The Most Popular Naruto Ship in Japan, Ranked

Choose the ship you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:45
Fans of the Naruto series often have strong opinions about their favorite character pairings. These pairings, or 'ships', vary widely and spark lively discussions and debates across many forums and fan sites. Capturing a snapshot of which ships are currently holding the hearts of fans in Japan can provide intriguing insights into the cultural impact of these characters and their relationships. With our live ranking system, your votes directly influence the standing of each Naruto ship, creating a dynamic list that reflects real-time fan preferences. Whether you are a longtime follower or a new fan, your participation helps paint a broader picture of the fandom's favorites. Review the rankings, cast your vote, and see how your choices stack up against those of other fans.

What Is the Most Popular Naruto Ship in Japan?

  1. 1
    54
    votes
    This is perhaps the most popular Naruto ship in Japan, as it is supported by canon material and has a significant fan following. This pairing is also known as NaruHina. [
    Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga, also known as NaruHina, is one of the most popular and well-loved couples in the Naruto series. This ship originated from the relationship between Naruto, the main protagonist, and Hinata, a shy and kind-hearted ninja from the Hyuga clan.
    • Canon Status: Canon
    • First Appearance: Chapter 78
    • Ship Name: NaruHina
    • Support Level: High
    • Development: Slow-build
  2. 2
    26
    votes
    This is another popular canon pairing in Naruto, known as SasuSaku. Despite some controversial moments in their relationship, fans still support this ship. [
    Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, commonly referred to as SasuSaku, is a popular romantic ship from the Naruto series. It revolves around the complicated relationship between Sasuke and Sakura, exploring their growth and bond throughout the story.
    • Canon: Yes
    • Status: Endgame
    • First Hinted: Naruto Chapter 3
    • Officially Confirmed: Naruto Chapter 699
    • Anime Adaptation: Yes
  3. 3
    60
    votes
    This pairing, known as NaruSasu, is popular among fans who prefer same-gender relationships or who enjoy the dynamic between Naruto and Sasuke. [
    Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, commonly referred to as 'Sasunaru' in Japan, is one of the most popular ships in the Naruto series. It depicts a romantic or close bond between the main protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, and his childhood friend and rival, Sasuke Uchiha.
    • Ship Name: Sasunaru
    • Ship Type: Romantic/Close Relationship
    • Series: Naruto
    • Origin: Japan
    • Creator: Masashi Kishimoto
  4. 4
    26
    votes

    Kakashi Hatake and Iruka Umino

    Fans of the Naruto series
    This pairing, known as KakaIru, has a significant following among fans who enjoy the teacher-student dynamic between Kakashi and Iruka. [
    Kakashi Hatake and Iruka Umino is a popular ship (romantic pairing) in the Naruto series. The ship involves a relationship between Kakashi Hatake, a skilled ninja with a mysterious past, and Iruka Umino, a caring and dedicated teacher at the Ninja Academy. Fans of this ship enjoy the dynamic between Kakashi and Iruka, appreciating their contrasting personalities and mutual respect for each other.
    • Ship name: KakaIru
    • Ship type: Slash (male/male)
    • Canon or fanon: Fanon (not officially confirmed in the series)
    • Popularity in Japan: High
    • Romantic rating: Mild to moderate
  5. 5
    6
    votes
    This pairing, known as NaruSaku, was popular among fans before the canon relationship between Naruto and Hinata was established. However, it still has a significant fan following. [
    The Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno ship, also known as NaruSaku, is a popular romantic pairing in the Naruto fandom. It revolves around the complex relationship between the main protagonist Naruto Uzumaki and his teammate Sakura Haruno.
    • Canon Status: Non-canon
    • Popularity: High
    • First Appearance: Naruto Chapter 3
    • Potential Strength: High
    • Character Dynamics: Dynamic and complex
  6. 6
    2
    votes

