Wondering when the Naruto manga first came out? You’re not alone, as the answer involves several key dates that can be confusing. Many fans struggle to pinpoint the exact start of this legendary series.
The Naruto manga was first serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in Japan on September 21, 1999. This initial chapter marked the official beginning of the series. However, the first collected book volume (tankōbon) was published later, on March 3, 2000, while the first English version from Viz Media was released on August 6, 2003.
Based on official publication data, this guide provides a verified and comprehensive timeline. You will discover the precise dates for the manga’s debut, its first book release, its English-language launch, and its conclusion. This clears up all confusion about its publication history.
Key Facts
- Serialization Start: The Naruto manga officially began its run as a weekly series in Japan on September 21, 1999.
- Creator: The series was both written and illustrated by its sole creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
- Total Length: The complete original manga consists of 700 chapters, which are collected into 72 paperback volumes (tankōbon).
- 15-Year Run: The manga series ran for approximately 15 years, with the final chapter being published on November 10, 2014.
- Official Sequel: The story’s universe continues in the official sequel manga, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which follows the adventures of Naruto’s son.
When Did the Naruto Manga First Come Out?
The answer to when the Naruto manga first came out has three key dates: the original Japanese serialization, the first Japanese book volume, and the first English book volume. The very first appearance of the Naruto manga was on September 21, 1999, when its first chapter was published in a magazine in Japan. This is the true starting point of the series.
To fully understand the timeline, it’s helpful to know the difference between manga serialization and a tankōbon volume. Serialization is like a weekly TV episode, where new chapters are released in a recurring magazine. A tankōbon is the collected paperback book, similar to a Blu-ray box set, that gathers several of those chapters together for purchase.
Here are the crucial dates in the original Naruto manga’s launch:
* Manga Serialization Debut: September 21, 1999 (in Japan’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine)
* First Japanese Volume Release: March 3, 2000 (The first paperback book)
* First English Volume Release: August 6, 2003 (Published by Viz Media in North America)
What Was Naruto’s Official Serialization Date in Weekly Shōnen Jump?
Naruto’s official serialization began on September 21, 1999, in issue #43 of Weekly Shōnen Jump. This weekly magazine, published by Shueisha, is one of Japan’s longest-running and most popular manga anthologies. Being serialized in this magazine exposed Naruto to a massive readership from its very first chapter, which is a major reason for its immediate popularity.
The publication of the first chapter, titled “Uzumaki Naruto!!”, in the 1999 Issue #43 of the magazine is the definitive start of the series. This weekly release model meant fans in Japan could follow Naruto’s journey in near real-time as Masashi Kishimoto created it. At the time, Weekly Shōnen Jump was also publishing other legendary series like One Piece and Hunter x Hunter, placing Naruto among giants from its very beginning.
Why Serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump Matters
Getting a series serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump is a monumental achievement for any manga creator. The magazine is a cultural institution in Japan, and its high circulation figures guarantee a huge initial audience. For a new series like Naruto, this launchpad was critical for building the momentum that would turn it into a global phenomenon.
How Did the Naruto Manga’s Publication History Begin Before Serialization?
Yes, a pilot version of Naruto was released two years earlier. This one-shot chapter was published in the summer 1997 issue of Akamaru Jump. This prototype, also created by Masashi Kishimoto, served as a test concept before the series was approved for full serialization. Think of the one-shot as a movie pilot that tests an idea before it becomes a full TV series.
This early version of Naruto had some significant differences from the series fans know today. While it established the core character of a mischievous boy named Naruto, the story and world were distinct.
Key differences in the 1997 pilot included:
* Naruto’s Backstory: Naruto was the son of the Nine-Tailed Fox Demon, not its human jailer (jinchuriki).
* Setting: The story was set in a more modern-feeling town rather than the traditional Hidden Leaf Village.
* Character Focus: The pilot focused on Naruto trying to find a friend, with only one human character trusting him.
