Trying to find the exact release date for the first Naruto manga chapter? You’re not alone; many fans get confused by the different dates they see online. Getting this fact right is key to understanding the series’ long history.
The first chapter of the Naruto manga, created by Masashi Kishimoto, was officially released on September 21, 1999. This debut occurred in the 43rd issue of Shueisha’s popular Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, kicking off a serialization that would span 15 years and capture a global audience.
Based on detailed analysis of its publication history, this guide provides the definitive answer. You will learn the clear distinction between the weekly chapter debut and the later book release. This article systematically breaks down the timeline, creator, and publication details for full clarity.
Key Facts
- Definitive Release Date: The first chapter of the Naruto manga was officially published on September 21, 1999.
- Original Publication: It debuted in the 43rd issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump, a famous Japanese manga magazine.
- Chapter vs. Volume: The first collected book volume (tankōbon), which compiled the initial chapters, was released later on March 3, 2000.
- The Creator: Naruto was written and illustrated by Japanese manga artist Masashi Kishimoto.
- Total Serialization Run: The manga series ran for 15 years, concluding on November 10, 2014, after 700 chapters.
When Was the First Chapter of the Naruto Manga Released?
The official release date for the first chapter of the Naruto manga is September 21, 1999. This marked the very beginning of Naruto Uzumaki’s journey, serialized in the 43rd issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine for that year. This initial publication was a pivotal moment in manga history, introducing a character and world that would resonate with millions for years to come.
The concept of serialization is key to understanding this date. In Japan, most new manga series don’t begin as standalone books. Instead, they are published one chapter at a time in a large anthology magazine alongside dozens of other series. For Naruto, its home was Weekly Shōnen Jump, one of the most prestigious and competitive manga publications. The release on September 21, 1999, was the first time the public ever read Chapter 1, titled “Uzumaki Naruto!!”.
This weekly release schedule continued for 15 years, building a loyal fanbase that eagerly awaited each new installment. The date represents the true starting point of the Naruto phenomenon, long before the anime or collected volumes became globally recognized. It was the moment Masashi Kishimoto’s work was officially introduced to the world.
What Is the Difference Between the Chapter and Volume 1 Release Dates?
The key difference is the format: the first chapter debuted in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on September 21, 1999, as a serialized installment, while the first collected volume (tankōbon), which compiled the initial chapters into a standalone book, was released several months later on March 3, 2000. This confusion between the weekly chapter and the collected book release is common, but it reflects the standard manga publication model in Japan.
A manga chapter is a single installment, typically around 20 pages, that appears in a weekly or monthly anthology magazine. A tankōbon, on the other hand, is a standalone paperback book that collects a series of these chapters (usually 7 to 9) into a single volume for easier reading and collection. This two-step process allows publishers to gauge a series’ popularity through magazine sales before investing in widespread book printing.
Understanding this distinction clarifies why two “release dates” exist. The 1999 date marks the story’s true beginning, while the 2000 date marks the first time fans could purchase Naruto as its own dedicated book.
| Feature | Weekly Chapter (in Magazine) | Collected Volume (Tankōbon) |
|---|---|---|
| First Release Date | September 21, 1999 | March 3, 2000 |
| Format | Anthology magazine with other series | Standalone paperback book |
| Content | A single chapter (approx. 20 pages) | A collection of several chapters (e.g., 7-9) |
| Publication | Weekly Shōnen Jump | Jump Comics (Shueisha Imprint) |
| Purpose | Initial serialization | Collection for reading and purchase |
What Magazine Was Naruto First Published In?
Naruto was first published in Weekly Shōnen Jump, a highly popular and influential manga magazine in Japan published by Shueisha. The first chapter appeared in Issue 43 of the magazine in 1999. This weekly publication is famous for serializing many of the world’s most successful manga series. Getting a series published in Weekly Shōnen Jump is considered a major achievement for any manga artist.
For decades, Weekly Shōnen Jump has been a titan in the industry, known for its focus on shōnen manga, which targets a young male demographic and often features action, adventure, and themes of friendship and perseverance. Its rigorous selection process and massive circulation make it a launchpad for blockbuster hits.
The magazine’s legacy is built on the iconic series it has introduced to the world. Being published in its pages placed Naruto in the company of legends. Other famous manga serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump include:
* Dragon Ball
* One Piece
* Bleach
* Slam Dunk
* Jujutsu Kaisen
Who is Masashi Kishimoto, the Creator of Naruto?
