# Masashi Kishimoto > Japanese manga artist (born 1974) **Wikidata**: [Q1993](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1993) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masashi_Kishimoto) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/masashi-kishimoto ## Summary Masashi Kishimoto is a Japanese manga artist born in 1974, best known for creating the globally popular *Naruto* series. His work has defined modern shonen manga and inspired generations of artists and fans worldwide. ## Biography - Born: November 8, 1974 - Nationality: Japanese - Education: Attended Kyushu Sangyo University - Known for: Creating the *Naruto* manga series - Employer(s): Kyushu Sangyo University (affiliated) - Field(s): Manga, illustration, screenwriting ## Contributions - Created *Naruto* (1999–present), a foundational work in shonen manga that has sold over 250 million copies worldwide. - Developed *Naruto: Shippūden* (2007–2017), the sequel series that expanded the *Naruto* universe. - Authored *Boruto: Naruto Next Generations* (2016–present), a direct sequel to *Naruto* featuring new characters. - Designed iconic characters like Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno, which have become cultural symbols. - Adapted his manga into the *Naruto* anime series, collaborating with Studio Pierrot. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Masashi Kishimoto best known for? A: Masashi Kishimoto is best known for creating the *Naruto* manga series, which has become one of the most influential and commercially successful works in Japanese comics. ### Q: Where did Masashi Kishimoto study? A: Masashi Kishimoto attended Kyushu Sangyo University, where he was affiliated during his career. ### Q: How many copies of *Naruto* have been sold? A: The *Naruto* series has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga of all time. ### Q: Has *Naruto* been adapted into other media? A: Yes, *Naruto* has been adapted into an anime series, video games, and merchandise, further expanding its cultural impact. ## Why They Matter Masashi Kishimoto revolutionized shonen manga with *Naruto*, blending action, drama, and deep character development into a narrative that resonated globally. His work introduced complex themes like friendship, sacrifice, and personal growth to a younger audience, influencing countless artists and writers. The *Naruto* franchise has left an indelible mark on Japanese pop culture, shaping anime, gaming, and merchandise industries. Without Kishimoto, the modern shonen genre would lack its most iconic characters and stories. ## Notable For - Creator of *Naruto*, one of the best-selling manga series ever. - Authored *Naruto: Shippūden*, a sequel that expanded the original story. - Developed *Boruto: Naruto Next Generations*, a direct sequel featuring new characters. - Designed iconic *Naruto* characters like Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. - Collaborated with Studio Pierrot on the *Naruto* anime adaptation. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Masashi Kishimoto was born on November 8, 1974, in Japan. He attended Kyushu Sangyo University, where he was affiliated during his career, though specific details about his education are limited. ### Career Beginnings Kishimoto began his career as a manga artist, working on various projects before achieving widespread recognition with *Naruto*. His early works laid the foundation for his later success in the shonen manga genre. ### *Naruto* and Global Impact Kishimoto created *Naruto* in 1999, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The series follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja seeking recognition and acceptance. *Naruto* sold over 250 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga of all time. The series introduced complex themes, including friendship, sacrifice, and personal growth, resonating deeply with readers. ### *Naruto: Shippūden* and Expansion The sequel series, *Naruto: Shippūden*, was published from 2007 to 2017. It continued the story of Naruto and his friends, delving into deeper conflicts and character arcs. The series further cemented *Naruto*'s legacy, expanding the narrative and character development. ### *Boruto: Naruto Next Generations* Kishimoto launched *Boruto: Naruto Next Generations* in 2016, a direct sequel featuring new characters and a fresh narrative. The series explores the next generation of ninja, maintaining the action and drama that defined the original series. ### Character Design and Influence Kishimoto designed iconic characters like Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno, which have become cultural symbols. These characters have influenced generations of artists and fans, shaping the modern shonen manga aesthetic. ### Adaptations and Collaborations Kishimoto collaborated with Studio Pierrot on the *Naruto* anime adaptation, ensuring the visual and narrative integrity of his work. The anime series further expanded the *Naruto* universe, introducing new stories and characters. ### Legacy and Influence Masashi Kishimoto's work has left an indelible mark on Japanese pop culture, influencing the anime, gaming, and merchandise industries. His contributions to shonen manga have inspired countless artists and writers, shaping the modern shonen genre. The *Naruto* franchise continues to be a cornerstone of Japanese entertainment, with ongoing adaptations and merchandise. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. datos.bne.es 4. NMVW-collection website 5. International Standard Name Identifier 6. CiNii Research 7. MusicBrainz 8. Lingua Libre 9. [KISHIMOTO Masashi](https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/auteur/Kishimoto-Masashi) 10. BD Gest' 11. Internet Speculative Fiction Database 12. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze 13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 14. [Masashi Kishimoto | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL2980579A/Masashi_Kishimoto) 15. [Source](https://cartoons.osu.edu/biographical-files/) 16. The Movie Database 17. LIBRIS. 2013 18. [Masashi Kishimoto MBTI Personality Type: ISFP](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/22128/masashi-kishimoto-artists-comics-mbti-personality-type)