THE WRITIER OF THE BIG THREE ANIME

 

The Father of Big Three Anime: The Legacy of Masashi Kishimoto, Eiichiro Oda, and Tite Kubo

When you think of the "Big Three" anime—Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach—you can't help but imagine a time when these three shows dominated the world of anime and manga. These titles not only shaped the anime landscape in the 2000s but also gave rise to an era of fandom that continues to influence anime culture today. But who were the masterminds behind these cultural phenomena? Who were the creators that gave life to the characters, worlds, and stories we fell in love with?

In this blog, we take a look at the "fathers" of the Big Three—Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto), Eiichiro Oda (One Piece), and Tite Kubo (Bleach). These three anime creators not only changed the course of anime but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

---

Masashi Kishimoto: The Man Behind Naruto

Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, is often considered the heart of the Big Three anime, thanks to the deep emotional storytelling and growth of his main character, Naruto Uzumaki. Kishimoto’s journey to creating Naruto began with his deep love for traditional Japanese mythology and his desire to craft a story about a young boy who dreams of becoming the strongest ninja in the world.

Kishimoto drew inspiration from his own life and experiences, creating a character who, much like himself, experienced hardship and isolation. Naruto’s journey to acceptance, success, and understanding mirrors the emotional and personal growth many young viewers experienced during the series’ run. From the early days of Naruto’s misunderstood existence in the Hidden Leaf Village to his eventual role as the Seventh Hokage, Kishimoto’s ability to create a rich and emotional narrative made Naruto a phenomenon.

(Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto)

Eiichiro Oda: The Mastermind of One Piece

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, is a legend in the anime and manga world. Born in Kumamoto, Japan, Oda’s love for pirates and adventure tales began at an early age. One Piece is the longest-running anime and manga in the world, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Oda's ability to blend high-seas adventure, complex characters, and an ongoing narrative that never loses its charm is a testament to his extraordinary storytelling.

One Piece tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who gains the ability to stretch his body like rubber after eating the Gum-Gum Fruit, one of the "Devil Fruits." His goal is to find the legendary treasure, the "One Piece," and become the Pirate King. The series is known for its elaborate world-building, a huge cast of unique and lovable characters, and its themes of freedom, friendship, and perseverance.

Oda’s humor, deep lore, and emotional moments are what set One Piece apart from other anime. His art style, while playful and exaggerated, carries deep emotional weight. Fans all over the world have been invested in Luffy’s journey for decades, and Oda's influence on anime culture cannot be overstated.

(Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece)

Tite Kubo: The Visionary Behind Bleach

Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach, brought to life a series that fused elements of supernatural combat, soul reapers, and the spiritual world. Born in 1977, Kubo's Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who gains the abilities of a Soul Reaper after an encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a member of an organization tasked with protecting the living world from evil spirits known as Hollows.

Kubo’s distinctive art style, often praised for its sleek character designs and creative weaponry, helped Bleach stand out in the crowded world of shonen anime. However, it’s the themes of honor, duty, friendship, and self-discovery that truly resonated with audiences. Bleach’s ability to mix action-packed battles with emotional arcs, particularly during its Soul Society and Hueco Mundo arcs, made it one of the most beloved anime of the Big Three.

What made Bleach unique was its balance of humor, high stakes, and an ever-expanding universe of powerful and diverse characters. Kubo’s approach to storytelling, with complex villains and deep lore, kept viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the series.

(Tite Kubo, creator of Bleach)

---

How the Big Three Changed Anime Forever

The Big Three—Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach—each brought something unique to the anime world, but their combined influence helped propel anime into a global phenomenon. Here's a look at how they changed the industry:

• Global Reach: The Big Three helped popularize anime outside Japan. Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach were among the first anime series to receive widespread international attention, particularly in the United States. With widespread syndication and streaming services, these shows became cultural touchstones in many countries.

• The Shonen Genre: The success of these three series helped solidify the shonen genre (anime targeted toward young males) as the most popular and dominant category in anime. Their blend of action, comedy, and heart helped shape the expectations of future anime series in terms of tone, structure, and themes.

• Anime Fandom: The Big Three also played a significant role in fostering online communities and fan culture. Fans of Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach built dedicated fanbases online, producing fan art, theories, and fan fiction, which allowed these series to thrive in the digital age.

• Influence on Future Generations: The creators of these series didn’t just entertain—they inspired future generations of anime creators. Many of today’s successful anime owe a debt to the storytelling techniques, character development, and emotional weight that the Big Three incorporated into their works.

---

Conclusion: The Father of the Big Three Anime

Masashi Kishimoto, Eiichiro Oda, and Tite Kubo each played pivotal roles in creating some of the most influential anime of all time. Their works have shaped the anime industry, created legacies that continue to inspire, and built fanbases that are more dedicated than ever.

While the Big Three era might be over, the impact of these anime is still very much alive. Their stories continue to resonate with fans, old and new, as they explore themes of perseverance, friendship, and the endless pursuit of dreams.

If you're a fan of anime, these creators and their works are not just a part of history—they are a part of the very fabric of anime culture itself.