    Gaara and Naruto Uzumaki

    Masashi Kishimoto
    This pairing, known as GaaNaru, has a significant following among fans who enjoy the dynamic between Gaara and Naruto. [
    Gaara and Naruto Uzumaki is a popular ship in the Naruto fandom, referring to a romantic relationship between the characters Gaara and Naruto Uzumaki. Gaara is the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village and Naruto is the protagonist of the series. This ship has gained significant popularity in Japan due to the strong bond and character dynamics between Gaara and Naruto.
    • Name: Gaara and Naruto Uzumaki
    • Ship Type: Romantic relationship
    • Series: Naruto
    • Characters: Gaara and Naruto Uzumaki
    • Creator: Masashi Kishimoto
  7. 7
    1
    votes
    This pairing, known as ItaSasu, has a significant following among fans who enjoy the complicated relationship between the Uchiha brothers. [
    The Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke Uchiha ship, also known as ItaSasu or SasuIta, is a popular pairing within the Naruto fandom in Japan. It revolves around the complex relationship between the two Uchiha brothers, Itachi and Sasuke. ItaSasu explores their familial bond, conflicting emotions, and the tragic events that unfold between them throughout the series.
    • Ship Name: ItaSasu
    • Canonical Relationship: Brothers
    • Primary Characters: Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke Uchiha
    • Relationship Dynamics: Family bond, emotional conflict
    • Themes: Redemption, sacrifice, tragedy
  8. 8
    18
    votes

    Shikamaru Nara and Temari

    Masashi Kishimoto
    This pairing, known as ShikaTema, is popular among fans who enjoy the dynamic between Shikamaru and Temari. [
    Shikamaru Nara and Temari is a popular romantic pairing within the Naruto fandom. It involves the relationship between Shikamaru Nara, a laid-back and strategic shinobi from the Hidden Leaf Village, and Temari, a strong and independent kunoichi from the Hidden Sand Village. Their dynamic is often characterized by Shikamaru's laziness and Temari's feisty personality, creating an interesting balance between them.
    • Ship Name: ShikaTema
    • First Mention: Naruto manga chapter 78
    • Canon Status: Canon
    • Mutual Attraction: Yes
    • Shared Bond: Both are members of their respective village's ninja alliance
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    This polyamorous relationship, known as SasuNaruSaku, has a significant following among fans who enjoy the dynamic between the three characters. [
    The ship 'Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno' revolves around the complex relationship between the three main characters of the Naruto series. It explores the dynamics between Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura, as they navigate friendship, love, and loyalty.
    • Ship Name: SasuNaruSaku
    • Status: Canon
    • Type: Polyamorous
    • Endgame: Sasuke and Sakura are married, while Naruto remains close friends with both.
    • Emotional Themes: Love, friendship, redemption
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    This pairing, known as NaruGaa, is popular among fans who enjoy the dynamic between Naruto and Gaara. [
    The Naruto Uzumaki and Gaara ship, also known as NaruGaa, is a popular pairing in the Naruto fandom in Japan.
    • Ship Name: NaruGaa
    • Canon or Fanon: Fanon
    • Status: Non-canon
    • Popularity: High
    • Character Compatibility: Friendship dynamics and contrasting personalities

Missing your favorite ship?

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Ranking factors for popular ship

  1. Fanbase engagement
    Assess the level of interaction and engagement of the fanbase with the particular ship. This may include fan-based polls, fan art, fanfiction, and other fan-made content dedicated to the ship.
  2. Online presence
    Track the ship's discussions and mentions on social media platforms, message boards, and forums to determine its online influence and presence. The higher the frequency of discussion about a ship, the more popular it usually is.
  3. Official acknowledgment
    Sometimes, the series creator or other official sources may give implied or explicit nods to specific ships or pairings. Acknowledgment from the creator or staff can significantly contribute to the popularity of a ship.
  4. Compatibility and chemistry
    Fans often appreciate and support ships where the characters seem to have a good chemistry or compatibility within the story. Couples who work well together, have close bonds, or have shared significant moments can contribute to the popularity of a ship.
  5. Anime and manga moments
    Pay attention to the specific moments in both the anime and manga that significantly develop or contribute to the relationship between the characters in the ship. These moments can often become a critical point of reference for fans.
  6. Emotional investment
    Fans can become emotionally invested in certain ships based on the development of the characters and their relationships over the course of the series. Some ships may evoke a stronger emotional response from fans, making them more popular.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Naruto ship in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or ship is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2740 views
  • 201 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each ship once every 24 hours. The rank of each ship is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular naruto ship in japan

Naruto is a beloved anime series that has captured the hearts of fans all over the world. One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is the relationships between the characters. Fans have been shipping different characters together for years, creating their own ideas of who should end up with who. In Japan, the birthplace of Naruto, fans have been particularly vocal about their favorite ships. From the classic Naruto and Hinata pairing to the more unconventional Sasuke and Sakura, there are countless combinations that fans have fallen in love with. In this article, we'll take a look at the most popular Naruto ships in Japan and explore why fans are so passionate about them.

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