The one thing that’s common between most Shonen series is the bubbly, and cheerful heroes. Even this Hunter x Hunter star will vouch for it. Junko Takeuchi played the role of Gon in Yoshihiro Togashi’s series. Her role as Naruto is more notable and praiseworthy. The actress, however, has a different opinion regarding the character altogether.
Takeuchi voiced the titular character for nine years in a row. While most would assume her to mirror the character, it isn’t the case. Especially with her initial views regarding the character. This, however, has changed in the past few years, especially with the hero’s development. This only proves Masashi Kishimoto’s brilliance in creating a fleshed-out protagonist.
Hunter x Hunter star reveals her opinion of Naruto
From Digimon to Inazuma Eleven, Junko Takeuchi has a diverse portfolio of work. Conversely, she is popular for her role of Gon in Hunter x Hunter. She is notable for her unique voice, which is often typecasted into boisterous yet goofy roles. This also extends majorly to her popular role in Masashi Kishimoto’s series. However, the actress has a different view regarding the character.
Takeuchi is a versatile voice actress who has worked in several anime. She is known for playing upbeat roles. This, however, has led her to be typecasted into such roles.
Regardless of the stereotypes, this doesn’t deter her caliber and potential as an artist. Of all her voice-acting gigs, her role as Naruto remains one of her notable works. Conversely, though, she has a different view regarding the character.
The voice actor revealed her true opinion regarding the character in an interview with Anime News Network. She quoted:
To put it simply, nine years ago, I thought he was a loud-mouthed obnoxious brat. But now, I feel that he’s evolved into a very reliable young man.
Like most shonen heroes, Masashi Kishimoto carved the character as a loud-mouthed protagonist. It is only after the Shippuden series that we see a rather mature side of his. This only goes on to mark the mangaka’s brilliance in fleshing out his character.
Naruto exemplifies a layered protagonist
Masashi Kishimoto has successfully created one of the finest Shonen heroes. Through his writing and art, the mangaka encapsulated pain and loneliness beautifully. Of all his contemporaries, the mangaka reigns supreme in most aspects.
This is especially true with his handling of complex emotions. From betrayal to loss, the series stands as one of his iconic works. This also extends to his writing of a fleshed-out protagonist.
The series has its fair share of heart-rending as well as heartbreaking moments. Most of the events catalyzed the hero’s growth, including Sasuke’s departure. This, however, doesn’t deter him from pursuing him. Even Takeuchi sheds light on this aspect.:
despite the fact that Naruto won’t give up on certain things, he’s actually in reverse sacrificing other things in order not to give up on the things he doesn’t give up on. For example, in terms of his feelings for Sasuke, and his belief that he can redeem Sasuke, he’s sacrificed a lot of other things so that he can still pursue his quest to find and restore Sasuke.
The hero’s maturity and growth are written brilliantly by the mangaka. In his manner of doing so, he renders the character fallible. There’s more to it however than meets the eye.
Through the course of the story, the hero undergoes drastic changes. Maturity is approached differently in this aspect. Despite his success, Naruto keeps his naivety in most aspects. As loud-mouthed as he may be, he stands as one of the iconic Shonen heroes.
Hunter X Hunter and Naruto are available for streaming on Crunchyroll. Both manga are available for reading on Viz Media.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
