Wondering when the Naruto manga officially came out? You’re not alone; many fans look for the exact date to understand the series’ long and storied history. Getting this simple fact right is the first step to appreciating its incredible journey.
The Naruto manga’s first chapter was officially released on September 21, 1999, in Japan. It debuted in the 43rd issue of Shueisha’s popular Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, marking the beginning of one of the most influential manga series ever created by author and illustrator Masashi Kishimoto.
Based on official publisher data and historical records, this guide provides the definitive timeline for the Naruto manga. You’ll discover the complete publication history, from its preliminary one-shot origins to its epic conclusion, giving you a clear and accurate understanding of this cultural phenomenon.
Key Facts
- Official Release Date: The first chapter of the Naruto manga was officially published on September 21, 1999, according to publisher data.
- Original Magazine: It was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan, starting with issue #43 of 1999.
- Creator: The series was written and illustrated entirely by Masashi Kishimoto, who shaped its narrative and art for its full run.
- Total Length: The manga concluded after running for 15 years, comprising 700 chapters that were collected into 72 tankōbon volumes.
- English Publisher: VIZ Media holds the official rights for the English translation and distribution in North America.
When Did the Naruto Manga Officially Come Out?
The Naruto manga’s first chapter was officially released on September 21, 1999. This debut occurred in the 43rd issue of Shueisha’s highly popular Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan. This date marks the formal beginning of Masashi Kishimoto’s iconic ninja saga, which would grow into a global cultural phenomenon. The series quickly established itself as a flagship title for the magazine and a cornerstone of the shonen genre.
Understanding the release context is key to appreciating its impact. As a weekly serialization, new chapters were released consistently for years, building a massive and dedicated fanbase. Official publisher data from Shueisha confirms this publication history, solidifying its place in manga archives. Here are the core details of its debut.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original Release Date | September 21, 1999 |
| Japanese Magazine | Weekly Shonen Jump (Issue #43) |
| Creator | Masashi Kishimoto |
| Publisher (Japan) | Shueisha |
| Genre | Shonen, Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
What Was the Original Naruto One-Shot and When Was It Released?
Masashi Kishimoto’s original Naruto one-shot was published in August 1997. This preliminary version appeared in Akamaru Jump, a special seasonal issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, setting the stage for the full serialization that began two years later. This one-shot was a crucial test ground for the concept.
While it featured a character named Naruto, the plot and character designs were different from the final series. For instance, Naruto was the son of a demon fox, and the story focused on him trying to find a friend in a human village. Historical records from Shueisha show this 1997 release was a precursor, and its positive reception helped pave the way for the full series to be greenlit.
- Different Protagonist: The Naruto in the one-shot had a different backstory and abilities.
- Contained Story: It was a single, self-contained story, not the start of a long-running epic.
- Proving Ground: Its publication in Akamaru Jump served as a pilot to gauge reader interest before committing to a full weekly series.
How Long Did the Naruto Manga Series Run and When Did It Conclude?
The Naruto manga series was serialized for approximately 15 years, from its debut on September 21, 1999, until its conclusion on November 10, 2014. Authored and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, this impressive run spanned 700 chapters. These chapters were later compiled into 72 tankōbon volumes, creating a massive and complete narrative that has become one of the best-selling manga series in history.
The series’ conclusion was a major event in the manga world, marking the end of an era for millions of fans who had followed Naruto Uzumaki’s journey from a young outcast to a celebrated hero. Publisher data from Shueisha confirms the final chapter’s release in Weekly Shonen Jump, bringing the long-running series to a definitive close.
- Start Date: September 21, 1999
- End Date: November 10, 2014
- Total Duration: Approximately 15 years
- Total Chapters: 700
- Total Volumes: 72 tankōbon volumes
Which Publishers Were Responsible for Naruto Manga’s Release in Japan and English?
