Getting on Good Terms with Anime Names

Anime and manga have become incredibly popular, and rightly so: the genres offer incredible stories with developed and enthusing characters. But anime names are usually in Japanese, even as the stories are translated. This means there's some debate as to how they should be pronounced. Luckily, the NameShouts team has compiled a list for you to become acquainted with some of the most popular anime names.

Naruto

Naruto Uzumaki is the protagonist of the anime and manga franchise Naruto. With a dark past involving a nine-tailed demon fox, and a hero’s personality, Naruto aspires to become the leader of his village and overcome the evils within. While his personality was originally written as “simple and stupid,” Naruto has developed to become one of the most beloved characters in anime and manga and has evolved past his simple origins.Pronounce his name right here:https://www.nameshouts.com/names/japanese/pronounce-naruto-uzumaki

http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/naruto/images/d/dc/Naruto's_Sage_Mode.png/revision/latest?cb=20150124180545

Sasuke

Sasuke is a supporting character in Naruto. After witnessing his brother’s slaughter of his entire clan, Sasuke dedicated his entire life to exacting vengeance, and defeating his brother Itachi. His dedication brought him to becoming an exceptional student at the Konoha Ninja Academy, and threw him into direct competition with Naruto. Unfortunately, the rivalry was a little one-sided, as Sasuke believed that his abilities were far beyond Narutos, though he enjoyed challenging the young ninja.Pronounce his name right here: https://www.nameshouts.com/names/japanese/pronounce-sasuke

http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/naruto/images/7/7f/Sasuke_1.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/300?cb=20151220061752

Sakura

Sakura Kinomoto is the titular character of Cardcaptor Sakura. Sometimes clumsy and clueless, and often naïve, Sakura has displayed insight and intelligence beyond her years, and her magic grows stronger with every passing day. She quests to retrieve the magical cards she accidentally set loose, in order to save the world from a mysterious end.Pronounce her name right here: https://www.nameshouts.com/names/japanese/pronounce-sakura-kinomoto

http://cdn.pcwallart.com/images/sakura-card-captor-characters-wallpaper-2.jpg

Ichigo

Ichigo Kurosaki is the protagonist of Bleach. Instantly recognizable by his orange hair and gaunt face, Ichigo, after becoming a Soul Reaper, is tasked with protecting the living from evil spirits and ferrying good souls to “Soul Society.” A classic anti-hero with a trademark scowl, Ichigo is also a beloved character in anime, and is widely considered one of the most popular characters in the genre.Pronounce his name right here:https://www.nameshouts.com/names/japanese/pronounce-ichigo-kurosaki

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11120/111207974/4545758-kurosaki_ichigo_full_52481.jpg

Ishida

Uryū Ishida serves a counterpoint to Ichigo in Bleach. Ishida is a Quincy, a member of a clan that was destroyed by the Soul Reapers, and challenges Ichigo to see who can kill more evil spirits. But as they become more powerful, they create a stronger bond, and soon become allies in the series.This is one of the more difficult anime names. Pronounce it right here: https://www.nameshouts.com/names/japanese/pronounce-uryu-ishida

http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/toonami/images/8/84/Uryu_Ishida.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130417185145

Yagami

Light Yagami is the protagonist ofDeath Note. After discovering a powerful notebook called the Death Note -- an artifact which allows him to kill anyone by simply noting their name and face -- Yagami sets off on a journey to cleanse the world of criminals and create a utopia under his reign. He is a genius, and has good intentions, but the power of the notebook tests his character and presents an interesting case for the ruler of a dystopian society.Pronounce his name right here: https://www.nameshouts.com/names/japanese/pronounce-yagami

Image Credits.

Hanzo

Hattori Hanzō was a famous samurai who is credited with saving the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the first shogun of a shogunate that ruled Japan for over two hundred years. He also helped Ieyasu unify the country under one banner. His story and character have been recreated and recounted in numerous mediums of popular culture, including anime.Pronounce his name right here: https://www.nameshouts.com/names/japanese/pronounce-hatori-hanzo

Kirito

Kirito is the main protagonist of Sword Art Online. He is chosen as one of the 1000 beta testers for a new VR-based MMORPG, called Sword Art Online. He is often noted as a blunt, direct character, due to his somewhat introverted nature and love for computers. He’s often calm, sometimes overconfident, and can become very fierce in battles. However, his friends consider him kind and loyal.Pronounce his name right here: https://www.nameshouts.com/names/all-languages/pronounce-kirito

http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/swordartonline/images/2/20/Kirito.png/revision/latest?cb=20120907080631

These are but a few anime names, but we hope that they’ll introduce you to some of the amazing storylines in the genre, and perhaps introduce you to our extensive database of Japanese names as well!