“Naruto” is a highly popular ninja manga series that first appeared in the magazine “Weekly Shonen JUMP” in 1999. Set in a world full of ninjas, the story follows the life of the main character, Naruto Uzumaki, who was orphaned at a young age. The plot centres around the fourth-generation Hokage sealing the nine-tailed fox demon (which had attacked the village), inside Naruto, causing the villagers to ostracize him. According to the Japanese ranking website “Ranking.net”, the top ten most popular characters in “Naruto” are as follows:
10. Ino Yamanako
In 10th place is Ino Yamanaka, a member of the Yamanaka clan and student of the fourth generation Hokage, Minato Namikaze. She is skilled in using space-time ninjutsu “Shinra,” Yamanaka clan techniques, and Yin-Yang release techniques. In the war at Shinobi Bridge, Ino was nearly killed trying to save Kakashi and entrusted her and Rin Nohara’s wishes to him before almost dying.
9. Might Guy
Might Guy, the “proud blue beast of the Leaf,” takes the 9th spot. He is a jonin from Konoha’s Hidden Leaf Village and is skilled in taijutsu. He is also the leader of Team 3 and the teacher of Rock Lee, Neji Hyuga, and Tenten. Guy is a hot-blooded man who always talks about “youth” and is friends and rivals with Kakashi Hatake, calling him his eternal rival.
8. Neji Hyuga
In 8th place is Neji Hyuga, a jonin from Konoha’s Hidden Leaf Village and member of Team 3 led by Might Guy. He is a member of the prestigious Hyuga clan and the son of Hiashi Hyuga and cousin of Hinata Hyuga. Known as a prodigy of the Hyuga clan, Neji has a strong sense of justice despite his cold personality. He died protecting his cousin Hinata in the Fourth Great Ninja War.
7. Rock Lee
Rock Lee, a genin from Konoha’s Hidden Leaf Village and member of Team Guy, takes the 7th spot. Despite being unable to use ninjutsu or genjutsu, he has mastered taijutsu to a high level. He has a strong sense of loyalty to Might Guy and considers him his ultimate goal. He is also good friends with his rival, Gaara.
6. Shikamaru Nara
Shikamaru Nara, a jonin from Konoha’s Hidden Leaf Village and leader of Team 10, ranks at number 6. He is a member of the Nara clan, known for their ability to control their shadows, and the son of Shikaku Nara. He is known for his intelligence and laziness, but also has a strong sense of responsibility and is a reliable friend.
5. Gaara
In 5th place is Gaara, the jinchuriki of the one-tailed beast Shukaku and Kazekage of Suna. He was very lonely and angry when he was younger, but learned to control his emotions and became a good leader. He is also very strong and can use sand to fight.
4. Kakashi
Kakashi Hatake, a high-ranked ninja from Konoha’s Hidden Leaf Village and leader of Team 7, ranks at number 4. He is mysterious and private, but also very strong and skilled. He has a special technique called the Sharingan, which allows him to copy other people’s techniques.
3. Sasuke
Sasuke Uchiha, a member of the Uchiha clan and brother of Itachi Uchiha, ranks at number 3 on the list of most popular “Naruto” characters. He starts off as a rival to Naruto, but they eventually become friends. He is very skilled and strong but is also very angry and wants to get revenge on his brother for killing their family.
2. Itachi
In second place is Itachi Uchiha, a former member of the Uchiha clan who killed his entire family except for Sasuke. He is very strong and skilled and is also a member of the organization called Akatsuki. He faked his own death and spent his life protecting the village from the inside.
1. Naruto
Finally, in first place is Naruto Uzumaki, the main character of the series. He is a genin from Konoha’s Hidden Leaf Village and a member of Team 7. Despite being ostracized by the villagers for having the nine-tailed fox demon sealed inside of him, Naruto never gives up on his dream of becoming the Hokage and being recognized by the village. He is very determined and has a lot of friends who support him. Through hard work and training, he becomes a very strong and skilled ninja.
If you like this list, you might also want to check out: Is Naruto worth watching?
