Masashi Kishimoto

At 34, Masashi Kishimoto is one of the most successful manga-ka, or manga artists, in the world. His long-running series about ninja-in-training Naruto Uzumaki has sold tens of millions of books around the world. Kishimoto, born in the rural prefecture of Okayama, lives in Tokyo, where he works with several assistants. Although Naruto can be insufferably cocky at times, Kishimoto seems a bit overwhelmed by the runaway success of his first major creation. "It's rather awkward to talk about what makes Naruto appealing to audiences, but I think his being a knucklehead gives him an appeal," Kishimoto said in an interview conducted via e-mail with help from translator Hiromi Psaila.

At 34, Masashi Kishimoto is one of the most successful manga-ka, or manga artists, in the world. His long-running series about ninja-in-training Naruto Uzumaki has sold tens of millions of books around the world. Kishimoto, born in the rural prefecture of Okayama, lives in Tokyo, where he works with several assistants. Although Naruto can be insufferably cocky at times, Kishimoto seems a bit overwhelmed by the runaway success of his first major creation. "It's rather awkward to talk about what makes Naruto appealing to audiences, but I think his being a knucklehead gives him an appeal," Kishimoto said in an interview conducted via e-mail with help from translator Hiromi Psaila.

Although it's received little attention in the mainstream media, Masashi Kishimoto's "Naruto" may be the most popular Japanese property to hit the U.S. since "Pokemon." It was the first manga to make the USA Today bestseller list, and there are more than 85 million volumes in print worldwide. Two animated series ran for more than 300 episodes, and "Naruto" merchandise ranges from Cosplay costumes and video games to headbands and watches. In Yahoo's top 10 searches of 2008, "Naruto" ranked No.

Although it's received little attention in the mainstream media, Masashi Kishimoto's "Naruto" may be the most popular Japanese property to hit the U.S. since "Pokemon." It was the first manga to make the USA Today bestseller list, and there are more than 85 million volumes in print worldwide. Two animated series ran for more than 300 episodes, and "Naruto" merchandise ranges from Cosplay costumes and video games to headbands and watches. In Yahoo's top 10 searches of 2008, "Naruto" ranked No.

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