This pilot chapter showed enough promise for Shueisha’s editors to work with Kishimoto to refine the concept into the version that would debut in Weekly Shōnen Jump two years later.
When Was the First Naruto Tankōbon Volume Released in Japan?
The first Naruto tankōbon volume was released in Japan on March 3, 2000. This paperback book, published by Shueisha, collected the first seven chapters of the manga that had previously been released weekly in Shōnen Jump magazine. It was titled “Uzumaki Naruto!!” and offered fans the first opportunity to own the story in a permanent, collected format.
A “tankōbon” is the Japanese term for a standard paperback book volume of a single manga series. This format is crucial to the manga industry for several reasons:
* ✅ Collects Story Arcs: Each volume gathers multiple chapters (usually 7-10) into a single book, making it easier to read and collect.
* ✅ Published Periodically: While chapters come out weekly, tankōbon volumes are typically released every two to three months.
* ✅ Primary International Format: This is the primary format used for publishing manga outside of Japan.
When Did the Naruto Manga Get an English Release in America?
The first English volume of the Naruto manga was released in North America on August 6, 2003, by Viz Media. Viz Media became the official English publisher for the series, serializing chapters in their monthly Shonen Jump magazine and releasing all 72 collected paperback volumes for English-speaking audiences.
This release came approximately three and a half years after the first Japanese volume was published. This time lag was common during the 2000s anime boom, as it took time for Japanese publishers to license their properties and for American companies to translate and prepare them for a new market. Viz Media’s release of Naruto was a major event that helped solidify manga’s growing popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
| Feature | Japanese Release (Shueisha) | English Release (Viz Media) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | March 3, 2000 | August 6, 2003 |
| Publisher | Shueisha | Viz Media |
| Format | Tankōbon | Tankōbon / Monthly Magazine |
| Time Lag | N/A | ~3.5 years after Japanese Vol. 1 |
When Did the Naruto Manga Series Officially End?
The Naruto manga ended its 15-year run on November 10, 2014. The final chapter, number 700, titled “Uzumaki Naruto!!”, was published in Weekly Shōnen Jump, concluding the main story of Naruto Uzumaki. To provide a truly comprehensive conclusion, Shueisha released two chapters in the final week.
The conclusion of the manga was a major global event for fans who had followed the series for a decade and a half. The story was then collected into a total of 72 tankōbon volumes, solidifying its place as a completed epic.
Here are the final stats for the series:
* Final Chapter Date: November 10, 2014
* Final Chapter Number: Chapter 700
* Total Volume Count: 72 volumes
* Total Run Time: 15 years (1999-2014)
While the main story of Naruto is finished, its world continues in the official sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
How Does the Manga’s Release Compare to the Naruto Anime’s Premiere?
The Naruto anime first premiered in Japan on October 3, 2002, approximately three years after the manga’s serialization began. The anime series, produced by Studio Pierrot, is an adaptation of the original manga written by Masashi Kishimoto. It is standard practice for a successful manga to receive an anime adaptation after it has established a solid story and fanbase.
This time lag is important because it allows the manga to stay several story arcs ahead of the anime. However, because anime episodes are often produced at a faster pace than manga chapters are written, the anime can sometimes catch up to the source material. When this happens, animation studios create “filler” arcs—original stories not found in the manga—to give the manga creator more time to get ahead. This is the primary reason for the difference between Naruto anime filler vs manga canon.
| Medium | Creator / Producer | First Release Date (Japan) | Time Lag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manga | Masashi Kishimoto (Author), Shueisha (Publisher) | September 21, 1999 | N/A |
| Anime | Studio Pierrot (Animation) | October 3, 2002 | ~3 years after manga |
FAQs About when did naruto come out manga
How many volumes of Naruto manga are there?
There are a total of 72 volumes in the original Naruto manga series. These volumes collect all 700 chapters of the story, from its beginning in 1999 to its conclusion in 2014. The final volume, number 72, is titled “Uzumaki Naruto!” and concludes the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Who wrote and illustrated the Naruto manga?
