MANGA & RELATED WORKS
05/02/2024
[Boruto Star] Introducing the New Star Ninja! Check Out the Winners Chosen by Ikemoto Himself!
Draw your own original ninja character and enter them in the Boruto Star Certification (Boruto Star) contest!
We're announcing this time's two star ninja along with Mikio Ikemoto's illustrations of them!
Plus, seven honorable mentions are also featured!
Make sure to check out Ikemoto's comments!
We're announcing this time's two star ninja along with Mikio Ikemoto's illustrations of them!
Plus, seven honorable mentions are also featured!
Make sure to check out Ikemoto's comments!
Two New Star Ninja Are Born!
The winners of this round are...
Creator: Shishi Maimai
Original Ninja: Goraku Akinai & Hakomaru
[Ninja Character Background] Goraku Akinai (27 years old)
A ninja who's the manager of Konoha's largest general store. He likes making money, so he established the general store in addition to working part-time and as a ninja. His summoned cat Hakomaru looks after the store while he's on missions and gets paid 100 ryo per hour (snack benefits included). Making money is his hobby, but Goraku has little interest in the money itself so he's very bad at keeping track of it.
[Jutsu] Genjutsu: Muyuko
Infusing the tobacco smoke inside his mouth with chakra, Goraku is able to put anyone who gets a whiff of the smoke under a genjutsu. People under the influence lose their sense of direction, and therefore continue to get lost in the same area or are lured to a completely different location. There's a rumor that if you find yourself wandering around his general store even though you have no business there, you've been caught by his genjutsu...
Here's Ikemoto's version of the illustration!
A ninja who's the manager of Konoha's largest general store. He likes making money, so he established the general store in addition to working part-time and as a ninja. His summoned cat Hakomaru looks after the store while he's on missions and gets paid 100 ryo per hour (snack benefits included). Making money is his hobby, but Goraku has little interest in the money itself so he's very bad at keeping track of it.
[Jutsu] Genjutsu: Muyuko
Infusing the tobacco smoke inside his mouth with chakra, Goraku is able to put anyone who gets a whiff of the smoke under a genjutsu. People under the influence lose their sense of direction, and therefore continue to get lost in the same area or are lured to a completely different location. There's a rumor that if you find yourself wandering around his general store even though you have no business there, you've been caught by his genjutsu...
Here's Ikemoto's version of the illustration!
Ikemoto's Comments
With their well-developed background and unique charm, I felt this character had the potential to be a protagonist in a one-shot manga. I also liked that the jutsu's power balance was well thought out. The illustration of the cat Hakomaru was so adorably drawn that I struggled portraying its cuteness myself. Mine's not very cute, so please go easy on me.
With their well-developed background and unique charm, I felt this character had the potential to be a protagonist in a one-shot manga. I also liked that the jutsu's power balance was well thought out. The illustration of the cat Hakomaru was so adorably drawn that I struggled portraying its cuteness myself. Mine's not very cute, so please go easy on me.
Creator: Hemu
Original Ninja: Kanuchi Totsuka
[Ninja Character Background] Kanuchi Totsuka
A shinobi from the new generation who proactively utilizes scientific ninja tools.
When he's not on a mission he spends his time holed up in his smithy forging swords.
He fights with a sword he forged himself called "Namakura". The hilt is a scientific ninja tool and the blade is cloaked in a black, chakra-absorbing mist.
He prefers to avoid killing, and so he intentionally forged the blade to be blunt by using a type of soft metal so as to not hurt his opponents. He approaches and slashes away at his enemies, absorbing their chakra and jutsu until they are eventually rendered powerless and collapse.
[Jutsu] Fire Style: Mekki Shokyaku
When his opponent is too strong to wear down gradually, or his allies are in danger, he uses Fire Style: Mekki Shokyaku, which melts the soft metal that keeps his blade blunt, revealing the sword Zanmaru.
Here's Ikemoto's version of the illustration!
A shinobi from the new generation who proactively utilizes scientific ninja tools.
When he's not on a mission he spends his time holed up in his smithy forging swords.
He fights with a sword he forged himself called "Namakura". The hilt is a scientific ninja tool and the blade is cloaked in a black, chakra-absorbing mist.
He prefers to avoid killing, and so he intentionally forged the blade to be blunt by using a type of soft metal so as to not hurt his opponents. He approaches and slashes away at his enemies, absorbing their chakra and jutsu until they are eventually rendered powerless and collapse.
[Jutsu] Fire Style: Mekki Shokyaku
When his opponent is too strong to wear down gradually, or his allies are in danger, he uses Fire Style: Mekki Shokyaku, which melts the soft metal that keeps his blade blunt, revealing the sword Zanmaru.
Here's Ikemoto's version of the illustration!
