“Naruto,” the long-running Japanese anime series “Naruto” will get its own free, ad-supported linear channel as part of Amazon Freevee.
The move follows a deal between local rights holder Viz Media and the platform and means that fans have choice between a dedicated linear channel and an on-demand viewing experience. It also follows similar FAST channel launches for “Hunter x Hunter” and “Sailor Moon Classic.”
Created as a 1999 manga (comic book) by renowned mangaka Kishimoto Masashi, the series sees Naruto as a young shinobi (or ninja) with an incorrigible knack for mischief. He’s got a wild sense of humor, but is completely serious about his mission to be the world’s greatest ninja.
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The series which debuted on Tokyo Network ran from 2002-2007 and stretches to some 220 episodes. Viz Media says that “Naruto” is the most searched anime of all time, according to Google analytics. The underlying manga has sold over 250 million copies globally, while the series is ranked the No. 1 anime in 92 countries and has a cultural impact that spans from musical references by artists like Cardi B to the viral Naruto Run meme. The Naruto universe continues in “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations,” featuring Naruto’s son.
“With the launch of a dedicated linear channel and VOD offerings, fans can now experience the iconic adventures of Naruto Uzumaki around the clock. This addition not only enriches Freevee’s anime library but also provides an exciting new way for fans to engage with one of the most celebrated anime franchises,” said JP Villanueva, senior director of digital distribution at Viz Media.
The new deal with Amazon coincides with expansion of other Viz Media catalog properties including: “Accel World,” “Bakuman,” “Blue Dragon,” “Buso Renkin,” “Captain Tsubasa,” “Death Note,” “Infini-T Force,” “Inuyasha,” “Inuyasha Final Act,” “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” “K,” “K: Seven Stories,” “MEGALOBOX,” “Ranma ½,” “Reborn,” “Sailor Moon Crystal,” “Terraformars,” “Vampire Knight” and “Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon.”
