Naruto: Sasuke's Name Stems From Famous Japanese Folklore

Fans of anime have already recognized the trend of adding a meaningful name to boost a character's development. It's become something of a trope with practically every popular anime character carrying some sort of meaning within their name. Naruto is well-known for this as well, as its main characters each have a meaningful first and last name.

Many of these names are fairly obvious in their connection with their designated character, but the deuteragonist of Naruto, Sasuke Uchiha, has a first name that requires a bit of research to understand. While his surname is simple but still poetic in meaning, Sasuke's first name has a strong connection with Japanese folklore that is fitting of the shinobi franchise.

The Meaning Behind Sasuke's Last Name, Uchiha

Sasuke is the stoic ninja prodigy of one of the most powerful shinobi clans in Naruto, the Uchiha. Despite overlooking those he deems weaker than him, he becomes a rival to the main hero Naruto Uzumaki as they both aim to become the world's strongest ninja. While Naruto chases after the noble dream of becoming Hokage, Sasuke is fixated on his goal of avenging his clan, which was massacred by his older brother when Sasuke was only seven years old. As he grows from Naruto to Naruto Shippuden, his journey becomes bleaker and bleaker as he descends into villainy and a path of hatred. Surely with such a heavy character arc, Sasuke's name would carry an equally important meaning.

His clan's name, Uchiha, is simple, roughly translating to "paper fan," which Sasuke's father explains is significant in fanning the literal and figurative flames of their family. Sasuke's first name, however, adds a twist to his character arc. The first part "Sa" translates to "assistant, help" while "suke" translates to "concern oneself with, jammed in, mediate" among other similar translations. Considering Sasuke never fully embraces the righteous aspects of being a ninja until after the series' finale, it becomes a question as to why this name was chosen by creator Masashi Kishimoto. In truth, Kishimoto took great inspiration from a famous character in Japanese history.

The Story of Sasuke Sarutobi Changed Shinobi Perception in Japan

the famous ninja sasuke sarutobi in an old japanese film

It's clear that Kishimoto was inspired by his own culture when building the Naruto universe, but this is also the case when it came to choosing Sasuke's first name. "Sasuke" is actually famous in Japan as it's the name of the fictional ninja Sasuke Sarutobi. Stories of ninja have been passed down for ages, but up until the 1910s and 1920s in Japan, shinobi were always taking on the role of the villain. It was only after the publication of Sasuke Sarutobi's tales of heroism that the narrative changed, and so began the days of the ninja in pop culture.

In the early 20th century, small novels known as Tachikawa Bunko were published for young children to read. They were mainly about post-medieval Edo period battles and adventures centered around samurai and ninja. Sasuke Sarutobi became a fan favorite for children as many tales portray the character as a young boy himself. He was cunning but noble in his pursuits, and due to his popularity, the name became synonymous with tales of ninja. Another popular franchise, Sengoku Basara, has its own depiction of Sasuke Sarutobi, adding to the namesake's long history within pop culture.

Some argue that the fictional shinobi is based on two real ninja by the names of Kozuki Sasuke and Sarutobi Nisuke, but proof of their existence is yet to be found. Regardless, the name Sasuke holds a firm place within Japanese culture and pop culture at large. With such strong connections to ninja history, the name is well suited for a series like Naruto. That being said, the name didn't have to be used for the hero's rival -- but Masashi Kishimoto gave meaning to Sasuke's contradictory name.

Although the famous name Sasuke Sarutobi is commonly used for ninja, Kishimoto used only the first name for his deuteragonist. However, the surname Sarutobi is still present in the series with the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Fans may have missed that Hiruzen's father's name is indirectly stated as Sasuke Sarutobi. The man is only briefly mentioned once throughout the entire franchise when, in a flashback scene, his namesake is lightly discussed between Kushina Uzumaki and Mikoto Uchiha.

The Quiet Connection Between Sasuke's Name and the Third Hokage

Not too long before Kushina gives birth to Naruto, she bumps into Mikoto Uchiha, who's carrying baby Sasuke in her arms. With Hiruzen's wife Biwako alongside them, the two women talk briefly about their children. When Mikoto shares Sasuke's name, Biwako joins in the conversation and states that is the name of Hiruzen's father.

Mikoto reveals that her son was in fact named after Sasuke Sarutobi in the hope that he will "grow up to become a strong and fine shinobi." Sadly, Sasuke's life and character don't pan out the way Mikoto would have hoped, but by giving him such a meaningful name, she left her son with the wish that he would represent the honorable side of ninja.

Granted, it takes him quite a while to become what his mother hoped he would be, but as an adult Sasuke is finally living up to his name as someone whose main concern is helping others in whatever way he can. His self-serving past may haunt him from time to time as he spends his days repenting for the criminal deeds in his youth, but as the story continues in Boruto, Sasuke Uchiha gradually earns his name.