Ikemoto's Comments
I was really impressed by the details of the weapon. The blunt blade that doesn't hurt people fits the character's aversion to killing, and the fire style gimmick that transforms it into a powerful weapon during do-or-die situations is so cool. I can easily picture a one-shot manga featuring this character.
And so, the above two ninja are now certified "star ninja"!
I was really impressed by the details of the weapon. The blunt blade that doesn't hurt people fits the character's aversion to killing, and the fire style gimmick that transforms it into a powerful weapon during do-or-die situations is so cool. I can easily picture a one-shot manga featuring this character.
And so, the above two ninja are now certified "star ninja"!
The Seven Honorable Mentions!
Check out the honorable mentions who were close to becoming star ninja along with Ikemoto's comments!
Creator: Nasubi
Original Ninja: Komori Hikido
Ikemoto's Comments
The Boruto-esque design is nice. I like the overall form. Judging by the character's name and clan description, I can sense they have a colorful background.
The Boruto-esque design is nice. I like the overall form. Judging by the character's name and clan description, I can sense they have a colorful background.
Creator: Mina*
Original Ninja: Akira Tanshin
Ikemoto's Comments
The character has clear goals and a strong foundation, which I liked. Although he's a ninja as well as a researcher, there's a particular emphasis on the latter, which seems fitting for the new generation.
The character has clear goals and a strong foundation, which I liked. Although he's a ninja as well as a researcher, there's a particular emphasis on the latter, which seems fitting for the new generation.
Creator: Shikuro Kuju
Original Ninja: Tsukina Atarayo
[Ninja Character Background] Tsukina Atarayo
Ninja registration number: 201358. A shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Rain. Carries a moon-shaped boomerang shuriken that is also a scientific ninja tool on her back. Has a habit of saying "So like...".
[Jutsu] Light Style: Kussetsu Gekka
A jutsu that can only be performed by a light style Kekkei Genkai user.
Activates triangular and quadrangular prisms that refract natural light, enabling the wielder to fire lasers.
It can ensnare people into a genjutsu if moonlight is being used.
Ikemoto's Comments
The quality of the design is so high that it wouldn't feel out of place if the character were to appear in the actual manga. And their drawing skills are amazing! Makes me want to know more about their jutsu and what their weapon is capable of.
Ninja registration number: 201358. A shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Rain. Carries a moon-shaped boomerang shuriken that is also a scientific ninja tool on her back. Has a habit of saying "So like...".
[Jutsu] Light Style: Kussetsu Gekka
A jutsu that can only be performed by a light style Kekkei Genkai user.
Activates triangular and quadrangular prisms that refract natural light, enabling the wielder to fire lasers.
It can ensnare people into a genjutsu if moonlight is being used.
Ikemoto's Comments
The quality of the design is so high that it wouldn't feel out of place if the character were to appear in the actual manga. And their drawing skills are amazing! Makes me want to know more about their jutsu and what their weapon is capable of.
Creator: Yakinasu
Original Ninja: Nasu Hamaya
[Ninja Character Background] Nasu Hamaya
Graduated from Konoha's Ninja Academy. Using his clan's Kekkei Genkai, Anmyo, he is able to eavesdrop on people's true thoughts and feelings, making socializing with others a struggle. He spends his days training as a ninja by refining his jutsu under the guidance of his father. Passive by nature on top of not being the oldest son, he has no plans of inheriting his clan's dojo. His favorite food is hotdogs.
[Jutsu] Koinkyu
A jutsu that pierces targets with a bow and arrow made out of light generated by chakra. The chakra arrows boast a high piercing ability, and the force of impact can change depending on how much chakra is used. Maintaining the shape and loosing the arrows require skill, so it's an extremely difficult technique to master.
Ikemoto's Comments
The character's powerful abilities being balanced by associated weaknesses was a nice touch. Their equipment's details were meticulously written out, which left a great impression on me. I also liked the name.
Graduated from Konoha's Ninja Academy. Using his clan's Kekkei Genkai, Anmyo, he is able to eavesdrop on people's true thoughts and feelings, making socializing with others a struggle. He spends his days training as a ninja by refining his jutsu under the guidance of his father. Passive by nature on top of not being the oldest son, he has no plans of inheriting his clan's dojo. His favorite food is hotdogs.
[Jutsu] Koinkyu
A jutsu that pierces targets with a bow and arrow made out of light generated by chakra. The chakra arrows boast a high piercing ability, and the force of impact can change depending on how much chakra is used. Maintaining the shape and loosing the arrows require skill, so it's an extremely difficult technique to master.
Ikemoto's Comments
The character's powerful abilities being balanced by associated weaknesses was a nice touch. Their equipment's details were meticulously written out, which left a great impression on me. I also liked the name.
