Latest news with #Gaara
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto: The real-life legend behind Gaara and the one-tailed beast Shukaku
The anime Naruto has plenty to offer when it comes to deep lore, emotional character arcs, and a fascinatingly different approach to mythology itself. One of the most intriguing justifications is the tragic origin of Gaara and the creature sealed within him. Shukaku, the One-Tailed beast. Though their tale might appear entirely made up, it is actually based in Japanese folklore, and that alone makes it all the more fascinating. Whether you've been following Naruto since the beginning, or you just want to learn more about anime, here's the truth behind Gaara, Shukaku, and the unexpected legends that inspired them. Who is Gaara in Naruto? Gaara, a primary character of Naruto, is introduced as a menacing villain before becoming one of the series' most powerful and revered leaders. Much like Naruto himself, Gaara had a monster sealed within him at birth. Shukaku, the One-Tailed Beast. This caused the rest of his village to fear and outcast him. As a child, Gaara had no friends, no paternal love, and had grown up learning that he must only live to kill. His backstory is like Naruto's, but darker. What did change his path was meeting Naruto, who helped him figure out what he really wanted to do with himself. What is Shukaku? Shukaku, the One-Tail, is a beast of pure chakra. In Naruto, Shukaku is unruly, furious, and boastful. What the majority of fans don't realize is that Shukaku has deep roots in actual Japanese folklore. Though its name 'Shukaku' (守鶴) roughly translates to 'guardian crane', the creature definitely does not resemble a crane. Instead, it actually looks like a tanuki—a Japanese raccoon dog famous in folklore for its mischievousness and ability to shapeshift. Shukaku's personality in the anime mirrors this chaotic and mischievous approach too. The japanese myth that inspired Shukaku Shukaku's legend originates from ancient Japanese folklore such as the story of Bunbuku Chagama, the tanuki who transformed into a teapot and delighted a priest. There's a local tale from the temple of Kenchō-ji in the ancient city of Kamakura, in which a tanuki turned itself into a priest. At first glance, these stories seem to share only shape-shifting animals and magical transformations. In Naruto, Shukaku was sealed in a teapot in the deep past. His original host (or Jinchuriki) was a priest named Bunpuku—an explicit nod to the Bunbuku Chagama tale. Unlike other humans, Bunpuku was neither cruel nor greedy, and he gave Shukaku ample respect and freedom. Shukaku and Gaara's relationship Though Gaara inherited Shukaku, like Naruto, from birth, their relationship wasn't based on making each other better, but rather on fear, hate, and isolation. Shukaku's violent, manipulative nature affected Gaara's personality in early childhood, whispering and goading him into murder. Yet during the Fourth Great Ninja War, it had turned into a different animal. Through this connection, Gaara started to get a better sense of Shukaku—and Shukaku him. Because Gaara was a kinder host than others, Shukaku began to care for him, as Gaara became similar to the spirit's first peaceful host, the priest Bunpuku. Later it was Shukaku who, having found peace in Naruto's care, aided Naruto in the climactic end fights against Madara and Kaguya, proving that his heart had turned. Naruto and Gaara: The tanuki and the fox In Japanese mythology, tanuki (raccoon dog) and kitsune (fox) are both shape-shifting trickster spirits. They are reputed to outwit one another and human beings, and they're usually depicted as being competitive with one another. In Naruto, Shukaku (the tanuki) and Kurama (the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside Naruto) share a similar hostile dynamic. Kurama regularly ridiculed Shukaku for being the strongest tailed beast since he only had one tail. Even though neither monster deserved to be examined under a microscope, both end up finding peace, as do Naruto and Gaara. In fact, there's a classic Japanese proverb that goes like this: 'Kitsune to tanuki no bakashiai' – translates to 'the fox and the raccoon dog fooling each other,' aptly describing Naruto and Gaara's initial competitive nature. Real legends made Naruto even better The tale of Gaara and Shukaku is more than anime angst. It's a deep, rich blend of legend, isolation, and deliverance. Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto, took real Japanese legends and interlaced them into his world to add depth and meaning. From dangerous loner to cherished Kazekage, Gaara's evolution is full of forgiveness, healing and friendship. Behind it all is the mysterious, misunderstood tanuki spirit named Shukaku—one of Naruto's most unforgettable monsters.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Converse and Naruto collaboration is here with exciting characters, incredible details, and hidden features
