Naruto: Why the World Loves It, and Where to Buy Goods in Tokyo
Published: 2026-10-08
Naruto, the story of an underdog ninja who grows up alongside his friends, sparked a worldwide ninja craze. Here's what makes it special and how to enjoy it in Japan.
The short answer
| Naruto | |
|---|---|
| Creator | Masashi Kishimoto. Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2014 |
| Anime | From 2002, followed by Shippuden and the next-generation story Boruto |
| Why it's popular | A hero who never gives up, fierce rivalries, cool ninja techniques |
| Where to enjoy it in Tokyo | Jump Shop, and the anime stores of Akihabara and Ikebukuro |
What is it?
In the ninja village of Konoha, Naruto Uzumaki, a boy shunned by everyone, dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's greatest ninja. It's a story of friendship, rivalry and never giving up.
Why the world loves it
- A hero who never quits: Naruto gets back up no matter how often he fails, and fans everywhere found that inspiring.
- Cool ninja techniques: kids around the world copied the Shadow Clone Jutsu and the hand signs.
- A story that grows with you: from childhood to adulthood, and on to the next generation.
Where to enjoy it
Jump ShopThe official shop for Weekly Shonen Jump series. Tokyo stores are in Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station, Tokyo Skytree Town and Tokyo Dome City.
Anime shops in Akihabara and IkebukuroBig anime stores have sections for popular series, and hunting for secondhand goods is fun too.Nijigen no Mori, a theme park on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, has attractions where you can step into Naruto's world. Worth considering if you're heading to the Kansai region.
Find Tokyo ramen on our ramen page.
The story so far: where should you start?
| Series | What it's about |
|---|---|
| Naruto | Naruto as a kid. He graduates from the Ninja Academy and takes on missions with Sasuke and Sakura as "Team 7" |
| Naruto Shippuden | An older Naruto fights to bring back his friend and to protect the world |
| Boruto | The next generation, starring Naruto's son Boruto. The manga continues as "Boruto: Two Blue Vortex" |
If you're new, start with the original "Naruto" and watch in order. That's the best way to feel how the characters grow.
News to watch
- A brand-new anime: a four-episode anime marking the show's 20th anniversary has been announced. Its broadcast was postponed, and the latest news is due at the New York Comic Con stage on October 11, 2026 (Japan time).
- A Hollywood live-action film: a live-action movie is in the works in the US, with a worldwide search for its main cast.
Release dates can change. Check the official website for the latest.
Tips for finding goods
- New official goods: go to Jump Shop. Tokyo stores are in Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, Tokyo Station, Tokyo Skytree Town and Tokyo Dome City.
- Older and rare items: second-hand shops at Nakano Broadway in Nakano and in Akihabara sometimes have goods from the original run.
- Leaf Village headbands: cosplay shops sometimes stock them. Outside of events, keep full costumes to a minimum on the streets.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Naruto theme park in Tokyo?
Not in Tokyo. Nijigen no Mori, a theme park on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, has an attraction where you can step into the world of Naruto.
Where should I start watching Naruto?
Start with the original "Naruto", then move on to "Naruto Shippuden". After that, the story continues with the next generation in "Boruto".
Where is the creator, Masashi Kishimoto, from?
He was born in 1974 in Nagi, Okayama Prefecture.
What is the "naruto" topping on ramen?
It's a white fish cake made from ground fish, with a pink swirl on the cut face. You'll often see it on classic Tokyo-style soy sauce ramen.
Official websites
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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