In many anime series, secondary characters often surpass the main characters in popularity. A prominent example of this is Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto, which features several secondary characters who have become fan favorites due to their power or distinctive qualities.
Characters like Itachi Uchiha, Jiraya, Kakashi Hatake, Minato Namikaze, and Madara Uchiha are prime examples of this phenomenon. Despite Kishimoto’s meticulous writing, he did not anticipate the massive popularity of these characters, although he did have hopes for two other characters to gain recognition among fans.
During a 2015 interview with Japanese comedian and actor Kobayashi Kendo, summarized by KirinNOTKarin98 on Naruto Fandom, Kishimoto revealed that he had hoped for Kimimaro and Sai to become popular.
The Two Characters Kishimoto Wishes Were as Beloved as Kakashi and Jiraiya
Kishimoto discussed how certain secondary characters, like Kakashi and Jiraya, unexpectedly gained extensive popularity. While he understood the appeal of Kakashi’s cool demeanor, he had specific reasons for believing that Kimimaro and Sai could also grab the fanbase.
Kimimaro and Sai, despite their potential, did not achieve the level of popularity Kishimoto had envisioned.
Kimimaro, a villainous character with a tragic backstory and a unique kekkei genkai ability, and Sai, who replaced Sasuke as a team member with a mysterious personality and a sorrowful past, both seemed poised to win fans over. However, they fell short in comparison to other characters.
Kishimoto explained that Kimimaro did receive some recognition, but his rare kekkei genkai ability ultimately led to his downfall. During a fight with Gaara,
Kimimaro’s use of his spinal cord as a weapon disgusted many fans, diminishing his popularity. Sai faced a different set of challenges.
As Sasuke’s replacement, he had significant expectations to meet. Despite his efforts, fans struggled to connect with him as they did with Sasuke, leading to his character becoming overshadowed by the series’ end.
Kishimoto’s reflections highlight the unpredictable nature of character popularity in anime. While he managed to create beloved secondary characters, the success of Kimimaro and Sai was hindered by specific traits and circumstances.
Kimimaro’s unsettling abilities and Sai’s struggle to fill Sasuke’s role exemplify how even well-crafted characters can fail to resonate with fans. Kishimoto’s insights into these characters underscore the complexities of audience preferences and the challenges of achieving widespread acclaim in a series rich with dynamic personalities.c