Converse and Naruto collaboration is here with exciting characters, incredible details, and hidden features (Image via KicksFinder X) The Converse and Naruto Shippuden collab is finally here, and fans cannot contain their excitement. Even after decades, Naruto is still finding its way into the newer generation, thanks to its amazing storyline and incredible characters. As an ode to the series, and its characters, Converse announced an official collaboration, where the most favorite characters from the series meet Chuck Taylor All Star Converse version. Converse officially launched the collection on May 22, 2025 on its official website. Naruto All Star version The first character in the Converse and Naruto collaboration is none other than the protagonist of the show, Naruto. The shoes are in Naruto's signature colors: orange and black. It has the hidden leaf headband symbol at the heel, and the Shuriken (flying star weapon) symbol on one side, both in silver. The shoes also have the iconic curse seal symbol representing Naruto's curse seal through which Kurama was sealed inside him. There's also a Kurama sewed on the inside of the shoes, referencing to the nine-tailed fox's presence in the series. Sasuke's Chuck Taylor version The next in line is Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto's nemesis, who plays an important role in the series. The somehow villain-turned hero, gets a off-white/ lilac color scheme, representing the character's dual nature. It has the crossed-out hidden leaf headband symbol at heel, reminding that Sasuke left the hidden leaf village to join Orochimaru. Speaking of Orochimaru, the shoes also have the curse symbol on one side, and the Shuriken on the other. However, the most amazing part of the shoes are, when taken out in the sunlight, the curse marks appear throughout the body, giving it a unique style. Anbu Kakashi Converse The Copy Cat ninja of the hidden leaf village gets a special place in the collaboration. Just like him, the Anbu Kakashi converse also maintains a subtle theme, with white and blue as the color range. The laces are white, with a hint of blue throughout the body, a shuriken on the side, the hidden leaf village symbol and the black-blue sword reference at the heel. There's also the Anbu tattoo at the heel. However, the Sharingan symbol on the flap takes the cake, as it can be covered with a little cover, a tribute to Kakashi's famous mask that covers the ninja's Sharingan eye. Gaara inspired shoes Gaara from the hidden sand-village also gets a place in the collaboration. The red and cream pair of converse represents Gaara's signature color. Just like Naruto, Gaara is also the host to one of the Jinchuriki, the one-tailed Shukaku, the reference of which can be found in the gourd symbol on the soles. Besides, the famous headmark of Gaara, aka seal mark, is imprinted on one side of the shoes, whereas the other side has the Shuriken. These pair of converses have cream laces, signifying Gaara's sand village. Itachi Converse weapon While other shoes were Converse All Star edition, Itachi gets the Converse Weapon Mid edition, a clear tribute to the character's rogue character in the series. The iconic red and black Akatsuki color theme is maintained throughout the body, with a red Chevron star on the side. The collar is laced with the Akatsuki red cloud symbol and has the famous Mangekyo Sharingan symbol on the flap. The Itachi inspired shoes stand out from the collection, an ode to the character being the rogue hero of the village. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Converse x Naruto Shippuden Limited-Edition Sneaker launch date is out: Check out the characters, price, and more
Converse x Naruto Shippuden Chuck Taylor: Fans of Naruto, rejoice! Converse and the renowned anime series are collaborating to create a distinctive and fashionable look. We have the inside scoop on the upcoming release of the Naruto Shippuden x Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars. This innovative collaboration combines the worlds of fashion and anime to create a limited-edition shoe that is sure to draw attention. We'll go into the specifics of this partnership in this post, such as the release date and the unique selling points of these shoes. You won't want to miss this, regardless of whether you're a huge fan of Naruto or you simply adore Converse. Converse X Naruto Shippuden release date The Naruto series is launching a Converse collection as its next footwear move after completing a Crocs agreement in 2024. On May 22nd at 10 pm ET (7:30 am IST), five significant characters from the Shippuden saga of the franchise will each have their pairs. All about Converse X Naruto Shippuden Itachi, one of Naturo's primary