Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

Sasuke is a popular character no matter what. But I dunno if it's just me
but it seems like in Japan people tend to like Sasuke better and in the
US people tend to like Naruto better. Sorry if I'm wrong.

If this is the case then why?

Here's my theory.

Culture.

I think Naruto and Sasuke have strengths and weaknesses that are
found as more attractive or unattractive in West vs East culture.

Western audiences love the underdog. I mean look there's 5 Rocky sequels!
I think what attracts a lot of Westerners to Naruto is that Naruto didn't
start off as the best. Also I think this is the same reason why many are
disappointed with Shippuden--because it in a way took away Naruto's
underdog status.

I don't know a lot about Japanese culture but I suspect they have
a thing for hot shots or rather elite figures. Sasuke is an elitist
and while in the US this makes him look arrogant I think that
maybe in Japan this is seen as a sign of strength. And Sasuke
is hardly the only character like this in Naruto or other stuff.

Of course the West likes it's bad boy figure.
But it seems like a lot of times it's more of a bad boy
on the outside but really a good guy deep down that is
what the West wants. The West wants heroes...just spiced up.

While I think the East is a bit more interested in "villains".
I think the East really likes to try and make their villains
"human" rather than the West which makes them more
"abstract". Compare Tobi to the Joker. Tobi is almost
like an actual person whereas the Joker is like a force of nature.

Of course this is all just my biased speculation.
I'm probably totally off on all this.

What do you think?

Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

You do have a point, I know many fans than in Part 1 preferred Sasuke over Naruto until Naruto faced off and defeated Gaara, after that I'd say, due to the fact that even as powerful as he is he still ranks as underdog to an extent, Naruto has a SLIGHT advantage in popularity over Sasuke

But if Sasuke were to go back, he'd reclaim the spot he had, many people still love him, I'd say in the West only character more popular than Sasuke is Kakashi

Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

I dunno it might be a more hardcore vs casual fan thing.
Because it seems like a lot of people on the forums HATE the Sauce.

Of course many love the Sauce but it seems largely divided.

Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

I know, many people I know that hate Sasu were avid fans, and started hating him either when he turned, or when he tried to kill Sakura

Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

I like (equally) sasuke and naruto for different reasons...
Naruto because he was the underdog.
Sasuke because he's just hurting so much.
But I agree with what you're saying.

Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

I have a hatred burning hotter then hell itself for sasuke for ruining shippuuden , being an emo, being stupid and making less sense then a hormonal woman. Not to mention his moodswings.

Although naruto sometimes has me facepalming he is tolerable and his 'motivation/nindo' actually makes sense. Not a fan of his new super saiyan forms but still its tolerable.

Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

I personally don't like labeling the US as "the West" because that's just such a broad term, but that's a very interesting point you bring up. It is true that Japan holds certain ideas higher than in the United States (and vice versa) that could be an indicator when looking at these two characters, but I honestly thought it would be the other way around (Sasuke would be more popular in the US and Naruto in Japan). XD

Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

Villains > Heroes.

Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US
 

From what I experience from Asian people...
I think Naruto is too loud/rude/spontaneous for them.

However, I don't see why Sasuke would be popular among Asians.
I rather think people like Lee and Hinata would be very loved.
Because they work really hard for what they want to achieve.