Masashi Kishimoto returns to write and draw Naruto: Shadow Rising, a new manga set between the original series and Boruto, with a first chapter arriving in 2027. A four-part crossover anime titled Naruto x Ninkū was also revealed, honoring the 1995 series Kishimoto cites as his primary inspiration for creating Naruto.
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally demanded the U.S. government stop using characters from Mario, Pokémon, and Naruto in official social media posts without permission. The requests, made at least twice in June 2025 through diplomatic channels, cite copyright concerns and potential brand damage from pro-war content. Japanese fans have amplified the pressure through a petition that reached the Cabinet Office and drew international media attention.
