Naruto: A Timeless Anime Phenomenon
Naruto stands as a cornerstone in the realm of anime and manga, captivating audiences globally. Originally serialized from September 1999 until November 2014, the anime adaptation’s first part aired between 2002 and 2007, while its sequel, Naruto: Shippuden, spanned from 2007 to 2017.
Overview of the Series
The narrative of Naruto revolves around the journey of its titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, alongside his comrades Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. Together, they are mentored by the skilled ninja Kakashi Hatake. Their path is fraught with challenges, including confrontations with the enigmatic rogue Orochimaru and encounters with legendary figures like Jiraiya, one of the three renowned Sannin.
Character Dynamics and Importance
This rich universe is populated with diverse characters who inspire growth and resilience. From the complex rivalry with Sasuke to the gentle Hinata and the formidable Gaara, each character provides depth to the storyline. For both newcomers and long-time fans, this guide offers essential insights into Naruto’s core ensemble.
Reflecting on Recent Developments
Updated on November 9, 2024, by Mark Sammut: As Naruto nears the 10th anniversary of its conclusion, the legacy it left behind continues through its sequel, Boruto. Although the sequel has not achieved the same acclaim, the original series’s success has undeniably influenced contemporary anime, broadening its appeal to a vast audience.
Naruto Character Statistics
Here is a comprehensive chart detailing the ages, heights, and birthdays of key characters from Naruto:
| Name | Age | Height | Birthday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naruto Uzumaki |
|
|
October 10 |
| Sasuke Uchiha |
|
|
July 23 |
| Sakura Haruno |
|
|
March 28 |
| Kakashi Hatake |
|
|
September 15 |
| Might Guy |
|
|
January 1 |
| Itachi Uchiha |
|
|
June 9 |
| Hinata Hyuga |
|
|
December 27 |
| Gaara |
|
|
January 19 |
| Rock Lee |
|
|
November 27 |
| Shikamaru Nara |
|
|
September 22 |
| Ino Yamanaka |
|
|
September 23 |
| Choji Akamichi |
|
|
May 1 |
| Asuma Sarutobi |
|
|
October 18 |
| Neji Hyuga |
|
|
July 3 |
| Jiraiya |
|
|
November 11 |
| Orochimaru |
|
|
October 27 |
| Tsunade |
|
|
August 2 |
| Obito Uchiha |
|
|
February 10 |
| Minato Namikaze |
|
|
January 25 |
| Hiruzen Sarutobi |
|
|
February 8 |
| Kabuto Yakushi |
|
|
February 29 |
| Madara Uchiha |
|
|
December 24 |
| Hashirama Senju |
|
|
October 23 |
| Kaguya Otsutsuki |
|
|
August 15 |
Use the following links to jump to specific characters:
Quick Links
- Naruto Uzumaki
- Sasuke Uchiha
- Sakura Haruno
- Kakashi Hatake
- Might Guy
- Itachi Uchiha
- Hinata Hyuga
- Gaara
- Rock Lee
- Shikamaru Nara
- Ino Yamanaka
- Choji Akimichi
- Asuma Sarutobi
- Neji Hyuga
- Jiraiya
- Orochimaru
- Tsunade
- Obito Uchiha
- Minato Namikaze
- Hiruzen Sarutobi
- Kabuto Yakushi
- Madara Uchiha
- Hashirama Senju
- Kaguya Otsutsuki
Character Profiles
Naruto Uzumaki
- Age: 12-13 (Part 1), 15-17 (Part 2)
- Height: 146 cm (4’9″) in Part 1, 166 cm (5’5″) in Part 2
- Birthday: October 10
- Debut Episode: Episode 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Junko Takeuchi
- English Voice Actor: Maile Flanagan
Naruto Uzumaki is the story’s primary protagonist, an orphan striving to prove his worth by aiming for the title of Hokage. His transformation from an ostracized child to a respected ninja showcases significant character development throughout the series.
Sasuke Uchiha
- Age: 12-13 (Part 1), 16-17 (Part 2)
- Height: 152 cm (5’0″) in Part 1, 168 cm (5’6″) in Part 2
- Birthday: July 23
- Debut Episode: Episode 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Noriaki Sugiyama
- English Voice Actor: Yuri Lowenthal
Sasuke serves as both Naruto’s closest friend and his rival. This character is deeply affected by his brother Itachi’s actions, revealing a complex personality marked by intense conflict and profound changes, contributing significantly to the story’s emotional depth.
