Summary

• Kishimoto is surprised by Sakura and Rock Lee's popularity among fans, especially in the US, as he never intended them to play major roles.
• Kishimoto suggests that fans empathize with Sakura because she is "physically weaker" and a girl, which is seen as insulting and diminishes their positive qualities.
• Despite Sakura's high popularity in a worldwide poll, Kishimoto still seems surprised and overlooks the positive impact both characters have had in the Naruto legacy.

Over the years, Naruto's Sakura Haruno and Rock Lee have overcome a lot both in the series and outside of it to become two of the most beloved characters of the iconic saga of super-powered ninjas. Shockingly, one person surprised by their popularity is none other than creator Masashi Kishimoto. It seems Kishimoto never intended either character to play the type of roles that get fans excited about them.

In 2006, Shonen Jump (US), the American iteration of the popular Japanese manga anthology, Weekly Shonen Jump, interviewed Kishimoto to give his American fans an "up close and personal" view of their favorite manga's creator. As revealed in a post of the interview by NarutoHQ, Kishimoto was asked a range of questions. Kishimoto was also asked to elaborate on his thoughts regarding the popularity of Sakura and Rock Lee in the Naruto fandom, even though they lacked the special powers possessed by the stars Naruto and Sasuke.

Kishimoto's reply proved to be anything but simple or mild, particularly for the American audience for whom the interview was intended. Kishimoto was surprised that Sakura was a popular character with American fans. His reaction suggests that he would not have been surprised if fans ignored Sakura. In his second reaction, he its to seeing how some fans might empathize with Lee since his only ability is Taijutsu - the purely human-based martial power in Naruto. But then he doubles down on his surprise at Sukura's popularity by suggesting that since she's "a girl" and "physically weaker" than others, it's only natural for others to feel empathy for her.

Kashimoto's Shocking Response To A Simple Question

"Is Sakura popular in the U.S.? Well, Lee only has Taijutsu. And as a girl, Sakura is physically weaker than the others. So I can see why it’s easy to empathize with them. They represent human weaknesses."

Kishimoto's response to the question ends with the most shocking statement of all - namely that Sukura and Lee represent and symbolize human weakness - which, under his analysis, means it's only natural for fans to commiserate with them. Hence, their popularity. The statement is particularly insulting considering the fact that in a story where there is so much ignorant, contemptuous, and duplicitous behavior, Sakura and Lee stand out as two of the saga's kindest and most diligent characters.

Kishimoto's comments might be excusable if, over the years, since the interview was published, he's developed a deeper understanding of how fans see his characters. But, at least in regard to Sakura, Kishimoto is still surprised at her popularity within the Naruto fan base. In 2023, Kishimoto expressed his shock that Sakura placed third in the NARUTO99 worldwide popularity poll. Not only was Sakura's position well ahead of the series' main characters, but it also erodes Kishimoto's argument that she's popular because she's weak. This time, at least, Kishimoto did mention that he was proud of her popularity.

Kishimoto Overlooks All the Benefits That Sakura and Rock Lee Have Added To The Naruto Legacy

This is quite a statement from the person who created them and, one would think, would want them to be as popular as they can be, as positive and uplifting heroes rather than as examples of human frailty. By simply focusing his understanding of their popularity on gender and lack of innate ninja abilities, Kishimoto diminishes their status.

Sakura's perseverance and patience had as much to do with Sasuke's turn for the better as Naruto's friendship. Rock Lee's empathy and kindness bridge Naruto's acceptance into the Konoha community. These are the characteristics that most endured Sakura and Rock Lee with the Naruto fan base. If only they could similarly impress their own creator.

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Source: NarutoHQ