The Iconic Narutomaki Fish Cake
For many viewers, the most memorable encounter with a fish in the Naruto universe comes in the form of Narutomaki, the distinctively swirled pink and white fish cake. This popular ramen topping is a staple food for the titular hero, Naruto Uzumaki, and is shown in numerous scenes as he enjoys his favorite bowl of miso ramen at Ichiraku Ramen.
The Real-World Inspiration for Narutomaki
The spiral pattern of the Narutomaki fish cake is not just a random design; it is a direct nod to the real-world Naruto whirlpools, a natural phenomenon found in the Naruto Strait in Japan. These powerful tidal currents create massive, swirling vortices, which the fish cake's design is meant to mimic. The creator of the series, Masashi Kishimoto, drew this cultural element directly into the anime, with the character himself being named after the whirlpools as well as the fish cake.
Narutomaki in Ramen Culture
Narutomaki is a specific type of kamaboko, a cured fish surimi, or minced fish paste. It is a mild-flavored topping that adds a pop of color and a springy texture to ramen dishes. While its flavor isn't the main draw, its visual presence is a hallmark of many traditional noodle bowls, making it an instantly recognizable cultural touchstone.
Fish and Marine Life Beyond Narutomaki
While Narutomaki is the most obvious connection, the anime and its extended universe contain other, less obvious references to fish and marine life. These include characters with aquatic abilities, references to sea monsters in filler arcs, and broader themes drawn from Japanese folklore.
Notable Fish-Related Character Appearances
- Isaribi: In a Naruto anime filler arc, Isaribi is a human subject of Orochimaru's experiments who is transformed into a fish-human hybrid. Her scaled body and ability to breathe and fight underwater make her a very direct example of a fish-human character.
- Giant Marlin: During Naruto's sea voyage to the Land of Lightning in Naruto: Shippūden, his group encounters a titanic, sword-snouted marlin. This beast, a leftover summon from a past war, is a significant threat during a key filler episode.
The Land of Water and Sea Creatures
The Land of Water, home of the Hidden Mist Village, naturally has a strong connection to marine life. Characters from this village, such as Kisame Hoshigaki of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, have shark-like features and utilize water-based jutsu. This connection highlights how the anime consistently uses aquatic themes to define certain locations and characters.
Comparison of Fish References in Naruto
| Feature | Narutomaki Fish Cake | Isaribi (Land of Sea Arc) | Giant Marlin (Filler Arc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Reference | Cultural Food | Human-Fish Hybrid | Sea Monster/Summon |
| Connection to Plot | Character's favorite food, basis for name | A human experimentation storyline during a filler arc | A monster encountered during a journey |
| Appearance | White and pink swirl pattern | Scaled skin, purple hair, pupilless eyes | Titanic blue-grey marlin with sword-like snout |
| Relevance to Canon | Consistent throughout the series as Naruto's favorite food | Appears only in a specific anime-only filler arc | Appears only in a specific anime-only filler arc |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question, "Does Naruto contain fish?" is a definitive yes, though the context is varied. The most famous example is the Narutomaki fish cake, a common ramen topping that is a recurring symbol for the protagonist and a fun nod to Japanese culture. Beyond this, the series features other fish-related elements, from human-fish characters in filler episodes to the thematic connections found in the Land of Water. These references demonstrate the series' rich integration of Japanese folklore and cultural elements, extending far beyond the typical ninja lore. The diverse inclusion of aquatic life enriches the world-building, proving that fish are more than just a passing detail in the Naruto universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pink swirly things in Naruto's ramen?
Those are Narutomaki, a type of Japanese cured fish cake known for its characteristic pink swirl pattern.
Why is Naruto named after a fish cake?
Naruto Uzumaki is named after the Narutomaki fish cake, which is a reference to the Naruto whirlpools in Japan. His name is directly inspired by this real-world cultural element.
Is the Narutomaki fish cake really fishy tasting?
No, Narutomaki has a very mild and slightly savory flavor due to the washing process of the fish paste (surimi). It is primarily used for its texture and visual appeal.
Are there any fish characters in Naruto?
Yes, in an anime-only filler arc, the character Isaribi is a human-fish hybrid who can breathe and fight underwater.
What kind of fish is in the Narutomaki fish cake?
Narutomaki is made from surimi, a paste of minced white fish like Alaska pollock or southern blue whiting.
Does Naruto ever go fishing?
Yes, in a filler episode (#465) of Naruto: Shippūden, a young Ashura and Indra go fishing, with Indra using a Transformation Jutsu to create a fake fish.
What are some other fish references in the series?
In one arc, a giant marlin attacks Naruto's boat, while characters from the Land of Water, like Kisame Hoshigaki, often have aquatic traits and abilities.
Did Naruto's dad name him after the ramen topping?
Yes, according to the series, Minato Namikaze, Naruto's father, named his son after the main character of a book Jiraiya wrote, and Jiraiya had named the character after the narutomaki he was eating.
