Naruto Director Admits The Anime Pacing Feels Slow Today

Hayato Date, the director who brought the original Naruto and Naruto Shippuden to our screens, recently shared a very honest look at the series pacing. Speaking at a panel during Anime India in Mumbai, Date was asked about how he managed the timing and speed of the story while directing the massive hit. Looking back more than twenty years later, he admitted that some parts of the show feel surprisingly slow today.

Fans who grew up watching Naruto will likely remember the frequent recap episodes, long flashbacks, and extended stare downs during major battles. Date explained that the pacing felt right and standard at the time of production. However, he noted that Japanese animation has changed considerably since then, with many modern anime series moving through their source material at a much faster speed.

This nostalgic look behind the scenes gives us a great appreciation for how the industry has evolved over the decades. While modern viewers might prefer a quicker pace, the classic style allowed us to spend years growing alongside Naruto, Sasuke, and the rest of the unforgettable cast.