Sakura Haruno
- Age: 12-13 (Part 1), 15-17 (Part 2)
- Height: 149 cm (4’11”) in Part 1, 161 cm (5’3″) in Part 2
- Birthday: March 28
- Debut Episode: Episode 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Chie Nakamura
- English Voice Actor: Kate Higgins
Sakura, a pivotal member of Team 7, evolves from being perceived as a subordinate to proving her worth as an exceptional kunoichi and healer. Her character arc highlights themes of perseverance and self-discovery.
Kakashi Hatake
- Age: 26-27 (Part 1), 29-31 (Part 2)
- Height: 181 cm (5’11”)
- Birthday: September 15
- Debut Episode: Episode 3 “Sasuke and Sakura: Friends or Foes?”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Kazuhiko Inoue
- English Voice Actor: Dave Wittenberg
Kakashi, known as the Copy Ninja, expertly leads Team 7, showcasing a blend of casual demeanor with exceptional skill, guiding the young ninjas with wisdom and experience despite personal losses.
Might Guy
- Age: 26-27 (Part 1), 30-31 (Part 2)
- Height: 184 cm (6’0″)
- Birthday: January 1
- Debut Episode: Episode 21 “Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Masashi Ebara
- English Voice Actor: Skip Stellrecht
As Kakashi’s self-styled rival, Might Guy is celebrated for his extraordinary taijutsu abilities. His vibrant personality and undeniable spirit make him a fan favorite, epitomizing the theme of hard work leading to success.
Itachi Uchiha
- Age: 17-18 (Part 1), 21 (Part 2)
- Height: 175 cm (5’9″) in Part 1, 178 cm (5’10”) in Part 2
- Birthday: June 9
- Debut Episode: Episode 80 “The Third Hokage, Forever…”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Hideo Ishikawa
- English Voice Actor: Crispin Freeman
Itachi becomes a central figure shrouded in tragedy; his choices and sacrifices define Sasuke’s path and contribute to a complex narrative around loyalty and the harrowing burdens of power.
Hinata Hyuga
- Age: 12-13 (Part 1), 16 (Part 2)
- Height: 148 cm (4’10”) in Part 1, 160 cm (5’3″) in Part 2
- Birthday: December 27
- Debut Episode: Episode 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Nana Mizuki
- English Voice Actor: Stephanie Sheh
Hinata depicts the struggle of self-acceptance and courage in the face of adversity. Inspired by Naruto’s determination, her growth from shy to confident warrior emphasizes the theme of personal growth.
Gaara
- Age: 12-13 (Part 1), 15-17 (Part 2)
- Height: 147 cm (4’10”) in Part 1, 166 cm (5’5″) in Part 2
- Birthday: January 19
- Debut Episode: Episode 20 “A New Chapter Begins: The Chunin Exam!”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Akira Ishida
- English Voice Actor: Liam O’Brien
Gaara‘s transformation from reviled outcast to respected leader parallels Naruto’s story, showcasing themes of redemption and friendship.
Rock Lee
- Age: 13-14 (Part 1), 17 (Part 2)
- Height: 160 cm (5’3″) in Part 1, 172 cm (5’8″) in Part 2
- Birthday: November 27
- Debut Episode: Episode 21 “Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Yōichi Masukawa
- English Voice Actor: Brian Donovan
Rock Lee embodies the spirit of persistence, breaking through his limitations with sheer determination and hard work, proving that true strength lies in effort and heart.
Shikamaru Nara
- Age: 12-13 (Part 1), 15-17 (Part 2)
- Height: 151 cm (4’11.5″) – 152 cm (5’0″) in Part 1, 172 cm (5’8″) in Part 2
- Birthday: September 22
- Debut Episode: Episode 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Shōtarō Morikubo
- English Voice Actor: Tom Gibis
Shikamaru is often recognized for his strategic brilliance amidst moments of laziness. His journey reflects a profound sense of responsibility and bravery following significant losses, establishing him as a fan-favorite character.
Ino Yamanaka
- Age: 12-13 (Part 1), 16-17 (Part 2)
- Height: 149 cm (4’11”) – 151 cm (4’11.5″) in Part 1, 162 cm (5’4″) in Part 2
- Birthday: September 23
- Debut Episode: Episode 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Ryoka Yuzuki
- English Voice Actor: Colleen Villard
Initially seen as contentious, Ino evolves to become a pivotal character whose friendship with Sakura emphasizes themes of rivalry and camaraderie, ultimately showcasing her growth and strength.
