Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The Big Three of anime, consisting ofNaruto,One Piece, andBleach, always has a higher spot compared to other anime due to their contribution to the industry. They were the ones who made anime and manga earn worldwide fame and helped it go mainstream. Even though all three have almost the same impact, their fanbases often have hot debate sessions regarding who is the best among the Big Three.
WhileOne Pieceis popular in Japan,Narutohas more fans in Western countries. Recently, one of the editors at the Weekly Shonen Jump added their expertise on the matter. His opinion raised another hot debate among theNarutoandOne Piecefandoms. Yahagi Kosuke claimedNaruto’s popularity in overseas countries has nothing to do with its credibility.
Naruto’s Overseas Popularity Is Due To Its Easy Going Plot
Narutois one of the most popular anime worldwide. Even though it concluded in 2017, the franchise has never experienced a shortage of fans. On the other hand,One Piecewas more popular compared toNarutowithin the Japanese borders. It was during the early 2010s that there was a massive rise in its overseas popularity. But even after running for over two decades, its overseas fanbase is less thanNaruto. And Weekly Shonen Jump editor Yahagi Kosuke has the perfect reason for it.
From Yahagi Kosuke a editor at Weekly Shonen Jump. Western manga fans lack reading comprehension. 😂🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/Kqr1seuOs7
“We’ve been reading manga for a long time, so we tend to read deeper into what makes manga interesting. But many people overseas don’t understand Japanese manga. I think that’s probably because they don’t have literacy or reading comprehension. So, ultimately, I think that Naruto doesn’t require that kind of reading comprehension.”
Kosuke believes thatNarutohas an easier plot compared toOne Piece, and that is what makes it popular overseas.
Narutois believed to be more Hollywood-centric, whileOne Pieceis a drama with inner meaning. Kosuke used an example of paintings, where he comparedNarutowith a clear sky picture, which is easier to understand by the children.One Piecehas tear-jerking scenarios and appeals more to the Japanese audience.One Piecefans loved Yahagi Kosuke’s opinion and supported him on social media.
Fans React To Yahagi Kosuke’s Interview
Kosuke Yahagi had analyzedOne Piecebefore startingNaruto. Being an editor at the Weekly Shonen Jump, he can understand the difference between the two. He summarised the reason for their overseas popularity after the analysis. TheOne Piecefans were overjoyed to head the conclusion and soon took over social media. Several comments dissed theNarutofranchise.
https://t.co/WsZhY9qkvbpic.twitter.com/DtbRrdzgZ6
Speaking facts thopic.twitter.com/Y2TigHurkt
I mean they specifically called out Naruto for lack of reading comprehension, as well asbeing for those with illiteracy, I hardcore agree tbh
Using Naruto is crazy because 90% of the “fanbase” still think the show used to be about hard work.
Well they’re not wrong 😆
Yahagi Kosuke’s comments were made from his perspective. TheOne Piecefans might have found it amusing theNarutofans also had their counterarguments ready. Emotions were a big part of the story. An easygoing plot was made so that everyone could enjoy the story equally.NarutoandOne Piecefans always end up having hot debate sessions, and it is one of many. While the fandoms engage in arguments,Masashi KishimotoandEiichiro Odaalways held each other in high regard.
One PieceandNarutocan be streamed on Crunchyroll, and the manga is available on Viz Media as of June 17, 2025.
Priyanko Chakraborty
Anime Content Writer
Articles Published :883
Priyanko is an aspiring economists who is a secret member of the anime world. Unfortunately, he is a Manchester United fan. He has watched multiple anime only to leave them halfway between. His day goes by playing video games, scrolling through reels, watching anime, and rarely opening his books.
