Latest news with #Kurama
Bangkok Post
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
The ninja way
Written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, the Japanese manga Naruto has been popular since it was first published in Weekly Shonen Jump in September 1999. The manga follows the story of orphan boy Naruto Uzumaki who overcomes deadly battles with rivals and confronts his past to become Hokage (chief) of Konoha no Sato (Hidden Leaf Village). The manga kicks off with an attack on Hidden Leaf Village by Kurama, a deadly powerful nine-tailed fox. To protect the village, Naruto's parents Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze sacrifice themselves and decide to seal Kurama inside Naruto (their newborn baby) and he becomes the host of Kurama. Since Naruto is the host of the beast, villagers despise and fear him. Naruto grows up alone with no parents and friends. To gain attention from others, he becomes a troublemaker. However, despite causing trouble, Naruto's goal is to become Hokage so he can be accepted and gain the respect of others. To pursue his dream, Naruto attends a ninja academy where he is grouped into Team 7, which includes teacher Kakashi Hatake and teammates Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto's best friend and only survivor of the Uchiha clan massacre). Naruto takes readers and viewers through Team 7's training, dangerous missions and adventures. As a ninja student, Naruto learns the meaning of friendship, team work and perseverance. The manga is a story of self-growth and self-discovery of a boy from a nobody to a great leader. Naruto's popularity extends beyond Japan, with a total global circulation of over 250 million copies and distribution in more than 60 countries and regions (sales outside Japan exceeded 100 million). Although the last episode of Naruto released in 2014 and the animation series ended in 2017, Naruto's popularity has never faded. Toby Lu, director of sales and marketing at River City Bangkok, who is also a fan of Naruto said that the character inspired him. "I watched Naruto when I was in high school. At the time, I was not good at studies. I repeatedly watched Naruto and the story made me realise that I was not a bad person. Naruto is a representation of people who are mediocre or not very talented at first," said Lu. "With determined effort, you can turn your life around. Although you may be a bad kid in everyone's eyes, you still can achieve great things. Throughout the animation, the friendships Naruto makes and love he receives made him a stronger person and that helps viewers feel connected to him." To celebrate Naruto, 54 Entertainment presents "Naruto The Gallery In Bangkok". This exhibition takes fans on a journey of Naruto and Sasuke's intertwined life through seven curated zones. In front of the exhibition are life-sized figurines of Team 7 members -- Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi. Chapter One or the first zone displays signatures from people involved in the Naruto animation, including Tetsuya Nishio, the main character designer, Chie Nakamura, the voice actress for Sakura, and Date Hayato, the animation director. Chapter Two is a cinema room where a two-minute video summarises Naruto's story for viewers who have never read or seen the manga. "Naruto The Gallery In Bangkok" narrates the story of Naruto's journey from beginning to end. Viewers can understand the story through original storyboards, layout models, powerful scenes and pivotal moments from the anime series. Chapter Three introduces Team 7 members and how they work together to pass an exam to become Chunin (an intermediate rank of ninja). The students are challenged to use their leadership skills, strategic thinking and maturity. However, the Chunin exam is interrupted because Orochimaru teams up with Sound Village and Sand Village to invade the Hidden Leaf Village. In this area, there is a white diorama that represents the layout of Hidden Leaf Village with three-dimensional figures. This imported model from Japan depicts venues that viewers will recognise, including the ninja academy, the training area, hero memorials, Konoha hospital and Ichiraku Ramen restaurant. Chapter 4 focuses on Akatsuki -- an organisation with exiled ninjas from many countries. These villains are dangerous criminals since their skills are equal or superior than those of high-ranking ninjas of Hidden Leaf Village. For example, Hidan has the power of immortality obtained by worshipping the God Jashi and the ritual of sucking opponents' blood. Chapter 5 is titled Fourth Great Ninja War. This area of the exhibition is divided into two sections: Naruto and Sasuke. The Fourth Great Ninja War is the climax of the story which unites ninja characters from all over the world to join forces and fight the biggest threat ever. Chapter 6 displays a collection of memorable quotes from the anime. Some of these include: "A guy who cannot even