Creator: Hyuga Ichizoku ni Naritai!
Original Ninja: Ochame Sadou
[Ninja Character Background] Ochame Sadou
A child of tea shop owners, her design concept stems from matcha. She dons clothes reminiscent of a Japanese-style tea shop uniform.
Her specialty in blending matcha powder comes in handy when using her jutsu! Her weapon is a giant tea whisk.
[Jutsu] Matcha Chasen
When she swings her tea whisk, she showers her opponents with hot matcha tea.
Depending on how much matcha powder is blended in, she can even make the hot matcha tea dense and heavy.
Ikemoto's Comments
The character has a lot of bonus cuteness factors, like her hair, clothes, and the giant weapon contrasting with her short stature. But if you read carefully you see that the jutsu's abilities are pretty grotesque, and that juxtaposition is amazing. I can picture this character becoming popular.
A child of tea shop owners, her design concept stems from matcha. She dons clothes reminiscent of a Japanese-style tea shop uniform.
Her specialty in blending matcha powder comes in handy when using her jutsu! Her weapon is a giant tea whisk.
[Jutsu] Matcha Chasen
When she swings her tea whisk, she showers her opponents with hot matcha tea.
Depending on how much matcha powder is blended in, she can even make the hot matcha tea dense and heavy.
Ikemoto's Comments
The character has a lot of bonus cuteness factors, like her hair, clothes, and the giant weapon contrasting with her short stature. But if you read carefully you see that the jutsu's abilities are pretty grotesque, and that juxtaposition is amazing. I can picture this character becoming popular.
Creator: Kurage-chan
Original Ninja: Karame Ninniku
[Ninja Character Background] Karame Ninniku
A ninja that runs Kurou Ramen when he's not on a mission. He hones his ramen skills every day to feed the hungry Ninja Academy students and tired ninja returning from missions. His ramen is bizarrely addictive, and so he has a lot of repeat customers. He's actually an informant for the special Black Ops that gathers info on enemy organizations. Since he ordinarily spends his time improving his ramen skills, he's technically still a Genin, but his actual abilities are at Jonin level.
Although they are competitors, he secretly aspires to be like Ichiraku's Teuchi and highly respects him. Unfortunately, their ramen styles are very different so they don't have much in common to talk about. He's shy, and absolutely hopeless in social situations.
[Jutsu] Secret Technique: Nyuka no Jutsu!
A special skill that he obtained through his muscle building and ramen career in which he emulsifies water and oil. Clothes, weapons, and even jutsu dissolve when splattered with this solvent, and it even has toxic effects.
Ikemoto's Comments
You can tell by the name and design that this character is super strong! The entry said that he shaves his head to avoid his ramen getting contaminated, but the fact that he appears not to have ears either makes me wonder if something else is being foreshadowed... I am intrigued.
A ninja that runs Kurou Ramen when he's not on a mission. He hones his ramen skills every day to feed the hungry Ninja Academy students and tired ninja returning from missions. His ramen is bizarrely addictive, and so he has a lot of repeat customers. He's actually an informant for the special Black Ops that gathers info on enemy organizations. Since he ordinarily spends his time improving his ramen skills, he's technically still a Genin, but his actual abilities are at Jonin level.
Although they are competitors, he secretly aspires to be like Ichiraku's Teuchi and highly respects him. Unfortunately, their ramen styles are very different so they don't have much in common to talk about. He's shy, and absolutely hopeless in social situations.
[Jutsu] Secret Technique: Nyuka no Jutsu!
A special skill that he obtained through his muscle building and ramen career in which he emulsifies water and oil. Clothes, weapons, and even jutsu dissolve when splattered with this solvent, and it even has toxic effects.
Ikemoto's Comments
You can tell by the name and design that this character is super strong! The entry said that he shaves his head to avoid his ramen getting contaminated, but the fact that he appears not to have ears either makes me wonder if something else is being foreshadowed... I am intrigued.
Creator: Mina
Original Ninja: Ukiwa Mizunami
[Ninja Character Background] Ukiwa Mizunami
Ukiwa is a Ninja Academy student from the Village Hidden in the Mist. He is a well-behaved and quiet boy but is serious when it comes to competitions or missions, never letting his guard down.
The Mizunami clan were historically professional assassins who handled exterminating rogue ninja. They also have been making mizugumo for generations.
Nowadays, they use their mizugumo knowledge to create flotation devices for tourists to enjoy.
But because of their sinister past, the clan's dark image still impacts them negatively to this day.
Quite a few people fear the clan and avoid them as a whole. Ukiwa dreams of one day being promoted to Jonin, and becoming a teacher who guides future generations.
And by doing so, he also hopes to dispel his clan's dark reputation.