The Naruto manga was both written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. He is the sole creator behind the story, characters, and artwork for the entire 72-volume series. Kishimoto first developed the concept in a 1997 one-shot before it was greenlit for full serialization.
How long did the Naruto manga run for?
The Naruto manga ran for approximately 15 years. Its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump began on September 21, 1999, and the final chapter was published on November 10, 2014. This long run cemented its status as one of the most iconic and longest-running manga series of its generation.
What is the difference between the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden manga?
There is no “Naruto Shippuden” manga; the manga is one continuous story titled Naruto. The name “Shippuden” was created for the anime adaptation to mark the time skip that occurs between manga volumes 27 and 28. In the manga, this transition is seamless, with chapter 245 beginning the post-time-skip storyline.
When was the last Naruto manga volume released in English?
The final English volume of Naruto, Volume 72, was released by Viz Media on October 6, 2015. This was about eight months after the same volume was released in Japan, concluding the official English publication of the completed series for North American readers.
How often was the Naruto manga released during its run?
During its run, new chapters of Naruto were released weekly in Japan. They appeared in each new issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. The collected tankōbon volumes, which compiled several chapters, were released every two to three months.
Did the Naruto manga come out before the anime?
Yes, the Naruto manga came out significantly before the anime. The manga’s serialization started on September 21, 1999. The anime adaptation did not premiere until three years later, on October 3, 2002. This is a standard practice in the industry to allow the manga to build a story and audience first.
What is the first chapter of the Naruto manga called?
The very first chapter of the Naruto manga is titled “Uzumaki Naruto!!”. This chapter introduces the main character, his dream of becoming Hokage, the conflict surrounding the scroll of seals, and his relationship with his instructor, Iruka Umino. It sets the foundation for the entire series.
Is Boruto a continuation of the Naruto manga?
Yes, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is the official sequel to the Naruto manga. While the initial Boruto manga was written by Ukyō Kodachi and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto (with Kishimoto supervising), Masashi Kishimoto later took over writing duties. It follows the adventures of Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki.
What year did the Naruto manga get its 20th anniversary?
The Naruto manga celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019. This marked two decades since its initial serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in September 1999. Various events and special projects were launched to commemorate this major milestone for the franchise.
Key Takeaways: Naruto Manga Release Summary
- Three Key Release Dates: The answer to “when did Naruto come out” depends on the format. The manga was first serialized in chapters on September 21, 1999 (Japan), the first book volume was released on March 3, 2000 (Japan), and the first English volume was released on August 6, 2003 (US).
Manga First, Anime Second: The original Naruto manga, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is the source material. The anime adaptation premiered approximately three years after the manga’s debut, which is why the anime contains “filler” content not present in the manga.
A Complete 15-Year Story: The Naruto manga is a finished series that ran for 15 years, concluding on November 10, 2014. The entire epic story is contained within 72 collected tankōbon volumes.
Publication by Shueisha and Viz Media: Shueisha is the Japanese publisher that serialized Naruto in its iconic Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. Viz Media is the official publisher that licensed, translated, and distributed the English version in North America.
One Continuous Manga Story: Unlike the anime, the manga does not have a “Shippuden” title break. The story is a single, continuous narrative across all 72 volumes, with the time skip occurring between volumes 27 and 28.
The Story Continues with Boruto: While the original Naruto manga is finished, the world and characters live on in the official sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which focuses on Naruto’s son.
Final Thoughts on the Naruto Manga’s Publication History
Understanding the Naruto manga’s release history is key to appreciating its journey from a promising 1997 pilot to a global cultural phenomenon. The timeline—from its 1999 debut in Japan, to its 2003 arrival in America, and its epic conclusion in 2014—paints a picture of a series that defined a generation of manga and anime fans. By clarifying the distinct dates for serialization, Japanese volumes, and English releases, you can now pinpoint the exact moments that marked the start of this legendary ninja saga. For anyone looking to start the journey, you can dive into the 72-volume completed series knowing you are reading a cornerstone of modern manga.
