Naruto: Minato Namikaze One-Shot Manga Release Dates

The long-awaited return of Masashi Kishimoto to Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is set to delight fans, as his new one-shot manga featuring Minato Namikaze, the father of Naruto Uzumaki, is scheduled to be released in the 33rd issue of this year. On July 18, readers will have the opportunity to dive into this special chapter, marking Kishimoto's first one-shot contribution to the magazine in a span of seven years. Excitement fills the air as fans eagerly anticipate this highly anticipated installment, hoping to uncover new dimensions of the beloved Naruto universe through Kishimoto's artistic vision. As Weekly Shonen Jump's 55th anniversary approaches, the much-anticipated 33rd issue of this year holds significant importance. It not only showcases Masashi Kishimoto's return with a one-shot manga but also coincides with the commemoration of the magazine's long-standing legacy. Kishimoto's previous one-shot contribution to Weekly Shonen Jump, titled "Naruto Gaiden Michita Tsuki ga Terasu Michi" (Naruto Side Story The Path That the Waxing Moon Illuminates), was published in April 2016, making this new release all the more momentous.

Adding to the anticipation, Minato Namikaze, the iconic father of Naruto Uzumaki, emerged victorious in the global character popularity poll "Narutop 99." Held earlier this year as part of the Naruto franchise's 20th anniversary celebration, this recognition further solidifies Minato's status as a beloved and treasured character among fans worldwide. After a remarkable 15-year serialization run in Weekly Shonen Jump, Kishimoto concluded the main Naruto manga in November 2014. He then penned a one-volume sequel manga titled Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring, where he not only contributed to the script and character designs but also served as the chief production supervisor for the Boruto -Naruto the Movie- film sequel.

The Naruto franchise has flourished beyond the manga, encompassing numerous television anime series, anime films, and original video animations. The original Naruto anime aired from 2002 to 2007, while its sequel series, Naruto Shippūden, premiered in 2007 and concluded in 2017. With a rich and expansive universe, the Naruto franchise continues to captivate fans through its enduring legacy and ever-evolving storytelling. The expansive Naruto franchise encompasses a wide array of television anime, anime films, and original video animations. The initial Naruto television anime captivated audiences from 2002 to 2007, while the sequel series Naruto Shippūden made its debut in 2007 and concluded its run in 2017.

To commemorate the franchise's remarkable 20th anniversary, the Naruto television anime is set to return with four "brand-new" episodes starting in September. This special celebration will offer fans an opportunity to relish in the nostalgia and excitement of Naruto's enduring legacy. Furthermore, Studio Pierrot treated fans to the "Road of Naruto" video, a condensed 10-minute montage that encapsulates 20 years of Naruto anime history, featuring fresh and exclusive animation footage.

In May 2016, Mikie Ikemoto and Ukyō Kodachi launched the Boruto sequel manga in Weekly Shonen Jump, which later moved to Shueisha's V Jump magazine in July 2019. A notable development occurred in November 2020 when Masashi Kishimoto took over as the writer for the manga, commencing from its 52nd chapter. This transition marked an exciting phase for fans, as the original creator of Naruto assumed the reins of Boruto's narrative.

The Boruto: Naruto Next Generations television anime, based on the manga, premiered in April 2017. Viz Media simulcasted the anime on Hulu as it aired in Japan, while Crunchyroll provided streaming services for international audiences. The anime further expanded its reach by joining Adult Swim's Toonami block in September 2018. Fans can also anticipate the availability of the anime on home video, thanks to Viz Media's efforts. Part I of the anime concluded on March 26, paving the way for a highly anticipated Part II that has been green-lit for production, promising even more thrilling adventures to come.