The anime Naruto and its sequel, Boruto, feature various religious symbols in their storyline, including elements from Buddhism, Shinto, Christianity, and the Jashin Sect. These symbols are intertwined with the narrative and add depth to the overall thematic of the show. Among all the religious symbols, the Jashin Sect is depicted most prominently through its follower, Hidan, who is a member of the Akatsuki. Hidan is known for his unique ritual that involves sacrificing his opponent’s blood to the god Jashin. He considers all of his enemies as kafirs (infidels) and atheists.
Despite Hidan being the only follower of the Jashin Sect in Naruto anime, in the series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the followers of the sect are shown again. This time, one of the shinobi from the Konoha Village, Mirai Sarutobi, is on a secret mission to escort Kakashi and Guy to the Land of Steam. Mirai, Asuma Sarutobi’s daughter, is lured to a hot spring known for its spirits-summoning powers. However, she becomes suspicious of the ritual as it resembles the one used by Hidan to offer sacrifices to Jashin.
Along with the Jashin Sect, the anime Naruto also features Christian symbolism. The symbol appears on Zabuza Momochi’s (dubbed the Demon of the Mist) forehead protector. Zabuza is a member of Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist from Kirigakure, and he became Naruto’s enemy when Zabuza tried to assassinate Tazuna. After being defeated by Naruto and his team, Zabuza was buried with his beloved sword, Kubikiribocho. However, his grave was later dug up by Suigetsu, a member of Taka, to retrieve the sword, and all that was left there was a cross symbol.
Aside from Christianity and the Jashin Sect, the anime also features Buddhist symbols. Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, can summon a giant Buddha statue with thousands of wooden arms. Moreover, Chiriku, a former companion of Asuma Sarutobi, is a Buddhist monk who seeks Konoha shinobi’s help in investigating the grave robbing incidents. The storyline of the Naruto anime also deals with the concept of reincarnation, one of the beliefs in Buddhism. In Japan, Buddhism is closely related to Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, and followers of Shinto believe in worshipping supernatural powers in shrines.
In the Naruto and Boruto anime, the presence of religious symbols enriches the storyline, creating a unique blend of mythical themes and action-adventure. The different religious symbols add depth and complexity to the plot, making it an engaging and thought-provoking story that appeals to fans across the globe.
