Quick Links
As beloved as theBorutofranchise may be, its peculiar fashion has always been quite controversial among fans, withTwo Blue Vortexfurther adding fuel to the fire. One character in particular who has been at the center of this debate is Sarada Uchiha, whose new design inTwo Blue Vortexwas especially controversial. That said, a recent interview with the series' creator has revealed a rather wholesome reason for Sarada’s newest outfit.
A recent event held in France called Konoha à Nuit included an interview with Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto in which the latter was asked about his inspiration for the fashion inBoruto,particularly how it seems to be the focus of the character designs in the series. In the interview, Ikemoto explains theintentional design of Sarada’s outfit inTwo Blue Vortex,which reflects her feelings for Boruto.
Sarada, on the other hand, in her young woman version, wears a top so large it reveals her shoulders. That’s because it’s a men’s clothing brand that Boruto likes and wears. When Boruto leaves the village, feeling lots of emotions, Sarada buys a garment from this shop. As you can see, in my casecharacter design and fashion are inseparable elements.
— Mikio Ikemoto, Konoha à Nuit, 2024.
Ikemoto reveals the real reason Sarada wears such an oversized jacket that falls off her shoulders, explaining that it isactually a men’s jacket from Boruto’s favorite brand that Sarada bought after Boruto was exiled from Konoha, likely because she missed him. As such, while the jacket (and Sarada’s outfit as a whole) may not be completely practical, it does hold some meaning beyond simple aesthetics.
Naruto’s Creator Comment on Sarada Shakes the Anime Community, But It Was Mistranslated
Kishimoto’s latest interview sparks controversy regarding a comment on Sarada, but it was a misunderstanding blown out of proportion.
Ikemoto Reveals the Reasoning Behind Sarada’s Most Controversial Outfit
Sarada’s Two Blue Vortex Design Was Not As Scandalous As Fans Claimed
While many characters received rather fashionable makeovers inTwo Blue Vortex, Sarada’s new look was especially controversial, more so because of previous debates surroundingSarada being over-sexualized. Some fans have gone as far as re-imagining Sarada’s newTwo Blue Vortexoutfit with longer pants or even a more covered top. However, thisarguably ends up sexualizing her more than the original outfit ever did.
There is nothing inherently inappropriate about a teenager’s clavicles or legs.
While certainly on the stylish side, Sarada’s romper is arguably still quite functional, with even her shoes being on the comfortable end with thick chunky heels. Keeping in mind that Sarada is sixteen inTwo Blue Vortex, itmakes sense that she would choose to wear something a little more fashionable and begin experimenting with her looks. Most importantly, there is nothing inherently inappropriate about a teenager’s clavicles or legs.
The edgy, tomboyish style of Sarada’s outfit also makes sense given her character and her rebellious nature, and proves that Ikemoto did put quite a bit of thought into these outfits beyond just incorporating contemporary trends. Ikemoto explains as much in the Konoha à Nuit interview where he explains how each character’s new looks were crafted, keeping in mind their personality, temperament, attitude towards fashion, andeven how much a particular character values functionality over style.
Fashion seems to be a key focus of character design inBoruto. Where do you get your inspiration?
Mikio Ikemoto: When conceiving a character, their temperament, their thinking, and their tastes should be reflected in their clothes. First of all, you need to know if the character cares about clothing or not at all. Understanding the level of importance they place on functionality and appearance. Even if it’s unconscious, an outfit is the result of psychological factors at work. Moreover, a fashion probably exists in a village or region.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex’s Fashion Only Continues An Existing Trend From Naruto
Naruto Has Never Aimed to Portray Ninja Clothing Accurately
While there are certainly many who have appreciated the modern makeover inTwo Blue Vortex, quite a few fans have also complained about the functionality of the new outfits. The main gripe was thatTwo Blue Vortex’s fashion seemed inappropriate for ninjawho need to be able to move and fight freely and not stand out as much.
However, evenNaruto’sfashion has arguably never been historically accurate. While the series certainly draws inspiration from real-life ninja, the original series also injected some modernity into the character designs, most notably with pieces like Naruto’s signature bomber jacket.Borutohas only continued this very trend in its own way and the fashionable outfits ofTwo Blue Vortexonly make sense given the passage of time since the original series andBoruto’sstrong focus on modernity and technology.
Even as far as modesty goes,Narutohas also had its fair share of revealing outfits that are far more scandalous than Sarada’s newest look. Ino, for example, has bared her midriff for a good chunk of the series, even when she was around the same age asSarada inTwo Blue Vortex. The same goes for Sai with his even further cropped shirt, which often puts him at the top of best-dressed lists instead of stirring up controversy.
Nonetheless, fashion and character design are and always will be subjective, which is why every fan is entitled to their own interpretation. Even if the fandom may not agree on how modest or appropriate Sarada’s new outfit is, it is still refreshing to see the careful consideration that Ikemoto has put into it and all ofBoruto’scharacter designs for that matter, which will hopefully be enough to quell the controversy.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortexis available from Manga Plus and Viz Media.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Cast
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations follows Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Seventh Hokage Naruto Uzumaki, as he joins the Ninja Academy amidst changing times for shinobi. As mysterious events unfold, Boruto’s journey begins, establishing a new chapter in the Naruto universe. Released in 2017, the series expands on the ninja legacy.
