The long-running Japanese anime series “Naruto” will get a free, ad-supported linear channel as part of Amazon's Freevee service.
The move follows an agreement between local rights holder Viz Media and the platform, meaning fans have a choice between a dedicated linear channel and an on-demand viewing experience. It also follows the launch of a similar FAST channel for “Hunter x Hunter” and “Sailor Moon Classic.”
Created as a manga (comic book) in 1999 by famous mangaka Kishimoto Masashi, the series follows Naruto as a young ninja with an irredeemable skill at mischief. He has a wild sense of humor, but is completely serious about his mission to become the greatest ninja in the world.
The series aired on Tokyo Network from 2002 to 2007 and has about 220 episodes. Viz Media says Naruto is the most searched anime of all time, according to Google Analytics. The original manga has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, while the series is the number one anime in 92 countries and has had a cultural influence that ranges from music references by artists like Cardi B to the viral Naruto Run meme. The Naruto universe continues in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which features Naruto's son.
“With the launch of a dedicated linear channel and on-demand video offerings, fans can now experience the iconic adventures of Naruto Uzumaki around the clock,” said JP Villanueva, Senior Director of Digital Distribution at Viz Media. “This addition not only enriches Freevee’s anime library, but also provides an exciting new way for fans to engage with one of the most popular anime franchises.”
The new deal with Amazon coincides with the expansion of other Viz Media catalog properties including: “Accel World,” “Bakuman,” “Blue Dragon,” “Buso Renkin,” “Captain Tsubasa,” “Death Note,” “Infini-T Force,” “Inuyasha,” “Inuyasha Final Act,” “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” “K,” “K: Seven Stories,” “MEGALOBOX,” “Ranma ½,” “Reborn,” “Sailor Moon Crystal,” “Terraformars,” “Vampire Knight” and “Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon.”
