Latest news with #Sasuke
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
CairoScene
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
‘Naruto: The Gallery' Comes to Dubai to Celebrate 20 Years of Anime
Celebrating the anime's 20th anniversary, 'Naruto: The Gallery' is making its Mideast debut at the Concourse Convention Center. Feb 12, 2025 For the first time in the Middle East, 'Naruto: The Gallery' is inviting fans of the iconic Japanese franchise to experience life in Konoha at the Concourse Convention Center near Dubai Outlet Mall. Celebrating the anime's 20th anniversary, the exhibition features immersive life-sized installations, exclusive artwork, and interactive displays capturing the anime's most famous scenes, from epic battles between Sasuke and Naruto to the most intimate character moments (for all you shippers out there). The exhibition will have on display authentic artefacts and original artwork from the manga that will be seen there for the first time ever, as well as props that were used to help create the actual series. There will also be limited-edition memorabilia and merchandise. Don't forget to take a selfie with a life-sized Sakura, swear you'll become the next hokage in front of a model of the Hokage Rock, and just live your ninja way! The exhibition is currently running until April 6th. Tickets can be purchased at the venue or online.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sasuke Uchiha's big comeback in Boruto: Stronger than ever before?
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is heating up, and fan-favorite Sasuke Uchiha is finally about to return—stronger than ever. The Boruto manga has consistently given us the intense, high-stakes action — heavy on the action, here, wouldn't you say — emotional reunions and shock and awe exposes that slay. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Now, as new villains threaten the ninja world, powerful characters from the past are poised to return and among them is Sasuke Uchiha, one of Naruto's oldest rivals and closest confidants. The story is set years after Naruto, following the new generation of ninja. In the time of overwhelming evil with the much-feared Shinju, these same heroes are required more than ever. Sasuke is one of them—and fans are unbelievably excited that he'll be returning with his own big power-up. Sasuke Uchiha's return is almost here The new arc in Boruto's manga series has reached its climax with an epic showdown featuring Boruto's very own dad, Naruto, and the most powerful rogue ninja around, Code. In a pair of pieces in the new Blue Vortex, tree-like Shinju have been introduced as supervillainish foes. So far, two of them have been defeated, but tougher parochial ones are still alive. The most dangerous yet, Jura, is currently fighting Boruto—and things are not looking good for our hero. With Boruto on the ropes, viewers think it's just a matter of time before Sasuke Uchiha returns to save the day. Sasuke's return likely tied to new villain Hidari A second villain, Hidari, is due to make his appearance on the show in the next few weeks. The coolest part though, is how Hidari was formed from the body parts of Sasuke. This personal connection causes the fans of the show to be convinced that Sasuke will return to fight him—which is true—or at least be a major contributor to stopping him. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now At the same time, Sasuke's daughter Sarada is proving to be the new torch-bearer as well. Most fans seem to think she'll be the one to defeat Hidari and save her father's legacy. Sasuke trained in secret: Why he's more powerful now As he lost one of his most useful abilities (the Rinnegan) immediately after, many were under the assumption that Sasuke was weaker. In the time between arcs, while all the other characters caught up with each other, Sasuke was still in the training zone, and the fruits of that labor show. He defeated Code, another big bad, and matched him evenly, all while saving Boruto's life. That means when Sasuke does come back, he'll be stronger and more focused than ever. In fact, per the official Boruto companion guide, Boruto and Sasuke both got stronger in that time skip. "I've taught you everything I know, Boruto." — Sasuke Uchiha With his experience, skill, and now an extra boost in power, Sasuke is poised to step into a key role in the next phase of the story. Could Sasuke become the next hokage ? As long as Naruto remains ensnared by the Omnipotence ability, Konoha (the Hidden Leaf Village) is lacking its Hokage. Now that the truth behind Omnipotence is beginning to reveal itself, it won't be long before the village starts searching for a new Hokage—and Sasuke is a leading candidate. Characters such as Konohamaru, having faced the impact of Omnipotence, are actively trying to defend the village from it and counteract the effects of Omnipotence. If Sasuke were to come back in time, he'd be the one to become Hokage next, taking up the village's leadership role and helping train up the next generation. When is the next chapter of Boruto coming out? Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 23 is now officially listed for release on June 20 2025, US time at 10 AM EST / 3 PM UTC. You can read it for free on the Manga Plus or Shonen Jump apps. With Sasuke's return on the horizon and new villains entering the battlefield, Chapter 27 is a chapter fans won't want to miss.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why final battle in Anime Is almost never about the fight
Credits: SlashFilm In many beloved anime, the ending is far more about heart and story than about who throws the hardest punch. In fact, anime endings often serve as 'the crescendo of emotion, the culmination of journeys, and the punctuation mark on storytelling'. Creators frequently design final battles as a collision of feelings and beliefs. Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto , deliberately made Naruto's last duel with Sasuke 'about emotion, not flashy ninja powers'. He rejected bigger explosions in favor of a raw fistfight where two friends finally settle their complicated feelings. The final result is an emotional climax, rather than any other eye-catching fight scene. Beyond the physical fight: Emotions and ideals Final confrontations often reflect characters' innermost struggles and values. For example, in Avatar: The Last Airbender the ultimate fight between Aang and Fire Lord Ozai isn't just about bending elements—it's a moral test. Aang must 'confront his own inner demons and find a path to victory that doesn't compromise his values'. He faces a choice: avenge or forgive? The tension comes from his beliefs, not just his bending skills. Similarly, My Hero Academia treats its final war as 'not just a battle — it's the emotional conclusion of everything My Hero Academia has built'. 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 Deku's final attack in that climax is described as 'as much an emotional release' as it is destructive force. It's the weight of all Deku's growth and sacrifices that makes the scene powerful. Even when heroes face villains toe-to-toe, the stakes are often symbolic. In Cowboy Bebop , Spike Spiegel's last duel with his nemesis Vicious isn't scored by punches landed but by the confrontation with his own past. One analysis notes Spike's 'final confrontation with his past brings closure to his enigmatic character'. The fight isn't just physical; it's Spike finally coming to terms with old losses and regrets. In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood , the Elric brothers' final battle ties up years of sacrifice and truth. They confront horrible secrets and learn that 'the bonds of brotherhood can overcome even the greatest of trials'. The winning moment is as much about understanding and unity as it is about defeating the villain. Iconic Showdowns that Tell a Story Credits: Sportskeeda Across anime history, many finales are remembered for their heart. In Naruto Shippuden , after years of fighting and friendship, Naruto and Sasuke end with both losing an arm – a symbolic choice by Kishimoto to highlight emotion over spectacle. The visual shock of the injury underlines the personal cost of their reconciliation. In Attack on Titan 's final season, the epic battle against the Rumbling gives way to a private moment between Armin and Eren. Their last conversation – two old friends finally explaining themselves – is deeply moving. It's even noted that this 'was the last conversation that both friends were going to have,' providing a painful but necessary closure. This scene isn't about any giant Titan blows; it's about understanding and forgiveness. Even in worlds of superpowers and magic, the true victory often lies in what is resolved. These finales 'transcend mere storytelling, offering profound insights into love, loss, and the human condition'. Whether it's a hero choosing peace over vengeance, friends reconciling, or the defeat of hatred itself, the final encounter amplifies the series' themes. Fans may remember the visual flashes of a battle, but they keep long in their hearts the tears, smiles, and revelations that come at the end. Ultimately, anime's last fights resonate because they conclude characters' journeys – not just by settling scores, but by settling souls. 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 .