Naruto was created by Masashi Kishimoto, a Japanese manga artist born in 1974. He is the writer and illustrator behind the entire original series. Growing up, Kishimoto was heavily inspired by the works of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, which fueled his passion for drawing and storytelling from a young age.
Before his monumental success with Naruto, Kishimoto worked hard to hone his craft. His journey as a professional manga artist began to take shape when his one-shot manga, Karakuri (1995), earned him an honorable mention in Shueisha’s monthly “Hop Step Award” for new artists. This recognition was a critical early success that put him on the publisher’s radar.
Following this award, he developed several other concepts before landing on the idea that would become Naruto. He first created a one-shot version of Naruto in 1997 before refining the story and characters into the series that began its official serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump two years later. His dedication and unique vision for a lonely ninja boy striving for recognition became the heart of the beloved saga.
How Long Did the Naruto Manga Run?
The Naruto manga ran for 15 years, from its debut in Weekly Shōnen Jump on September 21, 1999, to its conclusion on November 10, 2014. Over its serialization, Masashi Kishimoto created a total of 700 chapters, which were later collected into 72 paperback volumes (tankōbon). This incredibly long and consistent run is a testament to the series’ enduring popularity and Kishimoto’s dedication.
The story is broadly divided into two parts. Part I covers Naruto’s early years and quest for recognition, while Part II, known in the anime as Naruto: Shippuden, picks up after a two-and-a-half-year time skip, following a more mature Naruto on his journey to save his friend Sasuke and protect the ninja world.
Here is a summary of the manga’s impressive scope:
* Total Run: 15 years
* Start Date: September 21, 1999
* End Date: November 10, 2014
* Total Chapters: 700
* Total Volumes: 72
The series’ conclusion in 2026 was a major event in the manga and anime community, marking the end of an era for a generation of fans who had grown up with the characters. Its legacy continues with the sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
FAQs About when did naruto first chapter manga release
What was the name of the first Naruto chapter?
The first chapter of the Naruto manga is titled “Uzumaki Naruto!!”. This chapter introduces the main character, Naruto Uzumaki, and the core conflict of his isolation within the village due to the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him. It powerfully establishes his ambitious dream of becoming the Hokage to earn everyone’s respect.
When did the Naruto anime first air?
The Naruto anime first aired in Japan on October 3, 2002. This was approximately three years after the manga began its serialization. The anime adaptation, which was produced by Studio Pierrot and TV Tokyo, played a massive role in expanding Naruto‘s popularity from a Japanese phenomenon to a global cultural icon.
Was Naruto released in the 1990s?
Yes, the Naruto manga was first released in the 1990s. The very first chapter was published on September 21, 1999. However, its first collected book volume and the anime adaptation were both released later in the early 2000s, which is why some people mistakenly believe the series started after the turn of the millennium.
How old is the Naruto manga as of 2026?
The Naruto manga began its serialization on September 21, 1999. To calculate its current age, you can subtract 1999 from the current year, 2026. For example, in 2024, the manga series celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century since its debut.
What is the difference between Naruto Part I and Part II?
Part I of the manga covers Naruto’s pre-teen years and consists of the first 244 chapters. Part II, which the anime adapts as Naruto: Shippuden, picks up after a two-and-a-half-year time skip. It covers Naruto’s teenage years from chapter 245 to the final chapter, 700, focusing on more mature themes and higher-stakes conflicts.
Key Takeaways: Naruto’s First Chapter Manga Release Summary
- Definitive Chapter Release Date: The very first chapter of Naruto was released on September 21, 1999, in the 43rd issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine.
- Chapter vs. Volume Distinction: There are two key dates; the weekly chapter release (in a magazine) and the collected book or “tankōbon” release. The first Naruto tankōbon was published months after the first chapter, on March 3, 2000.
- The Creator’s Journey: The series was created by manga artist Masashi Kishimoto, who gained recognition after winning the “Hop Step Award” for his earlier work, Karakuri.
- Publication Powerhouse: Naruto was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump, one of Japan’s most prestigious manga magazines, also home to series like Dragon Ball and One Piece.
- Complete Manga Run: The manga’s serialization lasted for 15 years, concluding on November 10, 2014, after a total of 700 chapters collected into 72 volumes.
Final Thoughts on Naruto’s Manga Release
Understanding that the official start of the Naruto saga was on September 21, 1999, provides a clear and accurate foundation for appreciating its long and storied history. This date marks the moment Masashi Kishimoto’s vision was first shared with the world, kicking off a 15-year journey that would define a generation of manga readers and anime viewers. By separating this initial chapter release from the later volume and anime debuts, you now have a complete picture of how this iconic series began.
Last update on 2026-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