Choji Akimichi
- Age: 12-13 (Part 1), 16-17 (Part 2)
- Height: 151 cm (4’11”) – 156 cm (5’1″) in Part 1, 172 cm (5’8″) in Part 2
- Birthday: May 1
- Debut Episode: Episode 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Kentarō Itō
- English Voice Actor: Robbie Rist
Choji is often dismissed as mere comic relief, yet his loyalty and formidable strength within the Ino-Shika-Cho trio render him an essential character. He demonstrates that compassion and camaraderie are equally vital to battle success.
Asuma Sarutobi
- Age: 27-28 (Part 1), 31 (Part 2)
- Height: 191 cm (6’3″)
- Birthday: October 18
- Debut Episode: Episode 3 “Sasuke and Sakura: Friends or Foes?”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Jūrōta Kosugi
- English Voice Actor: Doug Erholtz
Asuma, as the leader of Team 10, balances a relaxed attitude with strong leadership. His tragic demise serves as a pivotal moment for Shikamaru, motivating him to transform grief into resolve.
Neji Hyuga
- Age: 13-14 (Part 1), 17-18 (Part 2)
- Height: 159 cm (5’2.5″) – 160 cm (5’3″) in Part 1, 172 cm (5’8″) in Part 2
- Birthday: July 3
- Debut Episode: Episode 21 “Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Kōichi Tōchika
- English Voice Actor: Steve Staley
Neji is known for his skilled combat abilities and cunning mindset. His evolution during the Chunin Exams fosters critical discussions on fate and personal empowerment, marking his character as memorable.
Jiraiya
- Age: 50-51 (Part 1), 54 (Part 2)
- Height: 191 cm (6’3″)
- Birthday: November 11
- Debut Episode: Episode 52 “Ebisu Returns: Naruto’s Toughest Training Yet!”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Hōchū Ōtsuka
- English Voice Actor: David Lodge
Jiraiya, embodying the wise mentor archetype, offers a mix of humor and strength. His influence on Naruto is profound, instilling values of perseverance and determination that echo throughout the series.
Orochimaru
- Age: 50-51 (Part 1), 54 (Part 2)
- Height: 179 cm (5’10”) in Part 1, 172 cm (5’7″) in Part 2
- Birthday: October 27
- Debut Episode: Episode 27 “The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of Death”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Kujira
- English Voice Actor: Steven Blum
Orochimaru serves as a complex villain and a telling representation of how ambition can lead one down a dark path. His motivations and backstory provide a rich context for understanding his actions throughout the series.
Tsunade
- Age: 51 (Part 1), 54-55 (Part 2)
- Height: 163 cm (5’4″)
- Birthday: August 2
- Debut Episode: Episode 83 “Jiraiya: Naruto’s Potential Disaster!”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Masako Katsuki
- English Voice Actor: Debi Mae West
Tsunade emerges as a significant female character, showcasing formidable strength and expertise in healing. Despite some narrative shortcomings, her position as the Fifth Hokage and a celebrated medical ninja emphasizes her impact on the series.
Obito Uchiha
- Age: 13 (Past), 31 (Part 2)
- Height: 154 cm (5’1″) in the past, 175 cm (5’9″) – 182 (5’11.5″) in Part 2
- Birthday: February 10
- Debut Episode: Shippuden Episode 32 “Return of the Kazekage”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Wataru Takagi
- English Voice Actor: Michael Yurchak
Obito Uchiha presents a compelling study in tragedy, serving as both mentor and adversary. His complex motivations intertwine personal loss with the overarching narrative, challenging the notions of good and evil.
Minato Namikaze
- Age: 24
- Height: 179 cm (5’10”)
- Birthday: January 25
- Debut Episode: Episode 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Toshiyuki Morikawa
- English Voice Actor: Tony Oliver
Minato, known as the Fourth Hokage, plays a pivotal role in Naruto’s lineage, embodying the ideals of heroic sacrifice and legacy. His techniques and combat abilities impress upon the series, proving vital to the storyline.
Hiruzen Sarutobi
- Age: 68-69
- Height: 163.1 cm (5’4″)
- Birthday: February 8
- Debut Episode: Episode 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki”
- Japanese Voice Actor: Hidekatsu Shibata
- English Voice Actor: Steve Kramer
Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, epitomizes wisdom and sacrifice. His dedication to Konoha and willingness to confront danger affirm the protective role of a leader, leaving a lasting legacy within the series.
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