save one friend cannot become Hokage" (by Naruto) and "I admit that I've lost" (by Sasuke). In this zone, two videos also display emotional scenes from the anime. One is when Naruto's parents decide to sacrifice themselves to save the village and the other is a video that reveals the unexpected truth of why Itachi, Sasuke's brother, killed their parents. The Final Chapter, a cinema room, screens the scene in which Naruto fights Sasuke. The scene showcases their complex relationship as friend and foe. The scene also shows how Naruto and Sasuke have different viewpoints. While Naruto believes in peace and understanding, Sasuke believes in changing the world by destroying the old system. Throughout the exhibition, there are exclusive collaborations including five rising stars from the Japanese art scene -- Nina Ai, Kohei Kadowaki, Que, Kosuke Sugimoto and Kohta Morie. Lu believes that both Naruto fans and newcomers will enjoy the exhibition. "People who never watched Naruto can expect to learn how a mediocre person can become successful after working hard, learn how to love and not hate, and give unconditional love to others. Viewers will also get to see interesting and funny plotlines of how a character can become a better person." "Meanwhile, Naruto fans can reconnect with memories of the animation through music and powerful words. Fans who are encountering challenges in life can go back to their childhood and have their spirits lifted." "Naruto The Gallery In Bangkok" runs at RCB Galleria 1-2, 2nd floor of River City Bangkok, until July 31. Tickets cost 450 baht (250 baht for children and seniors aged 60 and above). For more information, visit
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The real myth behind Naruto's nine-tailed fox Kurama explained
How Japanese folklore inspired one of anime's most iconic characters Naruto Uzumaki is a global anime character royalty. Behind all those crazy battles and high-energy jutsus, there's a richer story based in actual Japanese mythology—particularly when it comes to Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him. This mystical beast may seem like pure fantasy, but it's based on real-life legends that stretch back for centuries. Here's how those real-world myths helped sculpt Kurama and the hidden meaning behind Naruto's powers Who is Kurama? The nine-tailed fox in Naruto In Naruto, Kurama is one of the nine 'Tailed Beasts' formed from the chakra of a legendary creature known as the Ten-Tails. These tailed beasts are massive, sentient chakra monsters with various abilities and personalities. Naruto was born with Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox, sealed in him. In the short run, this allowed him to incite fear and hatred nationwide. As the series progressed, Naruto grew closer to Kurama, and the two eventually learned to work in tandem to become one of the most powerful pairings in the ninja world. What is a tailed beast (Bijuu)? In the context of the anime, tailed beasts are weapons of war that villages use to fight one another and dominate their enemies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Yet, at the same time, they are loved, known, and deeply steeped in history. Perhaps the most powerful of them all is Kurama, who is a nine-tailed fox with an incredible reserve of chakra (energy). Naruto is what they call a 'Jinchuriki,' a person who literally bears a tailed beast inside them. This potent magic had extraordinary power but came at the expense for him and Kurama of pain, trepidation, and solitude until he gained Kurama's trust. Kurama's real-life mythical origins Kurama, like many aspects of the show, is inspired by Japanese culture. His character is modeled after the kitsune, a fox-spirit from Japanese mythology. In Japanese mythology, kitsune are highly intelligent supernatural foxes that can shape-shift into human beings. They're not good or bad, they have potential for good and evil, and it all depends on what you do to them. Fox spirits are prevalent in East Asian folklore, not only in Japan. In Korea, they're known as gumiho, and in China, huli jing. The Korean gumiho is typically portrayed as a malevolent force in television and folklore. Each and every aspect of Kurama is drawn from reality— even the name 'Kurama' is derived from a real location—Mount Kurama in Japan. It is thought to be a spiritual mountain, residence of strong spirits, and energy healing (Reiki), which is connected to Naruto's chakra-based healing abilities. Symbolism behind Naruto and Kurama's bond In past tales, foxes and people often shared deep bonds. That's exactly what happens in Naruto with Kurama. Through their mutual adversity, their hate morphs into respect, and eventually, into real camaraderie and teamwork. When Kurama thought he was the mightiest of all the tailed beasts, this created envy — particularly from Shukaku, the One-Tail. This harkens back to an ancient myth in which foxes (kitsune) and tanuki