very much confident with himself, Boruto made it his goal to defeat his own father, Naruto. This strained their relationship. What he did not expect is that he will have to face danger that is looming Konohagakure.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations started airing last April 5, 2017 and it is still ongoing. Pierrot Studio also served as its animation producer. It has aired 269 episodes so far.
Naruto Manga Background
Masashi Kishimoto authored and illustrated the manga, Naruto, from September 21, 1999 to November 10, 2014. It serialized on Shuiesha’s Weekly Shounen Jump and the 1st volume was released as a paperback in 2000. As of 2015, there are 72 volumes overall.
The English publication was licensed by VIZ Media, and has also published 72 volumes as of 2015.
Masashi Kishimoto also authored the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga series, together with Ukyo Kodachi. Mikie Ikemoto is the illustrator. It initially serialized on the Weekly Shounen Jump in 2016 after it was moved to V Jump in 2019. As of September 2022, 18 volumes have been published.
VIZ Media also published the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations in English, with 14 volumes on sale. The 15th volume is available for pre-order, and will be released in October 4, 2022.
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