KANA-BOON's Journey with NARUTO, Starting from "Silhouette", and What They Hoped to Convey in Their Lyrics (Part 1)

The four-man rock band KANA-BOON has contributed many songs to the NARUTO series, beginning with "Silhouette", an opening theme from NARUTO: Shippuden.

All four members (Maguro Taniguchi, Hayato Koga, Takahiro Koizumi, and Masami Endou) are huge fans of NARUTO, and one of their goals from before they became famous was to write an anime opening for the show. How was their passion for the series reflected in the songs they wrote for it? In this interview, we spoke about the band's journey with NARUTO over the last seven years. (Part 1 of 2)

Relating to Naruto's Loneliness as a Child

—Weekly Shonen Jump began its serialization of NARUTO in 1999, when you were all still in elementary school. I've heard you were fans even back then. Can you tell me which scenes left the biggest impact on you, and which characters are your favorite?

Maguro Taniguchi (hereafter, Maguro): The scene that's always stayed with me the most is when Naruto returns to Konoha after his fight with Nagato and his Six Paths of Pain.

When I saw the villagers who had always looked down on him in the past welcome him home as a hero, I was so touched that I started crying. I knew all about his circumstances and what he'd been through from reading the series, so I was just so happy for him.

Like Naruto, I was also a pretty lonely kid. I felt like I didn't belong anywhere, and I didn't have a place where I was comfortable being myself. So I really understood Naruto's feelings in that scene where he's alone on a swing, just watching everyone else from a distance. And reading it as a child, it felt like Naruto understood my feelings in return.

—So I'd imagine your favorite character is Naruto?

Maguro: Naruto's certainly up there, but I'd say my favorite character is Hinata (Hinata Hyuga). Hinata may be in love with Naruto, but it's not just that she loves him, she also truly admires and looks up to him.

She sees how open he is about his thoughts and dreams, how he perseveres to see them through, and strives to emulate that herself. I thought that was cool, and even as a child I found that sentiment relatable. I admired how she was able to honestly acknowledge the strengths of one of her peers like that, and make them into a role model for herself.

Naturally, I was very excited to see Hinata and Naruto end up married. I've celebrated lots of weddings over the years, but they might be the couple I wanted to congratulate the most (laughs).

—Masami, how about you?

Masami Endou (hereafter, Masami): I started to really like Shikamaru during the Chunin Exams and Sasuke Retrieval arcs. There weren't many scenes of him fighting until his match against Temari, so he didn't really leave a strong impression at first.

I thought, "There's no way he can win (against Temari)!", but although he lost the battle he really ended up winning the war, so to speak. Also, even though he's usually such a laid-back guy who prioritizes his own convenience, when he led the mission to rescue Sasuke he was such a reliable leader!

I also wasn't the type to try to stand out in my own school days, but sometimes I would compare myself to others and get discouraged. That's why I admired Shikamaru, who was aware of his unique strengths and used them to his advantage, instead of focusing on how he measured up to those around him.

Hayato Koga (hereafter, Hayato): Doesn't Shikamaru seem like he'd be a bassist? He's always providing support to everyone.

Masami: That's true. I'm a bassist too, so maybe that's why I like him (laughs). I've always been drawn to characters who assist from the shadows, rather than the protagonists.

—Hayato, please tell us your favorite character as well.

Hayato: This seems kind of like a personality test, doesn't it? I feel like for you two, your favorite characters match your personalities... (laughs) I hate to break that streak, but even though he's completely opposite to me, I really like Rock Lee.

Most of the children in Konoha probably want to become ninja, right? But Lee can't use ninjutsu. That must have been a crushing disappointment for a kid. But despite that, he desperately works his hardest to make up for it with taijutsu. I love his straightforwardness in going after what he wants, and how endearingly innocent he is.

The scene that left the biggest impact on me is where he uses the Reverse Lotus against Gaara during the Chunin Exams. I also was really struck by Lee's line during the fight against Madara, after Master Guy (Might Guy) opens the Gate of Death to unleash his ultimate move, even knowing it'll cost his life.

Instead of crying, Lee looks straight at Guy and says "I am not sad at all!! To a man who has resolved himself...any compassion or sorrow would be an affront!!" That really made an impression on me.

—Now it's your turn, Takahiro. Please tell us about your favorite character and scene.

Takahiro Koizumi (hereafter, Takahiro): I like Choji. He's a super relaxed, nonchalant guy, but he cares deeply about his friends and when push comes to shove his real potential shines through. I like how he's got this passion hidden inside him, but usually doesn't let it show at all.

The scene that I always remember is during the Sasuke Retrieval arc when he gets angry at the enemy for making fun of Shikamaru. I was really moved by how he stood alone against this powerful opponent, as if to repay Shikamaru for all the times he believed in Choji. I remember reading it thinking, "Wow, Choji! Look at him go!"

Click here for the second half of this interview, which delves into the secrets behind the production of their songs, including the anime opening "Silhouette"!

Interview/Compilation: Noriyuki Enami (Yajirobe)
Photography: Nanako Ono