What Naruto does

Naruto refers to a multimedia intellectual property centered on the manga NARUTO, created by Masashi Kishimoto and first serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999. The franchise is not a standalone operating company but a multi-licensed media IP, jointly managed across publishing (Shueisha), animation production (Studio Pierrot), and games/merchandise/official website operations (Bandai Namco Entertainment). The portfolio spans 72 volumes of original NARUTO manga, an ongoing sequel manga BORUTO -NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS- (with its current arc BORUTO -TWO BLUE VORTEX-), three TV anime series totaling over 1,000 episodes across original NARUTO, NARUTO Shippuden, and BORUTO, multiple video game titles in the Ultimate Ninja Storm series plus mobile and online titles, an upcoming trading card game, theme park attractions at Nijigennomori and Fujiq Highland, and an extensive merchandise and related books program.

Revenue is generated through several parallel streams rather than a single SaaS-style model: manga volume sales and magazine serialization (Shueisha), anime broadcast rights and global streaming licensing (Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, TV Tokyo), packaged and digital video game sales (Bandai Namco across console, PC, and mobile), licensed merchandise including figures, apparel, and lottery prizes (Bandai Spirits, Premium Bandai, Banpresto, MegaHouse), trading card game sales, and theme park admission and experience fees. The franchise serves global anime and manga fans across age groups, with particular strength among young adults aged 13–35, and operates across Japan, North America, Europe (France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland), Latin America (Mexico), and broader global markets via translated content and localized marketing in six official site languages.

Specific revenue figures, headcount, and financial KPIs are not publicly disclosed at the IP level; the legal entity Bandai Namco Entertainment (which operates the official website) is a publicly listed Japanese corporation, while Shueisha is part of the Hitotsubashi Group. Scale signals supporting the franchise's commercial weight include over 250 million NARUTO manga copies sold worldwide, multi-decade content output, and a near-continuous cadence of new game, merchandise, and event launches through 2026.

Name

Naruto

Legal name

Bandai Namco Entertainment Co., Ltd. (株式会社バンダイナムコエンターテインメント)

Website

https://naruto-official.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The NARUTO franchise is a multi-licensed Japanese media intellectual property spanning manga, anime, video games, merchandise, theme parks, and an upcoming trading card game, serving global anime and manga fans and jointly managed by Shueisha, Studio Pierrot, and Bandai Namco Entertainment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Anime and Manga Entertainment

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Amusement and Theme Parks (713110), Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912), Doll, Toy, and Game Manufacturing (339930)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Distribution (7829), Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944), Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945)

akta.pro primary industry

Manga Publishing (Japanese & Global) (MPAJAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Anime Production (MPADACAF), Animated Series Production (TV/Streaming) (MPADACAG), Digital Comics, Manga & Serialized Reading Platforms (BPAMAJAJ), Anime & Niche Genre Streaming Platforms (Horror/Faith/Indie/etc.) (MPACAAAH)

Keywords

• Manga serialization
• Anime production
• Video game publishing
• Trading card games
• Licensed merchandise

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

NARUTO is a multimedia entertainment franchise built around Masashi Kishimoto's manga series, encompassing three TV anime adaptations (NARUTO, NARUTO Shippuden, BORUTO), an active manga sequel series (BORUTO), a lineup of Bandai Namco-published video games spanning console and mobile platforms, a 2026-launched trading card game, official merchandise, and themed entertainment attractions at Japanese theme parks. The intellectual property is jointly managed by Shueisha (publisher), Studio Pierrot (animation), and Bandai Namco Entertainment (games, merchandise, and official website), with content distributed across television, streaming services, retail, and physical venues worldwide.

Product overview

Naruto is a multimedia franchise centered on manga and anime properties created by Masashi Kishimoto. The portfolio consists of the original NARUTO manga series (72 volumes, 1999-2014) and its sequel BORUTO -NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS- manga (ongoing), accompanied by three TV anime series (NARUTO少年篇 220 episodes, NARUTO 疾風伝 500 episodes, BORUTO 293 episodes), a trading card game, multiple video game titles in the Ultimate Storm series, official merchandise, theme park attractions (NARUTO&BORUTO 忍里 at Nijigennomori, 木ノ葉隠れの里 at Fuji-Q Highland), and related publications. The franchise is jointly managed by Shueisha (publishing), Pierrot (anime production), and Bandai Namco Entertainment (games/merchandise), with the official site serving as the primary portal for news, comics, anime, games, goods, events, and special content.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NARUTO Official Site: The official website for the NARUTO and BORUTO franchise, operated by Bandai Namco Entertainment