Shueisha published the Naruto manga in Japan, where it was serialized weekly in their popular magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump. For English-speaking audiences, VIZ Media holds the official licensing and distribution rights, releasing the translated tankōbon volumes in North America and other regions. These two companies are the primary authoritative sources for the manga’s official distribution.
Shueisha is one of Japan’s largest publishing companies and the original home of the Naruto franchise. VIZ Media, a subsidiary co-owned by Shueisha, specializes in bringing popular manga and anime to an English-speaking audience. Their partnership was crucial for Naruto’s global success.
- Japanese Publisher: Shueisha is the original Japanese publisher. They managed the weekly serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump and the Japanese tankōbon volume releases.
- English Publisher: VIZ Media is the official English-language publisher. They are responsible for the translation, publication, and distribution of the Naruto manga in North America, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking territories.
How Do the Naruto Manga and Anime Release Dates Differ?
The Naruto manga began its serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump on September 21, 1999. In contrast, the Naruto anime series, adapted by Studio Pierrot, first aired in Japan on October 3, 2002. This establishes the manga as the original source material, released over three years prior to its animated counterpart. This gap is a common practice in the anime industry, allowing the manga to build a substantial backlog of story content before production on the anime begins.
The anime followed the manga’s storyline, though it also included filler arcs to maintain a distance from the ongoing manga serialization. This chronological difference is a key point of reference for fans. The sequel anime, Naruto Shippuden, which covers the second part of the manga, also followed this pattern, beginning its broadcast long after the corresponding manga chapters were published.
| Aspect | Naruto Manga | Naruto Anime |
|---|---|---|
| First Chapter/Episode Release | September 21, 1999 | October 3, 2002 |
| Serialization/Broadcast Magazine | Weekly Shonen Jump | TV Tokyo |
| Creator/Studio | Masashi Kishimoto | Studio Pierrot |
| Conclusion Date | November 10, 2014 | March 23, 2017 (Naruto Shippuden Conclusion) |
| Total Chapters/Episodes | 700 Chapters (72 Volumes) | 220 Episodes (Naruto) + 500 Episodes (Shippuden) |
Where Can You Read the Naruto Manga Today?
You can read the Naruto manga today through several official channels. Digitally, subscribers can access all chapters via the Shonen Jump app by VIZ Media or Shueisha’s Manga Plus service. Physically, the complete series is available in 72 individual tankōbon volumes or as convenient collector’s box sets. Reading from official sources ensures you support the creator and receive the highest quality translation.
For collectors and new readers looking to own the physical series, the box sets are an excellent option. They compile the entire series into three separate sets, often providing better value than purchasing each of the 72 volumes individually. Whether you prefer digital or physical, Naruto remains highly accessible.
- Digital Reading: The VIZ Media Shonen Jump app is the primary official source for reading the English version digitally with a subscription. Shueisha’s Manga Plus app also offers chapters.
- Individual Volumes: You can purchase any of the 72 individual tankōbon volumes from major booksellers online or in-store.
- Box Sets: For a comprehensive collection, VIZ Media has released three box sets that cover the entire manga series, making it easier to collect all 72 volumes.
FAQs About when did naruto manga come out
When Did the Naruto Manga End?
The Naruto manga officially concluded its serialization on November 10, 2014, with its 700th chapter. This brought Masashi Kishimoto’s iconic story to a close after approximately 15 years of weekly publication in Weekly Shonen Jump. All chapters were subsequently collected into the final 72nd tankōbon volume.
How Many Volumes of Naruto Manga Are There?
The complete Naruto manga series consists of 72 tankōbon volumes. These volumes collect all 700 chapters of Masashi Kishimoto’s original work. This provides the full story, from Naruto Uzumaki’s early days as a genin to his journey to becoming the greatest ninja in his village.
When Did Naruto Manga Come Out in English?
