Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US

mrsticky005 · 09-30-2012, 01:45 AM

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?

HokageSoulReaper · 09-30-2012, 01:54 AM

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

mrsticky005 · 09-30-2012, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HokageSoulReaper

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

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.

HokageSoulReaper · 09-30-2012, 02:15 AM

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

Kakashi Hatake_Yamato · 09-30-2012, 02:44 AM

probay because he's cooler and has a katana

WishfulFairie · 09-30-2012, 05:39 AM

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.

BMC1994 · 09-30-2012, 06:02 AM

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.

Arum · 09-30-2012, 10:12 PM

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

Maikeru D. Shinigami · 09-30-2012, 10:50 PM

Villains > Heroes.

Kiseki · 10-06-2012, 12:01 PM

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.

09-30-2012, 01:45 AM	#1
mrsticky005 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: In the White Text House Posts: 13,912 Rep Power: 23 Member's Picture Albums	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? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Spam once and the forum will be annoyed. Spam twice and warnings will be deployed Spam thrice and a infraction you will receive Spam 8,984 times and a FAIL Agent you''ll soon be. ...At least in my case. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-30-2012, 01:54 AM	#2
HokageSoulReaper Special Jonin Candidate Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: I AM THE TABLE Posts: 3,066 Rep Power: 11 Member's Picture Albums	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 __________________ How long can we stand? Eternal Domination, Shutting our eyes to the reality, The Truth will see through, No bloodshed will pursue, The Power Of Truth disavow violence - The Power Of Truth, Loudness Undertaker 21-0 I am The Ace of The Universe

09-30-2012, 02:15 AM	#4
HokageSoulReaper Special Jonin Candidate Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: I AM THE TABLE Posts: 3,066 Rep Power: 11 Member's Picture Albums	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 __________________ How long can we stand? Eternal Domination, Shutting our eyes to the reality, The Truth will see through, No bloodshed will pursue, The Power Of Truth disavow violence - The Power Of Truth, Loudness Undertaker 21-0 I am The Ace of The Universe

09-30-2012, 10:12 PM	#8
Arum Academy Graduate Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Tornado Alley Posts: 67 Rep Power: 2	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

09-30-2012, 10:50 PM	#9
Maikeru D. Shinigami The Grand Vizier Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Funhouse Posts: 43,442 Rep Power: 44 Member's Picture Albums	Re: Sasuke's Popularity--Japan vs US Villains > Heroes. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. YouTube:

10-06-2012, 12:01 PM	#10
Kiseki That Sexy Koala Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Where you live. Obviously. Posts: 13,462 Rep Power: 25 Member's Picture Albums	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. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Luna Pink Hikari & Kiseki are the sexy Quad-force <3

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