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Popularly known forMobile Suit Gundamand an extremely straightforward personality, Yoshiyuki Tomino ranks high among the important figures in the anime industry. His creation,Gundam, can easily top the list of the most influential anime of all time. When someone of his stature says something, it’s bound to draw attention, like a list of his favorite mangaka. Not only will it draw attention, but his opinion in this case will undoubtedly surprise someNarutoFans.
That’s right! SomeNarutofans will be surprised to discover that Masashi Kishimoto was nowhere to be seen on Yoshiyuki Tomino’s list of best creators. Even though Kishimoto himself is a huge fan of Gundam.
Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Top 3 is a Shocker for Naruto Fans
Yoshiyuki Tomino is always honest, sometimes brutal too. His opinions on the anime industry are unique but he doesn’t shy away from voicing them. But one statement from him is bound to come off as a shocker forNarutoFans. In an interview (via X), Tomino shared his top 3 mangaka, namely, Osamu Tezuka, Akira Toriyama, and Eiichiro Oda. Tomino called them the most important mangaka in Japan probably hinting at their influence as well as their works.
Following the remarks about Tezuka, Tomino mentioned what are in his opinion the three most important mangaka in Japan: Tezuka, the recently deceased Akira Toriyama and… not Katsuhiro Otomo, but Eiichirô Oda!
There was noMasashi Kishimotoon the list. Even though he is the creator of arguably one of the most successful manga works of all time, Kishimoto fans would inevitably be surprised not to see their favorite mangaka on such a list, but in the grand scheme of things, the three names Tomino stated more than justify the honor.
“I couldn’t help but compliment Kishimoto-sensei”: A Kakashi vs Naruto Battle Was So Brilliantly Written by Masashi Kishimoto Even God of Manga Combat Yoshihiro Togashi Was Stunned
Osamu Tezuka is the ‘God of Manga’. He paved the way for the anime-manga industry to flourish. FromAstro BoytoBlack Jack, Tezuka’s influence reverberates in the anime industry to this day. Recently released as an anime, Naoki Urasawa’sPlutowas a retelling ofAstro Boy. While Tezuka’s contribution to the anime industry is unparalleled,Akira Toriyamahas led the Shonen World with theDragon Ballseries.
He inspired generations of mangaka with his works. Goku’s super saiyan is referenced every time a character is fired up whether it’s an anime or a sitcom series. FromTeen Titans GotoThe Flash, the list ofDragon Ballreferences is way too long. One such mangaka who was inspired by Toriyama isEiichiro Oda, who has now become a prominent figure in the industry. From athletes paying tribute toOne Pieceat the Olympics to over 500 million copies in circulation, bothOne Pieceand Oda have become a worldwide phenomenon.
But No Masashi Kishimoto! How?
Not having Kishimoto on the list might be a bit saddening, but that doesn’t dismiss everything Kishimoto has achieved over the years.Narutohas resonated with millions of fans, and the mere mention of it is enough to spark joy. From great backstories to characters like Jiraiya and Itachi, he has given us a lot to remember.
“I cried over my own creation”: Naruto’s Live-Action Movie Would Have to Live Up to Masashi Kishimoto’s Great Expectations But Not with the Anime and Manga
FromKohei Horikoshito Takeru Hokazono, Kishimoto has inspired many creators of the newer generation. With accolades and applause alike, Naruto is among the best-selling manga of all time. Kishimoto might not have made it to Tomino’s list but he is for sure the number one for many of us!
Narutois available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Laveena Joshi
Anime Writer
Articles Published :926
Laveena is an anime content writer at FandomWire. Having written more than 800 articles, she’s an expert in mainstream shonen series, ranging from the bizarre world of JoJo’s to the expansive worldbuilding of One Piece.With her formal education in Journalism and Mass Communication, she explores entertainment journalism through the lens of anime and manga, from mainstream and classic titles to niche and obscure ones.
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