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Fans ofNarutoknow well about headbands. These bands are more than just a part of accessories. It symbolizes the entire series. But their origin might surprise you.
The creator ofNarutoMasashi Kishimoto, in the beginning, did not plan them to be so important. This “lazy” move turned out to be genius, while he made them for a simple reason. It gave Naruto something special.
Something that other popular anime don’t have like that ofOne PieceandBleach. A simple thing that can be easily recognizable by the fans. The headbands have become a big part of Naruto’s success.
The Lazy Origin of an Iconic Symbol by Masashi Kishimoto
Naruto’s iconic symbol other than “Dattebayo” is his now-famous headband. The early concept of Kishimoto for the character featured a pair of goggles as his distinct item. In the initial chapters of the series, these goggles were worn by Naruto himself. The visually appealing goggles were ultimately overshadowed by the headbands in the series.
The shifting of goggles to headbands came about interestingly. Manga artists, like Weekly Shonen Jump, take lots of work to finish. They take any chance to minimize their loads. Thus, the design of the goggles was tootime-consumingto illustrate frequently.
“There should be different reasons”: Masashi Kishimoto Never Wanted to Turn the Akatsuki into Pure Villains of Naruto for a Goal That Makes Them Even Better
The decision leads Kishimoto to choose the more streamlined headband. The headbands becameiconic symbolsof various ninja villages. Not only in theNarutofranchise but also adorned fan merchandise and cosplays.
Headbands as Cultural Icon
Naruto’s headbands have grown into a cultural phenomenon. Fans worldwide recognize the headbands instantly, even those having little familiarity with the series. These are both iconic and versatile.
The “lazy” move turned into the smart move. The headbands served in the narratives as pride, allegiance, or character growth.Every ninja villagehas their symbols curved on the metallic plate of the headbands. It explains the deep devotion to their villages.
Fans can wear them in all sorts of ways. These work as neckbands, hairbands, or bandannas depending on the individual. This flexibility gives the headbands more style options than Kishimoto’s original idea of goggles.
Naruto’s Headband Set it Apart From One Piece & Bleach
InNaruto,the headband icon became highly recognizable. If a fan just wears it or carries it, it becomes clear that they are Naruto’s fan. This implies a unique identifier for the series.
One Piecefeatures Monkey D. Luffy’s straw hat as a recognizable item. But it does not direct to the series like that ofNaruto. The straw hat means Luffy or his pirate crew as a whole.
In the case ofBleach, despite its popularity, does not have any iconic items that can easily be incorporated. Fans cannot recognize until and unless they are fully equipped with the costumes.
Masashi Kishimoto’sNarutohas proven to have a long-term impact due to his “lazy” move in design choice. In the Anime industry, the success of Naruto’s headband continues to evolve. The headband was the right move above the goggles.
You can watchNarutoandBorutoon Hulu
Akihito Chakma
Articles Published :165
Holding a Master’s degree in English, Akihito is a dedicated Content Writer at FandomWire. He has a keen focus on the ongoing anime series, classic series and new releases. With his passion for anime and writing skills, Akihito keeps fans informed and entertained through his work.