Japan Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
2028 Olympic hopeful giving modern pentathlon some time in the sun in Japan
'What's modern pentathlon?' That's a question Japanese Olympic hopeful Ayumu Saito gets asked way too often. She gets it. It's one of those Olympic sports that has to be explained to people every four years. Even Saito, who has been a modern pentathlete since she was a fourth grader, thinks the multidiscipline event takes too long and can be stressful to watch. But the 28-year-old is hoping that will change between now and the next Summer Games in 2028, when modern pentathlon undergoes a dramatic transformation in an attempt to make the relatively obscure sport a hit with spectators and TV viewers, while also addressing concerns about the treatment of horses. Saito is also hoping another strong Olympic showing by a Japanese modern pentathlete — after Taishu Sato won silver in the men's event at the Paris Games for Japan's first-ever Olympic medal in the sport — will draw more eyeballs to her sport. Modern pentathlon went from being a five-day event from 1912-1980 to a four-day event in Paris, where the semifinals and finals were condensed into a 90-minute TV-friendly format. Until now, it consisted of five disciplines in four events: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping and a combined event of laser pistol shooting and cross-country running. But when it is contested in Los Angeles, there will be no horses. Instead, athletes will compete on an obstacle course based on Japan's hit sports entertainment reality show, 'Sasuke,' known in the U.S. as "American Ninja Warrior." Ayumu Saito competes on an obstacle course during the 2024 nationals for the discipline. Starting with the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, Olympic pentathletes will compete on an obstacle course based on Japan's hit sports entertainment reality show, 'Sasuke.' | Courtesy of Ayumu Saito A rope swing, over-under-through, rings, balance beams and a warped wall were among the obstacles used in the first official test event held in Turkey in 2022. The decision to swap horse riding with Sasuke-type obstacles was prompted in part because of animal welfare concerns after a coach on the German team struck a horse during the Tokyo Olympics. The change in format likely saved the sport's status at the Games. 'I was bummed when I first heard the news because I've been riding for so long and I was quite good at the equine portion,' Saito said. 'But now I'm focusing on the good things. Everyone loves Sasuke and the inclusion of obstacle racing is a chance to introduce our sport to a new generation of young people.' When she's not training, which isn't often, Saito is either resting or modeling. Getting featured in fashion magazines is a way for Saito to promote the sport and get her name out there. She says she's tired of seeing the same faces — family and friends of athletes and officials — at competition venues, and she's eager to attract new fans to modern pentathlon. 'Many people know me as the Sasuke contestant,' said Saito, who was on the program that aired last Christmas. 'Either that, or they've seen me in a magazine. So the word is spreading. When you bump into someone who's not an athlete but knows what modern pentathlon is, that's progress.' Modern pentathlon was created by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, to replicate the experience of a 19th-century cavalry soldier behind enemy lines. It is the only sport made specifically for the Olympic Games. Saito and Sato are two of only around 50 people in Japan who participate in the sport. Taishu Sato celebrates after earning silver in the men's modern pentathlon event at the Paris Olympics, in Versailles, France, in August 2024. Sato's medal was the country's first in the multidiscipline sport. | Reuters Saito's father, Hiroshi Saito, competed in modern pentathlon at the Seoul Olympics and later became a national team coach, which inspired his daughter to dream big. By junior high school, Saito was competing in international events and hoping to one day become an Olympian herself. Saito said many pentathletes in Japan are police officers or SDF members, and they start by specializing in one or two sports through high school or college before eventually adding the other disciplines. But she got a head start as she was running on a track team and swimming in a club in her early teens, when she also rode horses and fenced during long school breaks. At one point she considered focusing on fencing only because she was so good at it, but she decided she didn't want to just choose one sport. 'You have to be pretty skilled in all five disciplines, but I'm best at fencing. It's a great sport for people who are all-around athletes and get bored of doing the same thing,' Saito said. 'The ending is easy for spectators to follow because the highest scorer in the first four events starts the final event (laser run) first, and whoever crosses the finish line first wins.' Because of its relative obscurity, finding training facilities can be a barrier to entry for athletes in Japan. Saito lives in Tokyo with her father, who is also her coach, and travels by train from venue to venue in order to practice, including to Chiba Prefecture for access to an obstacle course. At one point Ayumu Saito considered focusing on fencing only because she was so good at it, but she decided she didn't want to just choose one sport and continued with modern pentathlon. | Courtesy of Ayumu Saito Qualifying for the Olympics as a modern pentathlete is never easy. But this time, competition will be even more fierce. Pentathletes will be competing for fewer spots at the next Olympics, with a reduction in quota places from 72 in Paris to 64 — 32 men and 32 women — in LA. 'It's not going to be easy. But I think I'll have a good chance if I can improve my running and swimming skills,' said Saito, who missed out on Paris Olympics selection in favor of 2022 national champion Misaki Uchida. 'I didn't enter any competitions in Japan last year but I won the nationals in 2023, so if I can do that again I'll be in a strong position to qualify.' In order to stay present in high-stakes moments, Saito listens to music and gets her nails done. 'I admire modern pentathletes who look like they're having fun while competing. Much of the game is mental. The calmer your mind, the better you perform,' Saito said. 'I like to show my non-athlete side on Instagram because I want my followers to see that I play just as hard as I work, and that I have balance in my life. I want people, especially kids, to take interest in modern pentathlon and give it a try. The more participants, the merrier.'