The English translation of the Naruto manga, published by VIZ Media, first began its release in August 2003. This debut followed the original Japanese publication by nearly four years. VIZ Media then released subsequent volumes regularly in North America and other English-speaking regions, making the series accessible to a global audience.
Is the Naruto Manga Finished or Still Ongoing?
The original Naruto manga series is definitively finished and concluded in November 2014. Creator Masashi Kishimoto completed the story with chapter 700. However, the franchise continues with the sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which follows Naruto’s son and is still ongoing as of 2026.
What Magazine Was Naruto Manga Published In?
The Naruto manga was famously serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan. It debuted in the 43rd issue of 1999 and remained one of the magazine’s flagship titles throughout its entire 15-year run, published alongside other legendary series and shaping a generation of manga readers.
When Did Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Manga Start?
The Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga, which serves as a sequel to Naruto, began its serialization in May 2016. It was initially written by Ukyō Kodachi and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto, with Masashi Kishimoto in a supervisory role. The series continues the story by focusing on Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki, and a new generation of ninja.
Did Masashi Kishimoto Write All 72 Volumes of Naruto?
Yes, Masashi Kishimoto is the sole author and illustrator for all 72 tankōbon volumes and 700 chapters of the original Naruto manga. His singular creative vision shaped the entire narrative, character designs, and artwork from its beginning in 1999 to its conclusion in 2014, a remarkable feat for such a long-running series.
What Was the Original Length of the Naruto Manga Series?
The Naruto manga series comprised 700 chapters in total, which were collected into 72 physical tankōbon volumes. This extensive length allowed for a rich and detailed narrative that spanned over 15 years of weekly serialization. It covered multiple complex story arcs and deep character developments for its large cast.
Is There a Difference Between Japanese and English Volume Release Dates?
Yes, there is a significant difference between the Japanese and English manga volume release dates. The original Japanese tankōbon volumes were always released first by Shueisha. VIZ Media, the English publisher, then licensed, translated, and released the English versions, often several months or even years behind the Japanese schedule, which is standard practice in the industry.
What is a Tankōbon Volume?
A tankōbon volume is the standard term for a stand-alone book that collects several chapters of a single manga series. These chapters were originally published serially, often weekly or monthly, in a larger anthology magazine like Weekly Shonen Jump. For Naruto, chapters were compiled into these tankōbon editions for sale to the public.
Key Takeaways: When Did Naruto Manga Come Out Summary
- Official Release Date: The Naruto manga’s first chapter was officially released on September 21, 1999, in Weekly Shonen Jump.
- One-Shot Precursor: An earlier Naruto one-shot by Masashi Kishimoto was published in August 1997 in Akamaru Jump, predating the main serialization.
- Full Publication Run: The manga ran for approximately 15 years, concluding on November 10, 2014, with 700 chapters compiled into 72 tankōbon volumes.
- Key Publishers: Shueisha published in Japan via Weekly Shonen Jump, while VIZ Media handled the official English translations.
- Manga vs. Anime: The manga consistently preceded the anime, with the first Naruto anime adaptation premiering in October 2002, over three years after the manga’s debut.
- Continued Legacy: While the original manga is complete, the Naruto universe continues through the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga, which began in May 2016.
- Accessibility Today: The full Naruto manga series is readily available for purchase in physical volumes (including box sets) and can be read digitally via official platforms like the VIZ Media Shonen Jump app.
Final Thoughts on When Did Naruto Manga Come Out
Understanding that the Naruto manga officially began on September 21, 1999, provides a crucial anchor for appreciating its 15-year journey and immense cultural impact. From its humble beginnings in Weekly Shonen Jump to its conclusion as a global phenomenon in 2014, Masashi Kishimoto’s work has defined a generation of manga and anime fans. While the original story is complete, its legacy thrives not only in its 72 timeless volumes but also through the ongoing adventures in Boruto. Whether you choose to read it digitally or collect the physical volumes, the entire epic is more accessible than ever.
Last update on 2026-02-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
