Masashi Kishimoto ​

Masashi Kishimoto is a Japanese manga artist, well known for creating the manga series Naruto which was in serialization from 1999 to 2014. The series has sold over 250 million copies worldwide in 46 countries, making it the fourth best-selling manga series in history.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for his manga series Naruto, which has over 220 million copies sold worldwide in 35 countries.
• Holds the 3rd position in the highest manga sales by authors.
• Became a widely known manga author abroad.
• His work has been adapted into multiple forms of media including anime, movies, and video games.
• Honored at the 19th and 20th Anniversary of the Japanese Media Arts Festival.

Background ​

Kishimoto was born in 1974 in Okayama, Japan. He showed an early affinity for art, inspired by anime shows and manga comics he enjoyed as a child. He and his twin brother, Seishi, both developed a love for creating manga and a friendly rivalry between the two emerged. Kishimoto completed his higher education at the Kyushu Sangyo University, where he studied Art. He then moved to Tokyo to pursue his career in manga writing. His major breakthrough came in 1999 when the first chapter of his manga series "Naruto" was published in the Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. "Naruto" went on to become a major success, with widespread popularity both in Japan and internationally. The manga was adapted into anime and spawned numerous video games. In addition to "Naruto," Kishimoto has worked on other successful manga series, including "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" and "Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru".

Writing Style and Impact ​

Kishimoto is renowned for his storytelling ability, often crafting intricate plots with a wide array of characters, each with their own detailed backstory. He is also praised for his ability to seamlessly blend elements of traditional Japanese culture with a modern, fantasy setting. His work in the manga and anime genres has not only gained a massive fan base but also played a critical role in spreading these mediums to Western audiences.

Notable Works ​

• Naruto series (1999-2014)
• Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2016-present)
• Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring (2015)
• Naruto: Innocent Heart, Demonic Blood (Novel, 2002-2004)