[Jutsu] Suiryurin
Since enemies can sense chakra when it's used to walk on water, he employs mizugumo instead during tracking or covert missions.
Ikemoto's Comments
From covering the character's origins and abilities, to detailing jutsu and weapons that utilize them, plus having the character's goals and design concept...this is an excellent submission. I also liked how the clothes fit and the design of the sandals.
There were tons of other unique ninja that assembled during Boruto Star!
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to each participant who sent us their creation!
Ukiwa is a Ninja Academy student from the Village Hidden in the Mist. He is a well-behaved and quiet boy but is serious when it comes to competitions or missions, never letting his guard down.
The Mizunami clan were historically professional assassins who handled exterminating rogue ninja. They also have been making mizugumo for generations.
Nowadays, they use their mizugumo knowledge to create flotation devices for tourists to enjoy.
But because of their sinister past, the clan's dark image still impacts them negatively to this day.
Quite a few people fear the clan and avoid them as a whole. Ukiwa dreams of one day being promoted to Jonin, and becoming a teacher who guides future generations.
And by doing so, he also hopes to dispel his clan's dark reputation.
[Jutsu] Suiryurin
Since enemies can sense chakra when it's used to walk on water, he employs mizugumo instead during tracking or covert missions.
Ikemoto's Comments
From covering the character's origins and abilities, to detailing jutsu and weapons that utilize them, plus having the character's goals and design concept...this is an excellent submission. I also liked how the clothes fit and the design of the sandals.
There were tons of other unique ninja that assembled during Boruto Star!
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to each participant who sent us their creation!
Boruto Star Is Not Over Yet!
We're still recruiting new and original ninja for Boruto Star!
Enter the competition and send us your unique ninja!
Enter the competition and send us your unique ninja!
The creator of the ninja recognized as the Boruto Star will have their original character drawn by Mikio Ikemoto and will also receive a copy of an art board by him with their name and his signature on it!
[Submitting Entries]
1. Entering by Mail
Please draw your original ninja in black-and-white on the back of a postcard, along with the names of your character and their jutsu. On the front please write your postal code, address, name (please include your real name as well if using a pen name), age, phone number, and the name you'd like written on the prize art board if you win.
Address entries to:
〒119-0163
2-chome-5-10 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Shueisha
V Jump Editorial Department "Boruto Star"
2. Entering Online
Fill out the required fields on the submission form, and attach a full-body illustration of your original ninja. Please make sure to include the names of your character and their jutsu when sending.
See the submission form here!
Deadline
Until 7/2/2024 (JST)
Mailed entries must be postmarked by this date. Online entries must be submitted by 23:59 (JST).
Results
Results are scheduled to be published in the series' third volume and announced on the NARUTO OFFICIAL SITE in early September.
[Important Notes]
Designs submitted to the Boruto Star Certification contest must be entirely your own. If you win but it is discovered you used someone else's design, you will be disqualified. Mailed entries will not be returned, and will be disposed of after a certain period of time. If you want to keep your entry, please make a copy before mailing it. Rights to entries will be retained by the creators, but entries may be published in releases/announcements regarding this contest, Boruto manga volumes, the V Jump magazine, the official V Jump and Boruto X accounts, and official Shueisha sites such as V JUMP WEB and the NARUTO OFFICIAL SITE.
*The above information is accurate as of May 2024
1. Entering by Mail
Please draw your original ninja in black-and-white on the back of a postcard, along with the names of your character and their jutsu. On the front please write your postal code, address, name (please include your real name as well if using a pen name), age, phone number, and the name you'd like written on the prize art board if you win.
Address entries to:
〒119-0163
2-chome-5-10 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Shueisha
V Jump Editorial Department "Boruto Star"
2. Entering Online
Fill out the required fields on the submission form, and attach a full-body illustration of your original ninja. Please make sure to include the names of your character and their jutsu when sending.
See the submission form here!
Deadline
Until 7/2/2024 (JST)
Mailed entries must be postmarked by this date. Online entries must be submitted by 23:59 (JST).
Results
Results are scheduled to be published in the series' third volume and announced on the NARUTO OFFICIAL SITE in early September.
[Important Notes]
Designs submitted to the Boruto Star Certification contest must be entirely your own. If you win but it is discovered you used someone else's design, you will be disqualified. Mailed entries will not be returned, and will be disposed of after a certain period of time. If you want to keep your entry, please make a copy before mailing it. Rights to entries will be retained by the creators, but entries may be published in releases/announcements regarding this contest, Boruto manga volumes, the V Jump magazine, the official V Jump and Boruto X accounts, and official Shueisha sites such as V JUMP WEB and the NARUTO OFFICIAL SITE.
*The above information is accurate as of May 2024