are enemies. It's a natural complement to the rivalry between Naruto and Gaara in the anime. Why does Naruto have whisker marks? Naruto's whisker-like birthmarks don't just appear out of thin air. They manifested because he was inundated with Kurama's chakra even while in his mother's womb. That early exposure took an irrevocable toll on him—even before Kurama was sealed inside. Other Jinchuriki are given physical traits that complement their tailed beasts. Additionally, Gaara has never been seen without raccoon-like eyes. Yugito Nii can be identified by her cat ears and tail. These designs go a long way to make the human characters feel connected to the mythological creatures they bear. Naruto was almost a fox himself Here's an additional fun fact to go with that. In the original Naruto manga pilot, Naruto was actually the Nine-Tailed Fox in human form! Masashi Kishimoto subverted that notion when he created the character further down the line, but remnants can still be found, such as his attitude, liveliness, and those signature whiskers. Kurama is more than just a monster Kurama isn't simply a magical monster, arguably one of the best in anime. He's the fourth of a long line of Asian-inspired myth, magic, and mystery. From ancient fox spirits to chakra healing and shape-shifting lore, Kurama's journey is a contemporary iteration of stories as old as time itself. Thanks to Naruto, millions of fans around the world have been introduced to a fascinating piece of Japanese mythology, often without them knowing it.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The real myth behind Naruto's Kurama: How japanese folklore inspired the Nine-Tailed fox
If you've ever watched Naruto, then you've most certainly come across the beastly nine-tailed fox named Kurama. Did you know that this fearsome beast wasn't purely a product of the television show? Kurama isn't just an artistic creation — he's inspired by the real Japanese mythological elementals. In Naruto, Kurama is a giant fox spirit sealed within the titular character Naruto Uzumaki, granting him immense strength but at a cost. Here's a look at the actual legend that inspired this iconic anime fox, and how it influenced Naruto's story arc. Who is Kurama in Naruto? Kurama, like a lot of the other nine tailed beasts, is a jerkwad in the beginning. These beings are pure chakra (energy) that were designed to maintain balance in the world. Naruto is made the 'Jinchuriki,' or human host, of Kurama once the beast is sealed inside him as a baby. This bestows upon him tremendous powers, but makes him feared and envied by everyone around him. During all those years Naruto is treated like a threat by the villagers, again due to the presence of Kurama. Through the course of Naruto, Naruto's main character arc is coming to an accord with the Nine-Tails, you know, coming to terms with it and ultimately being able to control it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo In doing so, he even comes to gain Kurama's respect and find a deep connection with the beast, allowing him to become one of the world's most powerful ninjas. The japanese legend behind Kurama In Japanese folklore, foxes—or 'kitsune'—are illustrious magic beings that are cunning and wield a kind of positive power. According to other tales they can transform into alluring maidens or other people to deceive unsuspecting humans. Still others claim they can serve as protectors or messengers of the gods. Kurama's design and abilities in Naruto are obviously influenced by these legendary foxes. The concept that Kurama's chakra could cause Naruto to lose control is based on the myth that kitsune would bring disease or disorder if offended. The connection between Kurama and Mount Kurama Kurama is the name of this magical-looking, real-life mountain outside of Kyoto, Japan. Sojobo, the king of the Tengu (long-nosed goblin gods), is said to reside on Mount Kurama alongside other powerful spirits. It's home to more than just the healing energy of nature, it's where the healing art of Reiki was discovered. That healing connection is echoed in Naruto, where Kurama's chakra has the potential to heal or even revive others in battle, which is depicted through healing jutsu in the series. Kurama's global cousins: Gumiho and Huli Jing The concept of a nine-tailed magical fox isn't unique to Japan. In Korean folklore, there's a similar creature called 'Gumiho,' and in Chinese legends, there's the 'Huli Jing.' In these alternate versions, the protagonists are often more menacing or malevolent. To take one modern example, the Gumiho is a common villain in Korean dramas. In Naruto, Kurama is introduced as a terrifying, rampaging beast. Yet as the film unfolds, he reveals an almost contradictory, tempered, gentle aspect to his character, similar to the morally ambiguous Japanese kitsune. This change in personality is perhaps the most socially conscious and relatable reason fans adore his character. Naruto's