In a surprising and direct comment, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto has officially stated that Boruto is no longer his manga. Instead, he clarified that the story and artwork are fully handled by Mikio Ikemoto, the artist who has been working on Boruto since its beginning. Kishimoto said clearly, “Ikemoto is completely in charge of the story and main illustrations. Boruto really is Ikemoto’s manga.”
This comment comes at a time when fans have been debating who truly controls the creative direction of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Many assumed Kishimoto had returned to play a more active role. But this message ends the confusion—Boruto now fully belongs to Ikemoto.
Boruto Franchise (Credits: Masashi Kishimoto)
For longtime fans of Naruto and Boruto, this news might feel a little strange. Masashi Kishimoto was the original creator of the Naruto series, which ran for 15 years and became one of the biggest names in anime and manga worldwide. His storytelling, character development, and art style helped build a universe that millions of fans grew up with. So when Boruto was announced, many thought it would continue directly under his guidance.
Kishimoto Passes the Torch: Boruto Now Officially Belongs to Ikemoto
At first, Kishimoto stepped back from the spotlight and allowed Mikio Ikemoto, who had been his longtime assistant during Naruto, to take charge. Ikemoto began drawing the manga while Ukyo Kodachi worked as the writer. This team ran Boruto for several years. However, when Kodachi left, some believed Kishimoto had taken over again to manage the story. That led to more confusion among readers.
Kishimoto’s recent statement puts an end to all those assumptions. He makes it clear that Boruto is now Ikemoto’s full project—both in writing and artwork. In simple terms, Kishimoto has passed the torch.
This is a big shift. Fans have mixed feelings. Some are excited to see a new voice shaping the future of the story. Others are worried, especially because Ikemoto’s art style and storytelling are different from what they loved in Naruto. Critics have often said the pacing feels rushed or the character development is weaker in Boruto compared to Kishimoto’s work.
Boruto Franchise (Credits: Masashi Kishimoto)
Still, there’s no denying that Boruto has carved out its own identity. With the new arc, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the series has taken a darker, more intense direction. Time has passed in the story, and characters like Boruto Uzumaki and Kawaki have grown into teenagers with greater responsibilities and powers. New threats, mysteries, and battles have drawn fresh interest from readers.
Under Ikemoto’s leadership, Two Blue Vortex seems more focused, with bold story developments and striking art panels. The action is faster, the stakes are higher, and the characters are facing more emotional challenges. Fans who were unsure about earlier chapters are now giving it another look.
Masashi Kishimoto Declares: “Boruto Is Ikemoto’s Manga”
Masashi Kishimoto’s approval of Ikemoto also matters. By publicly saying that Boruto is Ikemoto’s manga, he shows trust in his former assistant. It’s like a mentor giving his student full control over a project. This may also be a sign that Kishimoto is ready to move on to new things, or simply take a break from long-running manga work.
For Ikemoto, this is both a great honor and a huge challenge. Taking over a beloved franchise like Naruto and making a sequel is never easy. Every page he draws is compared to Kishimoto’s original work. Every decision he makes is judged by fans who deeply care about the characters.
Boruto Franchise (Credits: Masashi Kishimoto)
Still, Ikemoto has shown that he’s not afraid to take bold steps. He has redesigned characters, introduced powerful enemies, and taken the story into unexpected places. With Kishimoto’s final confirmation, he now has the freedom and the pressure of being the true creator behind Boruto.
Boruto’s Future in Ikemoto’s Hands as Kishimoto Steps Away Completely
What does this mean for the future of Boruto? It means we’re watching a new generation of storytelling, not just in the characters, but also in the people creating the manga. Boruto is no longer just a continuation—it’s becoming a series with its own voice, led by someone who is stepping out of Kishimoto’s shadow.
Fans can expect surprises, twists, and perhaps a new style of storytelling. Whether people love it or not, one thing is now clear: Boruto belongs to Mikio Ikemoto. And Masashi Kishimoto has given his full blessing.
As Boruto: Two Blue Vortex continues to unfold, all eyes are on Ikemoto to see how he shapes the legacy of this next-generation ninja tale. With Kishimoto stepping aside, the future of Boruto has truly begun.
Naruto and Boruto are available to read on Manga Plus .
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations follows Boruto Uzumaki, the son of the Seventh Hokage, Naruto. Struggling to step out of his father’s shadow, Boruto navigates life as a young ninja in a peaceful but rapidly modernizing world. As new threats emerge from both technology and ancient forces, Boruto and his friends must grow into the next generation of shinobi while uncovering hidden truths about their village, their families, and themselves.
