If you’re wondering why the Japanese cartoon that your kids watch every day is appearing on exquisitely crafted sling bags, folios, leather belts, smart watches and the iconic Montblanc Meisterstück – allow us to give you the executive summary (forgive us, otakus of the world). Naruto tells the tale of an orphan named Naruto Uzumaki who goes on an epic journey to become ‘hokage’, or the very best ninja in his village. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, the series debuted as a printed comic (or ‘manga’) in the weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1999, and was adapted into a TV series (or ‘anime’) in 2002. Naruto has gone on to become one of the best-selling manga of all time, selling more than 250 million copies worldwide and being broadcast globally through hundreds upon hundreds of anime episodes as well as 11 movies (and counting). To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Naruto’s anime debut and its cultural impact all across the globe, the luxury maison is releasing the Montblanc x Naruto collection, featuring leather goods, smart watches and, of course, writing instruments.
It’d probably be impossible to capture the entire lore of Naruto in a limited-edition collection, so the Montblanc x Naruto collection focuses on a story arc featuring the relationship between Naruto and his sensei, Jiraiya. Not only does Naruto himself learn a lot from the extensive, expansive knowledge of Jiraiya, a former great ninja himself, but also fans all over the world who have grown up with the manga and anime would likely call him their mentor. So, in as much as the same way that Jiraiya is often shown penning his adventures for posterity and being the father figure Naruto never had, the Montblanc x Naruto collection aims to inspire you to embrace youth, to inspire your mentees, and to impart wisdom upon the next generation – lest they be lost to the evils of the world. (Okay, maybe we watched a bit too much of the anime while researching this story.)
Highlights of the Montblanc x Naruto collection include the Folio (RM2,695), Sling Bag (RM3,675) and Tote Bag (RM5,400), among others. Naruto and Jiraiya feature prominently in the collection, including on the iconic Montblanc Meisterstück, available as a special edition Fountain Pen (RM1,425), Ballpoint (RM2,655) or Rollerball (RM3,110). These handsome writing instruments feature a gold nib with ruthenium-coat embellishment, the “Village hidden in the leaves” symbol in yellow gold, and Naruto’s signature orange colour. Pair your chosen Montblanc X Naruto pen with the 1-Pen Pouch (RM1,130) and the special orange ink in a glass bottle. Rounding-up the collection is the Summit 3 Smart Watch (RM6,600), which includes Naruto animations on the watch face, as well as the ‘konoha’ leaf symbol on the strap. (Fun fact: Naruto’s home village is called ‘Konohagakure’. Okay, okay, we’ll get back to work and stop watching anime…)
