Intriguing Secrets Unveiled: How Naruto Revamped the Hyuga's Cursed Seal

The anime industry has expanded as a means of cultural exchange, showcasing Japan's unique culture and introducing the world to its distinct beliefs and strong values. Despite gaining popularity among the general public, certain aspects of Japanese symbolism often get misinterpreted by Western audiences. As a result, many anime series alter certain scenes and characters to make them more relatable and appealing to Western viewers.

The Naruto series is no exception to this trend, as this widely-known anime has been broadcasted in almost every country worldwide. Consequently, there have been some alterations made from the original source material. One notable example is the Hyuga Clan's symbolic cursed seal, which is worn by members of the branch family in this close-knit clan. The original design of this seal was considered controversial by Western viewers, prompting producers to completely change its appearance.

The Reason Behind Altering the Cursed Seal

Deciphering the rationale behind the change is quite simple. A quick glance reveals the motivations for altering the design of the seal in the anime version. The original cursed seal design of the Hyuga Clan bore a symbol that closely resembled the Swastika, an emblem associated with Nazi Germany and its fascist rule. Though not identical, the similarity led producers to comply with the decision due to Naruto's overseas popularity surpassing its Japanese fanbase. The Hyuga Clan had no connection to the historical dictator or his ideology, yet the symbol faced scrutiny and disdain. While the manga retained the original symbol, the anime adaptation chose to avoid controversy by replacing it with an 'X' mark. However, this decision disappoints, as the original symbol held significant cultural meaning connected to Japan's religions.

The Meaning Behind the Original Symbol

The Swastika or any similar symbol is often associated with fascism in the 1930s. However, the symbol representing the Hyuga's cursed seal has deep origins in various ancient religions that date back thousands of years. Embedded in the essence of prosperity and peace, this symbol can be traced back to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Although the Swastika holds different meanings in each religion, they all align on the concept of well-being.

Derived from the Sanskrit language, the word 'Swastika' translates to 'the mark of well-being.' Within Buddhism, this same symbol represents the footsteps of Buddha. As any shrine or place of worship is seen as a reflection of the Buddha’s footsteps, the Swastika gradually became a symbol denoting the presence of a Buddhist shrine. Today, this symbol is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and is synonymous with shrines and temples.

Other Similar Censorships in Naruto

The Swastika, with its holy origins, was an obvious choice for the Hyuga Clan's emblem as it symbolized their own interpretation of prosperity and well-being. Masashi Kishimoto, the author, drew inspiration from East Asian religions to incorporate various concepts into the series. The Cursed Seal was another example of Kishimoto's attempt to connect his work with real-world mythology, bringing depth and complexity to the narrative. However, misinterpretations across different cultures resulted in the unfortunate removal of this carefully designed element.

Anime adaptations often undergo censorship and alterations, particularly due to their extensive viewership. In anime, excessive violence and bloodshed are frequently subject to censorship, but specific changes tailored to each country are also common. Germany, known for its strict approach to children's programming, has implemented measures to remove any depiction of gore. Consequently, Naruto's release in Germany was heavily censored, resulting in the elimination of all references to death and murder.

The Uchiha Clan massacre was never directly mentioned, giving the impression that they were kidnapped rather than brutally killed. The final German dub removed all swords and weapons to ensure the scenes were suitable for children. In fact, the entire introduction of the Nine-Tailed Fox was cut out, as it was deemed too violent and frightening for young viewers. The strict censorship in Germany would not have allowed a Swastika symbol in the series, which could have resulted in a complete ban on the anime. Given these circumstances, the production studio's decision to alter the Cursed Seal was the only logical choice to cater to an eager yet sensitive audience.