Early Character Concepts by Kishimoto
I made a thread similar to this about a month ago, however, it did not have the translations. Just thought this was interesting.
Hokages
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Bottom Left-hand Corner paragraph
Designs for the First Hokage and Second Hokage did not change much. However, there is a great degree of difference for the Third Hokage and Fourth Hokage designs. The Fourth Hokage originally had a nefarious face. *laughs*
Middle Paragraph
The original design for the 3rd generation of Hokage that I created was to be a dog. *laughs*
This is a great difference from the final design for him.
Bottom Right-hand Paragraph
"It was a dog."
The dog was initially going to be a ruler (3rd Hokage) and very intelligent (wise). He would also take trips to the park. Due to ruling the village, the time would be measured through Dog Years. However, this idea was stopped after realizing how far-fetched and out of place a revered dog ruler would be in the series.
Other Characters Gaara versions, Genma, Kakashi, Itachi, Lee
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LEFT PAGE
1st paragraph
>Kumomaru was the original form of Gaara.
>Kishimoto and Yahagi agreed it was a good design, but decided a different one would fit in the story better.
2nd paragraph
>They originally could not decide on a name for Gaara's character.
>They considered "Kotaro", but this idea was trashed.
>After extensive discussion, they came up with "Gaara" because they felt it would be symbolic of the love kanji on his forehead. (Gaara can translate to "loving one's self")
3rd paragraph
>Genma's design did not change much.
>Kakashi's design did not change much.
>Both Kishimoto and Yahagi feel nostalgia looking at the old sketches.
4th paragraph
>Originally, Zabuza was going to have "Twin swords" instead of one.
>The way the swords work is more complex. When folding (two swords are connected via chain) they can expand to hit opponent.
>They thought this was a cool idea. Later disregarded since one is more simple though.
RIGHT PAGE
1st paragraph
>Drawings can come a long way. First sketches will contain failures and need to be improved upon.
>Important to look back at old work and think "Where can we go from here". New ideas can form and be expanded upon/revised.
2nd paragraph
>Character name "Bruno" was considered for a time, but later dismissed.
>Was going to be in charge of a team that Naruto was the enemy of.
>Itachi was a result of this character design (upon obvious further edits)
3rd paragraph
>Creation was wanted that would balance old ideals, good character, & nice to girls.
>Lee was the result. (hard-work with no shortcuts; respectful to everyone and willing to protect them)
4th paragraph
>Some final designs are completely different than the original drafts.
Source: 4th databook
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Last edited:
/jk
