The impact of “The Matrix” is widespread across the globe, even making its mark on Japanese culture. This influence can be seen in the design changes of the character Gaara from the popular anime/manga series Naruto. Masashi Kishimoto utilized artistic elements from “The Matrix” to develop a new design for Gaara in Naruto Shippuden. This design is notably inspired by the iconic portrayal of Keanu Reeves in “The Matrix.”

In reality, Gaara’s initial costume design and subsequent changes posed challenges for Kishimoto. Consequently, the result of Gaara’s costume change during the “Rescue Sasuke” arc featured a hooded cloak. This not only enhanced the character’s aesthetics but also represented the evolving relationship between Gaara and Naruto following their earlier confrontations.

In the “Rescue Sasuke” arc and the pre-Shippuden segment, Gaara completely changed his outfit from black to a yellow and longer-sleeved garment, complemented by a hooded cloak. This outfit was also featured in “Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel.” In part 2 of the movie, during the battle against Deidara, he donned a long-sleeved cloak of a darker hue, showcasing his evolving style.

Kishimoto has expressed that Gaara’s outfit is his favorite among the three siblings: Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari.

As the creator of Naruto, Kishimoto faced the challenge of weekly character designs for Shonen Jump, yet he consistently found inspiration to incorporate intricate costume designs that pay homage to “The Matrix.” Even when dealing with time constraints, Kishimoto’s dedication to his characters was evident. Gaara was notably recognized when he ranked 15th in a popular character popularity poll conducted in January 2023, showcasing the lasting legacy of his design in the anime community.