antagonists, receives a Converse Weapon, while four other characters make appearances on the Converse Chuck Taylor which are Sasuke Uchiha, Gaara, Kakashi Hatake, Itachi Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Rock Lee. Naturally, they start with a design that draws inspiration from the main character in the anime. Chuck Taylor's "Naruto" costume is complemented by orange canvas sidewalls that display the Eight Trigrams Sealing Sign. The lining and edges offer delicate yellow accents, while the tongue, laces, spine, and outsole are all black to match. The heel features a symbol of the Hidden Village, which is depicted in tarnished metallic silver to match Naruto's headband. The medial Chuck Taylor logos have embossed ninja stars, also known as "Shuriken." Next up is the "Sasuke" Converse Chuck Taylor, which features a silver/blue top and thick purple laces that are modelled by his belt, all of which contribute to his "cursed" appearance. The upper and heel Converse emblems once again include bespoke branding, while the three-pronged Cursed Seal of Heaven appears on the lateral side in black. The Japanese word for "love," which is stitched onto his forehead, is then claimed to be present in a red colourway by Gaara of the Desert. The All-Star circles are made of brown leather with metal stars, a textured midsole, and a spine that resembles tweed. Kakashi's pair completes the Chuck Taylor slate with some observable hardware modifications. Over the tongue, there are canvas straps, and an additional layer of blue cloth is used to change the heel. The delivery is completed with Itachi's Converse Weapon, which comes in a spooky black hue with red accents. Converse X Naruto Shippuden price The Converse x Naruto Shippuden sneaker line, which starts at $80 for adult sizes and $55 for kids, features the titular MC Naruto Uzumaki as well as Sasuke Uchiha, Gaara, Kakashi Hatake, Itachi Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Rock Lee as inspiration. Converse is also launching a jacket, bag, and t-shirt with Naruto themes. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral for sneakers then follow Sneaker News
Hypebeast
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Official Look at the ‘Naruto Shippuden' x Converse Collaboration
Name:Naruto Shippuden x Converse CollectionMSRP:TBCRelease Date:May 22Where to Buy:ConverseUpdate:Following initial glimpses a month prior, the official reveal of theConversexNaruto Shippudencollaboration has finally arrived. This collection expands beyond previously seen designs inspired by Naruto, Sasuke and Gaara, with the confirmation of a Kakashi-themed iteration joining the lineup. The Kakashi-inspired sneaker takes on the classic high-top silhouette, rendered in a color palette of 'Barely Grey' and 'Dark Water.' These shades directly echo the enigmatic sensei's signature appearance and attire. A distinctive pair of Velcro strap fasteners is implemented over the traditional shoelaces, adding a unique design element. Furthermore, a red motif embroidery and a Kitsune mask charm serve as direct nods to Kakashi's past affiliations with the ANBU Black Ops. The collection also spotlights the Converse Weapon, reimagining the '80s court classic with design cues inspired by Itachi Uchiha. This particular shoe features a unique jacquard underlay, carefully mirroring the distinctive pattern of Itachi's iconic cloak. In addition to these character-specific footwear styles, fans will have the opportunity to further personalize their sneakers through Converse By You. This digital customization experience will allow users to craft their own unique designs, with options including the shoe's canvas color, tongue print liner, toe cap, license plate, and a variety of graphic prints directly inspired by theNaruto Shippudenanime. Original Story (April 15, 2025):Converse is teaming up withNaruto Shippudenfor a special sneaker collection: theNarutoxConverse Chuck TaylorPack, honoring three beloved characters – Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Gaara. Each Chuck Taylor is uniquely designed to reflect the essence of its character. Naruto's pair features his signature orange color with black laces and the iconic Eight Sign Seal from his abdomen. Sasuke's version sports a clean white upper with purple rope-style laces, inspired by his outfit during the Orochimaru arc. It's accented with the Cursed Seal of Heaven and a blue heel stripe for added detail. Gaara's design stands out in deep red, featuring the kanji for 'love' stitched on the collar and a cracked sole texture representing his sand-based powers. Instead of the classic Converse patch, each shoe includes a 3D metallic shuriken badge. The heel plates are also specially customized to resemble each character's forehead protector – Naruto's Hidden Leaf, Sasuke's scratched-out Leaf and Gaara's Hidden Sand symbol.