Products and services

• NARUTO Manga (NARUTO-ナルト- コミックス) Original manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999-2014. Complete series spans 72 volumes covering the story of Naruto Uzumaki from his time as a troubled orphan to becoming the Seventh Hokage. Readers are manga fans globally.
• BORUTO -NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS- Manga Sequel manga series illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto with supervision by Masashi Kishimoto, serialized in V Jump from 2016. Follows Naruto's son Boruto in a new era of ninja. 20 volumes produced. Targeted at manga readers seeking continuing NARUTO universe content.
• BORUTO -TWO BLUE VORTEX- Manga New arc of the BORUTO manga series, continuing the story with updated storyline and character developments. 8+ volumes produced. Targeted at manga readers following the BORUTO narrative.
• TV Anime NARUTO (少年篇) Original TV anime adaptation of the NARUTO manga, covering episodes 1-220 (2002-2007). Follows Naruto's early years as a ninja at the Hidden Leaf Village. Produced by Studio Pierrot and broadcast on TV Tokyo.
• TV Anime NARUTO 疾風伝 (Shippuden) Continuation of the NARUTO anime series covering episodes 221-500 (2007-2017). Features Naruto's return after training with Jiraiya and his battles against the Akatsuki organization. Produced by Studio Pierrot and broadcast on TV Tokyo.
• TV Anime BORUTO -NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS- Anime series following Boruto Uzumaki, son of the Seventh Hokage Naruto. Covers episodes 1-293 (2017-2023) with first part conclusion announced. Produced by Studio Pierrot and broadcast on TV Tokyo.
• NARUTO X BORUTO ナルティメットストームコネクションズ Ninja action game for PS4/PS5 released November 2023. Part of the Naruto Ultimate Storm series published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Targeted at console gamers and NARUTO franchise fans.
• NARUTO TO BORUTO シノビストライカー Online acrobatic ninja battle action game for PS4 released August 2018. Features 4v4 team battles with ninja action.
• NARUTO-ナルト- ナルティメットストームトリロジー Compilation game for PS4 released July 2017. Contains Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 1, 2, and 3.
• NARUTO-ナルト- ナルティメットストーム4 ROAD TO BORUTO PS4 game released February 2017. Features gameplay connecting to BORUTO storyline.
• NARUTO-ナルト- ナルティメットストーム4 PS4 game released February 2016. Part of the Ultimate Ninja Storm series.
• NARUTO-ナルト- ナルティメットストーム (Mobile) Mobile ninja battle action game published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released for iOS in September 2024.
• NARUTO Trading Card Game Trading card game featuring NARUTO franchise characters with original illustration and comment from creator Masashi Kishimoto. Launched June 2026 with Bandai Namco distribution. Targeted at collectors and gaming fans.
• NARUTO&BORUTO 忍里 (Shinobi-Zato) Permanent attraction at Nijigennomori theme park in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Interactive ninja experience featuring themed areas, missions, and photo spots. Targeted at tourists and franchise fans visiting Japan.
• NARUTO x BORUTO 富士 木ノ葉隠れの里 Permanent attraction at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Replica of the Hidden Leaf Village from the NARUTO series with rides, attractions, and themed experiences.
• NARUTO/BORUTO Goods (フィギュア・グッズ) Official merchandise line including figures (BANPRESTO, MegaHouse MEGA CAT PROJECT, Bandai Spirits), Ichibankuji lottery prizes, plush toys, fashion items, and miscellaneous goods. Sold through retailers, Bandai Spirits, Premium Bandai, and specialty stores. Targeted at collectors and franchise fans.
• NARUTO/BORUTO Related Books (関連書籍) Supplementary publications including light novels (烈伝 series, 新伝 series), art books, character data books, quiz books, anime premium books, and manga side stories. Published by Shueisha for franchise readers and collectors.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• ShueishacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShueisha is the publisher of the NARUTO and BORUTO manga series. NARUTO was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999-2014, and BORUTO is currently serialized in V Jump under the supervision of original creator Masashi Kishimoto.
• Studio PierrotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudio Pierrot is the animation studio responsible for the NARUTO and BORUTO anime television series. They produced the original NARUTO (2002-2007), NARUTO Shippuden (2007-2017), and BORUTO anime adaptations.
• TV TokyocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTV Tokyo is the broadcast network that airs the NARUTO and BORUTO anime television series in Japan.
• Bandai Namco EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBandai Namco Entertainment develops and publishes NARUTO video games including the Ultimate Ninja Storm series, Shinobi Striker, mobile games, and operates the official NARUTO website. They also handle merchandise licensing and the trading card game.
• NijigennomorimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNijigennomori theme park on Awaji Island hosts the permanent NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato attraction featuring mission experiences, themed dining, and collaboration rooms at the GRAND CHARIOT luxury villa.
• Fujiq HighlandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFujiq Highland theme park hosts the NARUTO x BORUTO at Fuji no Kuni Hidden Leaf Village permanent attraction featuring rides, attractions, and themed experiences.
• NetflixmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetflix streams NARUTO Shippuden and BORUTO anime globally (outside Asia) as part of their anime content library.
• CrunchyrollmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCrunchyroll streams NARUTO and BORUTO anime worldwide (excluding Asia) as part of their anime simulcast and catalog offerings.
• Amazon Prime VideomajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmazon Prime Video streams NARUTO and BORUTO anime in Japan and select regions as part of their video content offerings.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bleach: Direct peer sharing the same publisher (Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump), the same era of peak popularity, the same target demographic, and a similar multi-format franchise structure (manga, anime by Pierrot, video games by Bandai Namco, merchandise) that experienced a recent anime revival with TYBW.
• Dragon Ball: Direct peer as another foundational shonen manga/anime franchise by Shueisha that has maintained multi-decade commercial relevance through sequels, video games (also published by Bandai Namco), and global merchandise. The franchise operates on the same combination of manga origin, anime adaptations, and broad merchandise licensing.
• Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba): Direct peer as a newer-generation shonen manga and anime franchise (Shueisha / Weekly Shonen Jump) that has rapidly captured global anime market share, competing directly with NARUTO for the same 13-35 year-old demographic, anime streaming viewership, and merchandising dollars.
• One Piece: The closest direct peer: another globally dominant shonen manga and anime franchise from the same publisher (Shueisha, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump) with comparable scale (500M+ copies sold), comparable monetization across manga, anime, games, and merchandise, and the same target demographic of 13-35 year-old anime/manga fans.