whisker marks and Kurama's influence Ever asked yourself why Naruto has these whisker-esque features on his face? It's easy to dismiss this as a design decision alone though. These marks were a result of Naruto being exposed to Kurama's chakra even before he was born. His mother, Kushina, was Kurama's former host, and this initial contact made an impression on Naruto—quite literally. Even more interestingly, this design choice isn't limited to Naruto himself. Every other Jinchuriki has elements that represent their tailed beast. Gaara, for instance, has a very distinct feature of racoon-like eye shadows, which is a consequence of his relationship with Shukaku, the One-Tail. Kurama's rivalries: Kitsune vs Tanuki In Japanese folklore, the fox (kitsune) and raccoon dog (tanuki) are frequently portrayed as rivals. This classic rivalry is seen in early Naruto with Kurama and Shukaku, and their Jinchuriki hosts, Naruto and Gaara. Both begin as antagonists and rivals, but become friends and allies later on in the story, which not only connects to the myth, but serves as an excellent character development arc. Naruto's original fox form Before Naruto was the series we all think of today, creator Masashi Kishimoto had produced a one-shot pilot chapter where Naruto wasn't a ninja—but rather a fox spirit in human form. While this early design direction was eventually abandoned, many of these initial concepts carried over into the final look making his whisker marks and relationship with the Nine-Tails still part of Naruto today. Why Kurama matters so much in Naruto's story Kurama might be a source of incredible potency and a great driving force in Naruto's character design. He embodies Naruto's greatest personal hurdle. Learning how to harness the power of the Nine-Tails was an integral step in his development into a true hero. By accepting Kurama for who he is, Naruto becomes a stronger person. More powerful, sure, but more compassionate. Kurama is anime's most famous fox for a reason Kurama is not just a fierce anime beast. He's the bridge between contemporary interpretation and ancestral Japanese mythological stories. By mixing rich mythology with emotional character work, Naruto transformed a fearsome nine-tailed fox straight from Japanese folklore into one of the best known characters in the world. Whether you're a long-time keeper of the Spirit World as a fan or only just now realizing what you've been missing with the show, understanding Kurama's roots definitely adds a whole new level to his character's beautiful story. 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
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto Uzumaki's greatest achievements: From underdog to legendary hokage
How one orphaned ninja became the world's most powerful hero and changed anime history forever Even if you're not into anime, you've likely heard of Naruto Uzumaki. He's the title character of Naruto, arguably the most popular Japanese anime and manga franchise in the world that was conceived, created and conceived by Masashi Kishimoto. What separates Naruto from being just a powerful hero is the way he achieved his strength. His 'zero to hero' journey. Born with a deadly predator trapped within him, Naruto was reviled by his hometown and raised in utter isolation. Yet in the face of that hatred, instead of capitulating, he decided to respond with hope. Through it all, Naruto transformed his suffering into strength, forged unbreakable bonds of friendship, saved the world from relentless, perpetual violence, and achieved his dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage, the protector and leader of his people. Here's a retrospective at Naruto Uzumaki's greatest accomplishments that made him … Continue reading The most amazing feats of Naruto Uzumaki that turned him into one of the best anime heroes of all time. 1. Naruto became the strongest shinobi of all time Naruto began his adventure as the most pathetic ninja in his whole graduating class. With passion, resilience, and perseverance never to quit, he became a legendary king amongst men. He became proficient in potent techniques such as Sage Mode, Kurama's chakra and eventually the divine powers of the Six Paths Sage Mode. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo By the end of the series, Naruto was powerful enough to match gods such as Kaguya Otsutsuki, even fought Sasuke Uchiha, one of the most powerful Uchiha (a clan that is very powerful overall) ever equal. His strength was not just in physical might, it was in articulation. He encouraged movements and led through example. 