5 WAYS NARUTO HAS AGED POORLY: A RETROSPECTIVE ON THE CLASSIC SHONEN A

Naruto, one of the pillars of shonen anime's "Big Three," captivated audiences worldwide with over 700 episodes of thrilling ninja adventures. While fans continue to enjoy the next chapter in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the original Naruto series still holds a special place in the hearts of anime lovers. However, as time has passed, certain elements of this beloved series have not aged as gracefully. Here’s a look back at five ways Naruto has aged poorly, highlighting some aspects that are less appreciated today.

Dated Animation Techniques

Naruto’s animation was groundbreaking during its time, but compared to today’s anime, it shows its age. The animation style and techniques, which were state-of-the-art in the early 2000s, appear less polished when set against modern series. Fans who shop at their favorite anime store or browse anime merch in India, including Naruto merchandise, may still love the nostalgia, but it’s clear that animation standards have evolved significantly. Despite this, Naruto's impact on the anime world and anime merch stores remains undiminished.

Jiraiya’s Perverted Nature

Jiraiya, a fan-favorite character and mentor to Naruto, is known for his powerful jutsu and comedic antics. However, his overtly perverted behavior, including his constant attempts to spy on women, feels increasingly out of place in today’s cultural climate. As awareness of consent and harassment has grown, Jiraiya’s actions can feel uncomfortable, making this aspect of his character harder to appreciate. Whether you’re picking up anime figures or an anime hoodie at your local anime merch store, the portrayal of such outdated behavior is less celebrated today.

Sakura Haruno’s Violent Tsundere Tendencies

Sakura Haruno embodies the "violent tsundere" trope, a character type that has become less popular over the years. Her frequent physical aggression towards Naruto and others, often played for laughs, can seem outdated when viewed through a modern lens. Despite her significant character growth later in the series, early portrayals of her violent tendencies can be hard to overlook. As you browse anime clothes or Naruto merchandise in your local anime store near you, it’s worth noting how certain character traits don't age as well as the iconic imagery of the series.

The Sexy Jutsu

Naruto’s Sexy Jutsu, a transformation technique that turns him into a scantily clad woman, was a recurring joke in the series. While it was intended as a humorous gag, it often comes across as inappropriate, especially by today’s standards. The use of a young boy’s body for suggestive comedy feels exploitative and out of place in modern discussions of anime humor. Even as fans collect anime merchandise, like One Piece merchandise or Naruto gear, this gag’s humor may no longer resonate in the same way.

Sluggish Pacing

Naruto’s pacing, especially in its earlier arcs, can feel slow compared to today’s anime, which often have a quicker tempo. While the series’ deliberate pacing allows for rich world-building and character development, it can also feel drawn out, particularly to viewers accustomed to the snappier pace of contemporary anime. For fans looking for anime merch in India or visiting an anime store for new collections, Naruto’s story remains a classic, though some may wish the series moved a little faster.

Despite these flaws, Naruto remains a cornerstone of anime culture. Its unforgettable characters, epic battles, and powerful themes continue to captivate fans, whether they’re watching the show, collecting anime figures, or wearing their favorite anime hoodie. Click here for the coolest and craziest anime merch in india! When you explore an anime store or check out the latest Naruto merchandise, it’s clear that the series' legacy endures. While some aspects may feel outdated, the love for Naruto transcends time, cementing its status as a legendary series in the world of anime merchandise and beyond.

[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]

~Mimansa Sharma

5 WAYS NARUTO HAS AGED POORLY: A RETROSPECTIVE ON THE CLASSIC SHONEN ANIME