After over a decade of providing a vital platform to rising K-pop artists, ‘Simply K-pop’ has officially announced its final broadcast—ending a remarkable 13-year journey that began in 2012.
A staple on Arirang TV, the show was known for offering stage time and quality fancams to rookie idols and artists from smaller or lesser-known agencies, who often struggled to get noticed on larger music programs.
Unlike shows like Music Bank, Inkigayo, or M! Countdown, which typically spotlight top-tier artists and comeback-heavy lineups, Simply K-pop carved out a niche by championing diversity in exposure, helping many now-popular idols take their first steps on a public stage.
A Platform for Growth—and Gratitude
When the news of the show’s cancellation broke on July 16, K-pop fans flooded online communities with messages of disappointment and nostalgia.
Many credited Simply K-pop for helping their favorite idols gain initial traction through well-captured fancams and live performances that would otherwise have never seen the light of day on mainstream music shows.
“This was one of the rare places where small-agency idols could perform… This sucks.” “My idol actually got popular thanks to their ‘Simply K-pop’ fancam… I’m so sad…”
The loss of Simply K-pop follows the earlier cancellation of ‘After School Club’, another Arirang TV show known for international fan engagement and smaller-artist features.
Together, their departures underscore a shrinking number of platforms where rookie or mid-tier idols can showcase their talents on a broadcast scale.
Lee Dae Hwi’s Final Bow as MC
The end of Simply K-pop also brings a close to an impressive chapter in AB6IX’s Lee Dae Hwi’s career.
As solo MC since March 2022, Dae Hwi’s warm presence and professionalism earned him widespread praise, particularly from artists he helped introduce to the K-pop world.
“Dae Hwi, thank you for your hard work. I’m so sad… One precious music show is gone.” “You did great for four years!”
Before hosting Simply K-pop, Dae Hwi was also a key MC for M Countdown from 2019 to 2021, making him one of the longest-serving idol MCs in recent years.
His steady performance and relatability became a comforting constant for viewers and artists alike.
A Fan-Loved Show That Prioritized Music Over Metrics
Part of Simply K-pop’s charm was its accessibility and genuine focus on music, not just metrics like streaming numbers or social media buzz.
It often welcomed groups in their debut stages or those from independent labels, allowing them to build a stage presence, connect with fans, and gain credibility in a tough industry.
For many fans, it was the only show that spotlighted idols beyond the mainstream, capturing raw performances that resonated deeply.
“It was the only place even really small company idols could go…” “It had the best among public live recordings.”
However, even beloved shows are not immune to the pressures of the digital age. Despite its loyal niche, Simply K-pop suffered from declining viewership, which many believe contributed to its cancellation.
“Honestly, a show needs enough demand to keep going, but not enough people were watching. It was bound to get canceled…”
Industry Impact: What This Means for K-pop’s Future
The show’s departure raises serious questions about opportunities for emerging artists in today’s oversaturated market.
With high competition and limited broadcasting slots, many newer idols now rely heavily on social media, TikTok, or YouTube for exposure—but those platforms don’t offer the credibility and production value of a televised stage.
Simply K-pop was often viewed as the first stepping stone—a gateway into larger performances, tour invitations, or even viral recognition.
Losing that platform means an already uphill battle for artists without major-label backing just got steeper.
“Now it’ll be even harder to see smaller agency idols on music shows.” “This is really disappointing… a rare stage is gone.”
Looking Back with Gratitude
As fans reflect on the impact of Simply K-pop, many are choosing to focus on the legacy it leaves behind.
For 13 years, it opened doors, launched careers, and gave countless fans their first glimpse of future stars.
From heartfelt performances to viral fancams, the show’s influence will linger in the hearts of fans and idols alike.
“Whoa, Simply K-Pop had such great live recordings. This is such a loss.” “I used to watch it a lot when I was into small-agency idols.”
Whether it was your first introduction to a now-famous group or a place to discover hidden gems, Simply K-pop did what few shows dared to do—celebrate the underdogs of K-pop.
Farewell, But Not Forgotten
As Arirang TV closes this chapter, fans and industry insiders alike are left hoping for new platforms that can fill the void.
Until then, Simply K-pop remains a bittersweet symbol of what can happen when passion, accessibility, and music come together.
It may be gone—but its impact won’t be forgotten.
