Boruto's Marking

Lore & Background

In the fight against the Kara member Boro, the mark lets Momoshiki possess Boruto and kill Boro. Later, when Boruto draws on Momoshiki's power against Code, Momoshiki resurrects and tries to kill Naruto, and Boruto asks Kawaki to kill him to take Momoshiki with him.

Did You Know?

• The anime first aired on April 5, 2017, at 5:55 PM JST before shifting to a Thursday slot in May 2018.
• The first part of the anime concluded on March 26, 2023, with episode 293.
• Asian Kung-Fu Generation performed the opening theme 'Shukuen' for episodes 282 through 293.
• Viz Media licensed the series to simulcast on Hulu and Crunchyroll on March 23, 2017.

Production Origins and Creative Leadership

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations stands as a significant sequel and spin-off to Masashi Kishimoto's original manga, produced by the renowned studio Pierrot. The series navigates the transition from its source material through distinct directorial phases, with Noriyuki Abe overseeing specific episodes before Masayuki Kōda took the helm for the majority of the run. The narrative voice evolved notably when writer Masaya Honda began contributing scripts starting from episode 67, shaping the story's direction as it expanded beyond the manga's scope.

While rooted in the established world of the Hidden Leaf Village, the anime frequently diverges to explore original storylines and adapt various spin-off materials, including light novels and previous films. This collaborative effort ensures that while the core legacy remains intact, the storytelling constantly evolves to meet the needs of a new generation of ninja.

Narrative Scope and Source Material Adaptation

The series chronicles the journey of Boruto Uzumaki, son of the Seventh Hokage, as he navigates the complexities of the ninja academy alongside his peers. Unlike a strict adaptation, the anime frequently incorporates content from supplementary works such as Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring and the Naruto Shinden light novel series. This approach allows the show to fill narrative gaps and explore character backstories that might otherwise remain unexplored in the primary manga. By blending original arcs with adaptations of spin-off media, the production creates a comprehensive tapestry of life in the Hidden Leaf Village post-war. The story focuses heavily on Boruto's personal growth and his struggle to carve out an identity separate from his father's overwhelming legacy, providing a fresh perspective on the ninja way.

Broadcast History and Global Distribution

Premiering on TV Tokyo in April 2017, the series initially aired weekly before undergoing several schedule adjustments to optimize viewership. By late 2018, it settled into a Sunday afternoon slot, reflecting its established place in the anime landscape. Internationally, Viz Media secured licensing rights shortly after the premiere, enabling simultaneous streaming on major platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll for English-speaking audiences. This strategic distribution ensured global fans could follow Boruto's adventures in near real-time. The series also found a physical home through DVD releases, catering to collectors. In early 2023, it was announced that the first part of the story would conclude with episode 293, paving the way for an upcoming second part currently in development.

Musical Identity and Thematic Soundscapes

The auditory experience of Boruto is defined by a rotating cast of prominent Japanese rock bands who provide its opening and ending themes. During the latter stages of the first part, Kana-Boon performed the energetic opener 'Kirarirari,' while Asian Kung-Fu Generation took over with 'Shukuen' for the final episodes. The emotional resonance of each episode is further enhanced by closing tracks from artists like Lenny code fiction, Anonymouz, and Humbreaders. These musical choices reflect the shifting tones of the narrative, ranging from youthful exuberance to deeper, more contemplative moments as the characters mature. The specific selection of songs for different episode blocks helps mark distinct eras within the series, creating a sonic signature that complements the visual storytelling and character development.