During an interview on Konoha Day, which took place on August 24, 2024, the creators of the Boruto and Naruto series, Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto, shared fascinating insights into the creation of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Kishimoto and Ikemoto discuss the challenges and triumphs of developing a sequel to a beloved and highly acclaimed series.
During their discussion, they discussed the most difficult obstacles they encountered while creating Naruto and provided their perspective on how Boruto’s development differed from his father Naruto. They also disclosed the laborious process of crafting new characters for the series.
In addition to shedding light on the creative process behind the story, this open discussion also enables fans to gain a deeper understanding of how the legacy of Naruto is being carried on and expanded in its successor.
This article reflects the sole opinions of the author and no one else.
Interview with Kishimoto and Ikemoto: The Creation of Boruto and the Challenges They Faced
What has been the most challenging aspect of creating Naruto for Masashi Kishimoto?
During the Konoha Day interview, Masashi Kishimoto was asked about the obstacles he encountered during the creation of the Naruto series. In his reply, he revealed how the series took a toll on him both physically and mentally. While he had a strong passion for the series, his weak constitution made it challenging to maintain a demanding weekly serialization schedule. Not only did he have to focus on creating the series, but also on taking care of his health.
The fight against Pain was the most physically taxing for Kishimoto due to the complex narrative challenges that required difficult solutions. This serves as a testament to Kishimoto’s dedication to creating a compelling story, even if it meant sacrificing his health. This was particularly evident in the Pain arc, which contained crucial plot developments.
What sets Boruto’s character arc apart from Naruto’s?
During the interview, Masashi Kishimoto discussed the key difference between Boruto and Naruto as protagonists. He explained that while Naruto began with nothing and worked hard to gain friends, respect, and power, Boruto starts with everything but eventually loses it all. The story then focuses on Boruto’s journey to reclaim everything he has lost.
Kishimoto drew parallels between Boruto’s defeat and Sasuke’s, but he also showcased how, like Naruto, he undergoes personal growth by gaining something in return. This difference in character development illustrates how Boruto’s story brings fresh elements to the main series while staying true to its core themes.
The Challenges of Collaborating on the Story: A Look at Masashi Kishimoto and Ikemoto’s Journey
Kishimoto revealed that there were significant differences in opinions between himself and Ikemoto regarding the fate of a character, but chose not to divulge any specifics in order to avoid spoiling the storyline. Ikemoto also spoke about the challenges of creating a serialized publication, where the story must adapt to changing trends and the expectations of the audience.
According to Kishimoto, he stated:
Ikemoto-san and I once had a significant difference of opinion on the fate of a character, he dissuaded me for a long time with your tenacity.
Ikemoto explained that modifications were made to the initial plan in order to maintain the continuity of the story, including the development of characters and plotlines. He noted that the series itself is constantly evolving, presenting an ongoing challenge to keep the audience engaged and current.
How Masashi Kishimoto Successfully Transitioned from Scriptwriter to Supervisor for Boruto
In the interview, Masashi Kishimoto expressed his confidence in his transition from being a scriptwriter to a supervisor for Boruto. He shared that he had a well-developed synopsis for the series, which he then shared with Ikemoto. The two work closely together, with Ikemoto often creating storyboards that build upon Kishimoto’s original concept.
He made a mention of:
I wasn’t planning on making the sequal if Ikemoto didn’t take over.
Kishimoto has faith in Ikemoto’s abilities as both an artist and a storyteller. This instills confidence in their collaboration, ensuring a smooth progression of the series with minimal obstacles.
Steps for Creating New Characters in Kishimoto’s Story
During the interview, Masashi Kishimoto delved into the process of creating new characters. He begins by determining the type of character that best suits the story. Next, he incorporates an element of surprise to further develop the character, as seen with Ada who possesses the power to control the world but chooses to prioritize love and silliness.
Kishimoto has incorporated the concept of “gap moe”in creating unforgettable characters, like Hidari, whose techniques mirror some aspects of Sasuke’s but with a unique eccentricity. This approach effectively showcases the character’s distinct charm, making him all the more captivating.
How Fashion Influences Boruto’s Character Design
According to Masashi Kishimoto, the clothing choices of a character in a story reflect their personality, preferences, and often, their psychological state. He has noted that a character’s attire must align with their temperament and the fashion trends of their village.
Boruto’s attention to appearance and adoption of Sasuke’s sense of style are expressions of admiration for his mentor and a source of pride stemming from his happy upbringing. In contrast, Kawaki’s disregard for fashion can be attributed to his insecurities and difficult upbringing, evident in his casual attire and tendency to wear torn clothing.
Which Naruto character would the author have preferred to explore more deeply?
On Konoha Day, Masashi Kishimoto expressed his regret for not delving further into the character of Sakura Haruno. He emphasized that Sakura’s background sets her apart from the other two main protagonists, as her parents were never featured or referenced in the manga.
As the series progressed, he became aware that he had missed the opportunity to develop Sakura’s family background in the earlier stages. Despite his attempts to briefly include glimpses of her parents in movie adaptations, he felt that more detail about her family needed to be incorporated into the main story.
Comparing the Dynamics between Naruto and Sasuke and Boruto and Kawaki
In the interview, Masashi Kishimoto highlighted both the similarities and differences in the relationships between Naruto and Sasuke with Boruto and Kawaki. However, the personalities of Naruto and Sasuke share traits such as determination, average intelligence, and past traumas.
The quote “Kishimoto said”was stated by Kishimoto.
Naruto and Sasuke and Boruto and Kawaki are rivals in the story, but I think their relationship in Naruto and Boruto are quite different.
Despite being on opposite sides, the core of Boruto and Kawaki’s rivalry stems from a mutual understanding between them. They are two very different individuals – Boruto, born with privilege, often takes it for granted, while Kawaki, who has nothing, struggles with feelings of self-worth.
Final Thoughts
During their interview on Konoha Day, Kishimoto and Ikemoto provided insights on the evolution of Boruto. They openly discussed the challenges they faced, both personally and professionally, in creating a sequel to Naruto and the quick-paced approach they took.
Kishimoto’s transition from a scriptwriter to a supervisor demonstrates his dedication to maintaining the series’ relevance and depth. It has been noted that the development of characters is a complex task, influenced by current fashion trends and design.
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