Others

• Shueisha: The publisher of NARUTO manga and BORUTO manga via Weekly Shonen Jump and V Jump. While not a direct peer (it is the upstream supplier/IP co-owner), it is the most economically relevant counterparty for the franchise and operates other competing shonen franchises.
• Crunchyroll: A major global anime streaming distribution partner for NARUTO (alongside Netflix and Amazon Prime Video). While not a competing IP, Crunchyroll is a key channel infrastructure provider that controls significant audience access for the franchise in Western markets.
• Bandai Namco Entertainment: The video game publisher and merchandise licensee for NARUTO, operating the official NARUTO website and producing the Ultimate Ninja Storm series, mobile games, and the NARUTO trading card game. Operates other competing anime game franchises (Dragon Ball, One Piece) and is the most direct commercialization partner for the IP.

Regional players

• Fuji-Q Highland: Japanese theme park operator hosting the permanent NARUTO x BORUTO Hidden Leaf Village attraction. While not a competing IP, it is one of two key location-based entertainment partners (alongside Nijigennomori) and represents the regional infrastructure through which the franchise monetizes physical experiences in Japan.

Broad incumbents

• Pokémon: Broader incumbent with a comparable multi-decade anime/manga/video game/merchandise franchise structure targeting a similar demographic, but with consolidated IP ownership and a substantially larger location-based entertainment and TCG footprint that NARUTO's TCG and theme park initiatives are attempting to emulate.

Emerging players

• Jujutsu Kaisen: Emerging peer as a newer shonen manga/anime franchise (Shueisha / Weekly Shonen Jump) that has rapidly captured global streaming attention and is competing with NARUTO for anime viewership, manga sales, and merchandise share among younger fans entering the category.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NARUTO_kousiki
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@naruto_boruto_officialchannel

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Naruto