Boruto Creators Kishimoto and Ikemoto Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Secrets Of The Series

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As a die-hard Naruto fan who has followed the series since its inception, I must say that this interview with Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto was nothing short of enlightening. It gave us a rare glimpse into the struggles and challenges they faced while creating the beloved series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

On August 24, 2024, during the festivities of Konoha Day, Naruto fans received a delightful surprise. On this occasion, Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto (his collaborator) shared insights into the development process of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. This unique interview provided a glimpse into the challenges Kishimoto encountered while creating the renowned series.

The struggles behind Naruto creation

In simpler terms, Kishimoto talked about the hardships he faced while creating Naruto. He explained that the process was both physically and mentally exhausting, especially as it went on. The demanding weekly deadline for serialization proved to be a significant challenge. Despite his affection for the world he created, Kishimoto found it overwhelming to cope with such a heavy workload.

Battles like those of Pain were particularly difficult narrative arcs within the series due to their intricacy. It required great focus to weave together convoluted plot threads and character developments. For example, he was so dedicated to his storytelling that he neglected his own health, ultimately creating a tale that would captivate Naruto’s audience.

Boruto vs. Naruto

During the interview, the discussion centered around the evolution of Boruto’s personality throughout the series. Kishimoto highlighted the contrast between Boruto and Naruto as primary characters. Unlike Naruto, who obtained everything he yearned for from the ground up – friends, respect, and power, Boruto’s narrative revolves around losing these elements and his struggle to regain them.

Kishimoto drew parallels between Sasuke and Boruto’s struggles, using an analogy as a guide. Yet, he emphasized that Boruto’s growth echoes Naruto’s journey, but with distinct characteristics. The author skillfully altered this comparison to provide readers with a fresh viewpoint while maintaining the original charm that made the series captivating.

The collaboration between Kishimoto and Ikemoto

Creating Naruto as an anime sequel wasn’t a walk in the park; Kishimoto and Ikemoto encountered numerous obstacles along the way. As Kishimoto disclosed, they often had differing views regarding the fates of certain characters. However, these disagreements proved beneficial for the creative process.

He talked about how he was faced with the problem of making sure that the story was getting fresh weave every year so that it would stay relevant on the battlefield, where all things change so quickly.

He pointed out that flavors and preferences were shifting, serving as a foundation for the story’s development. At certain stages, this necessitated deviations from the original blueprint. Yet, surprisingly, the partnership between Kishimoto and Ikemoto has flourished, and their subsequent work remains compelling to its viewers.

From scriptwriter to supervisor

Kishimoto shared how he transitioned from scriptwriting to supervising Boruto. He expressed faith in Ikemoto’s skills, revealing that he had provided an extensive outline for the series prior to passing it on.

During this time, Ikemoto’s close collaboration with Kishimoto facilitated seamless transitions as Ikemoto refined what Kishimot was striving to accomplish in his work. In truth, had Ikemoto not taken over, the series might not have continued at all, according to Kishimoto himself. Notably, this strong bond has been crucial in preserving the quality and depth of the series itself.

Crafting of new characters in Boruto

When creating new characters for Boruto, there was a need to think very carefully and creatively. Starting with the conceptualization of the role that the character will play in the story, Kishimoto takes us through his process. He then adds unexpected twists to make them appealing. For example, Ada can rule the world but she’d rather be in love or act silly.

Kishimoto additionally discussed the role of fashion in character creation, emphasizing that clothing choices can reveal significant aspects about a character’s personality and background. For example, Boruto donning garments he borrowed from Sasuke symbolizes his respect for him as a mentor and pride in his heritage. Conversely, Kawaki’s worn-out casual attire suggests a struggling self-image and challenging past.

Kishimoto expressed regret over not delving deeper into Sakura Haruno’s background, unlike with Naruto and Sasuke. Unlike their richly developed family histories, Sakura’s was left unexplored within the manga. Kishimoto felt this was a missed chance for character growth since providing more backstory could have enriched her character, as he stated. While he attempted to address her family matters in movie adaptations, Kishimoto believed that the main storyline could have offered more insight in this regard.

Comparing relationships: Naruto and Sasuke vs. Boruto and Kawaki

Still, the interview also had something to say about his story of Naruto’s relationship with Sasuke and Boruto’s relationship with Kawaki. According to Kishimoto, although these two pairs are rivals, their dynamics are different. Despite their disagreements, Naruto and Sasuke have an understanding of each other based on the issues they share. 

Conversely, the tension between Boruto and Kawaki stems from significant differences in their upbringing. Born into affluence, Boruto sometimes appears ungrateful, while Kawaki, who has never known wealth, consistently battles with low self-worth.

Conclusion

The interview offered valuable behind-the-scenes information about the factors influencing Boruto’s development, shared by Kishimoto and Ikemoto. It also emphasized the challenges faced in creating a sequel that matches the popularity of the original Naruto series, while simultaneously growing both characters and creators.

It was Kishimoto who originally conceived this idea; he started as a scriptwriter and then moved on to become a supervisor when his work was finished. After that, he teamed up with Ikemoto to ensure that the Naruto legacy didn’t fade in Boruto but instead became even more robust than it was before.

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2024-08-27 14:13