2. He saved konoha from total destruction As a child, the citizens of Konoha were terrified of Naruto and hated him, as he was the host of the Nine-Tails. Back during the Pain Invasion arc, Naruto's big return after weeks of heavy training saved the entire village by himself. In the end, he defeated the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, without killing him, choosing instead to break the cycle of hatred. This moment cemented him as Konoha's true hero, and ultimately won him the love and respect of all of those who had once turned him away. 3. Naruto earned Kurama's trust and friendship The Nine-Tailed Fox, Kurama, was sealed within Naruto's body at his birth and for years sought to take control over Naruto's body. Rather than using him like a tool, Naruto developed a relationship with Kurama. Kurama personified hatred, rage, and destruction. What kind of power does Naruto wield, the one who changed that demon with compassion and understanding? This intense bond between the two of them provided Naruto with one of the most insane powers in the entire series and ultimately led him to becoming a true jinchuriki, both in strength and spirit. 4. He brought Sasuke back from the darkness Sasuke Uchiha was Naruto's classmate, teammate, rival, and best friend. When Sasuke left the village to seek revenge, Naruto took it upon himself to rescue him and bring him back to the village. After tons of jutsu, great fights and borderline tragic scenes of mentor/protege duos on either side of battle, Naruto ended up winning—not through killing Sasuke, but teaching him the importance of bonds. Though their last battle concluded with violent bloodshed, their legacy lives on through their shared respect, and Sasuke's return home to rebuild peace in the ninja world. 5. Naruto became the seventh hokage of the hidden leaf village Naruto's greatest aspiration as a child was to one day become Hokage, or chief of his village. He didn't want power—he wanted to belong. Through years of courageous acts, Naruto was finally able to achieve this dream. As a boy, he had trouble with relationships and communication, but he grew into a strong leader Kakashi never was and he was momentously trusted to become Seventh Hokage when Kakashi retired and today he rules the Village Hidden by Leaves with wisdom, strength and love. He's more than a leader; he's the living embodiment of peace and harmony in the post-war ninja world. 6. He ended the fourth great ninja war The Fourth Great Ninja War was one of the darkest moments in shinobi history. The villainous organization Akatsuki, under members Obito and Madara Uchiha's care, sought to collect all the tailed beasts in order to conquer the world. Naruto was the only one who ever really stopped them, though. He fought with the rest of the ninja alliance to stop Obito's plans, overcame obstructions from creating the final villain Madara, and even assisted in the final battle to seal her, Kaguya Otsutsuki, a deus ex machina like final villain. His extraordinary efforts helped bring lasting peace to the world. 7. Naruto inspired a new generation of ninjas This focus in itself may be one of Naruto's biggest achievements, but what is even more notable isn't the work that Naruto did—it's who Naruto inspired. Figures such as Boruto (his son), Sarada, Konohamaru, and countless others view Naruto as a figure of hope and determination. His legacy grew into a legend handed down to the next generation, inspiring young ninjas that if you work hard, stay humble, and always persevere, you can make the world a better place. Naruto's legacy in anime and pop culture Naruto's story is more than just ninjas punching each other in the face. It's about the power of never giving up, triumphing over hate and adversity, and most importantly, believing in yourself. His rags-to-riches story has inspired millions across the globe, helping Naruto become one of the most popular anime series of all time. More than 250 million manga copies sold worldwide A sequel anime, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, follows his story Millions of fans attend gaming conventions around the world, not to mention all of the popular video games, movies, etc. In fact, a live-action Hollywood Naruto movie is still in the works right now. Where to watch Naruto If you're new to the world of anime, or simply interested in learning more about Naruto, here's how to get started. Be prepared to watch Naruto Naruto Shippuden : Streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu Watch the new anime: Free on Crunchyroll or Hulu Read the sequel manga: Free on Manga Plus or Shonen Jump app Watch Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Stay tuned for more Naruto's journey is the ultimate underdog story Naruto Uzumaki's odyssey isn't just a tale of exhilarating fights and incredible jutsu. It is a journey of self-discovery, loss, camaraderie, and optimism. He showed the world that it doesn't matter where you're from. It's about what you make yourself into. From unwanted orphan to most powerful and beloved ninja in the world, Naruto's journey is an epic tale and a wonderful affirmation that you should always chase your dreams. 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
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 .
