In a recent interview, Masashi Kishimoto, the renowned creator of the famous manga and anime series Naruto, shared his thoughts on the influence of One Piece on his work. The respect and admiration he holds for Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, were clearly evident in his words.
Kishimoto revealed that One Piece debuted just under a year before Naruto was published. In his heartfelt admission, he confessed that he initially felt a strong sense of jealousy.
However, beyond mere jealousy, Kishimoto recognized that Oda’s success was a significant driving force for him. This friendly competition and desire to surpass Oda became the motivation behind Kishimoto’s creation of Naruto. After its release, the ninja-themed manga became a global phenomenon, captivating millions of readers and viewers worldwide.
“One Piece was released before Naruto by nearly a year, even though we were the same age. He [Eiichiro Oda] had overshadowed me in many ways. In the beginning, I felt a lot of jealousy, and at the same time, I didn’t just want to be recognized but also wanted to surpass him. In a way, I feel that Naruto’s success is partly due to One Piece,” Kishimoto stated.
The creator of Naruto also expressed gratitude for the positive influence that One Piece has had on him and his career.
These revelations provided a new perspective on the interactions between manga creators and the influences they can have on each other. Kishimoto’s statements highlight how competition, admiration, and inspiration can intertwine in the manga industry, creating stories that resonate with audiences globally.
