Click HERE to leave your own special message for Masashi Kishimoto!

For over 15 years, Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto has affected millions of people worldwide. It’s a testament to how a great story with great characters can positively influence the world. As Naruto heads toward its exciting conclusion, a ton of people involved with this epic manga series chimed in to pay their respects to a master and his masterpiece!

ALEXIS KIRSCH (editor)
Naruto is one of my all-time favorite manga. The first chapter I ever read in the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump was the epic chapter where Haku sacrifices himself to protect Zabuza. But my first reaction was, “Why do all these characters have weird headbands?! I can’t tell them apart!” Well, let’s just say that a few chapters later I was hooked and the rest is history. I now have the honor of being the English editor when the series concludes. It will be sad not being able to read new chapters of this wonderful series every week, but all great things must come to a close. And what an amazing ride it has been!

JOEL ENOS (editor)
After six years of editing more than 60 volumes of the English adaptation of Naruto, I can say that the series completely changed the way I read and write stories...and what I expect from a writer, myself included. Whether it’s the genius early hints of the eventual epic rift between Naruto and Sasuke or the sheer brilliance of supporting characters like Jiraiya, Tsunade and Orochimaru, Kishimoto Sensei is a master storyteller and artist who precisely connected the intricate past and present of his tale from the first chapter to the last. 

MARI MORIMOTO (translator)
I started translating Naruto partway through volume 2, and I realized with some surprise that it was eleven years ago. That represents half of my manga translating career so far! Silly as it is, one of my favorite scenes is seeing all the biju as baby monsters... I wish they’d make stuffed versions of them!

SABRINA HEEP (letterer)
I was captivated from the very first chapter with friendless Naruto, not understanding why everyone hates him, taking refuge in the kindness of the Third and Iruka—the only two adults who showed him affection. Yet no matter how difficult things were, he refused to give up on himself and his eventual friends. His slow gathering of those friends, his earning respect from others and his success in becoming a powerful ninja has all been glorious to watch, and it has moved me to tears more than once. Naruto’s journey has been a continuous inspiration for me to keep fighting and trying my best!

KAM LI (designer)
Ten years ago, I started a freelance assignment with VIZ Media. I was a casual fan of manga and anime, but didn’t stay current with any trends. A friend of mine was a huge anime fan, and upon hearing that I was freelancing for VIZ, excitedly told me that I had to watch Naruto. He lent me his DVDs, and I got immediately hooked, spending hours glued to the television. In the middle of my freelance assignment, I was informed that there were some open design positions at VIZ and got the job. It has been nearly ten years, and I am still with VIZ! On one hand, I am amazed that Naruto is still around. On the other, I’m saddened that it’s concluding. 

JOHN HUNT (letterer)
It was an honor to work with such a wonderful and talented group of people on one of the most beloved manga series of all time. It was fun seeing the story unfold each week. I’ll miss the adventures of Naruto and gang!

INORI FUKUDA (letterer)
Naruto was the one series that got me back into manga after my teenage years. Despite my being an adult, the story and characters grabbed my heart and pushed me to work harder for my dreams. I love Kishimoto Sensei’s rough and dynamic drawing style so much that I copied his drawings day and night. One of my luckiest moments was when I became a part of the Naruto team at VIZ. Because of Naruto, I made many friends all over the world and did things I wouldn’t have done otherwise. I’ve been to many conventions and met my friends there! Thank you, Kishimoto Sensei, for creating such an amazing series and encouraging us to be better through your work!

Click HERE to leave a special message for Masashi Kishimoto! Let him know how Naruto personally impacted you (it can be a personal anecdote, a general thank you, a favorite scene/story arc that really touched you, etc).