4869 replies to this topic

[MagusKyros]

sasusaku is the big time fav in japan.
quite far behind that but in second is our all time fave narusaku.
naruhina actually has a very limited following in japan.

if ya really wanna talk parings yaoi has a cult following down there

Hmm? I thought NaruSaku is the most popular in Japan right now.

[catsi563]

Hmm? I thought NaruSaku is the most popular in Japan right now.

As did I last I heard Narusaku was in the lead.

[naruto_han]

As did I last I heard Narusaku was in the lead.

mmm maybe its just the last i heard sasusaku was, meh if narusaku is all the better.

[Nick Soapdish]

I hadn't ever heard that NaruSaku was in the lead in Japan (among the het pairings even - I assume we're not counting NaruSasu or KakaIru). I thought that we'd always trailed by quite a bit over there.

[naruto_han]

I hadn't ever heard that NaruSaku was in the lead in Japan (among the het pairings even - I assume we're not counting NaruSasu or KakaIru). I thought that we'd always trailed by quite a bit over there.

so have i and i did mention the yaoi, i am still positive that sasusaku was still the most popular het by far. its really the only reason i think sasusaku has a chance still. the recent stint about sasuke is cause fans and producers were ranting that they wanted more of it.whos to say it would not happen again

[Derock]

so have i and i did mention the yaoi, i am still positive that sasusaku was still the most popular het by far. its really the only reason i think sasusaku has a chance still. the recent stint about sasuke is cause fans and producers were ranting that they wanted more of it.whos to say it would not happen again

I don't know how SasuSaku is still the most popular when there hasn't been any moments in like almost 200 chapters after 181.

[SakuNaruLover]

Probably a lot of die-hard fans who won't give up on their favourite pairing no matter what.

[Nick Soapdish]

I don't know how SasuSaku is still the most popular when there hasn't been any moments in like almost 200 chapters after 181.

They liked that moment that much. (183 would've qualified to keep me a NaruSaku fan for a couple hundred chapters even without future growth, although it would've been tough if they had interaction without growth.)

Maybe they're just a fan of that kind of pairing.

Or maybe they don't care that much either way so it's not a big deal which happens and a long layover isn't a bother.

[Derock]

They liked that moment that much. (183 would've qualified to keep me a NaruSaku fan for a couple hundred chapters even without future growth, although it would've been tough if they had interaction without growth.)

Maybe they're just a fan of that kind of pairing.

Or maybe they don't care that much either way so it's not a big deal which happens and a long layover isn't a bother.

Of course they liked it. It was the huge moment for them. The "I love you" part is actually the part they loved (to us is call desperation) which make them believe that the pairing will happen. While at our end, it means that the pairing was shot down.

[True]

I don't know how SasuSaku is still the most popular when there hasn't been any moments in like almost 200 chapters after 181.

Excluding yaoi ones where KksIru is the top pairing followed by NaruSasu, SasuSaku is the top one last time I read.

I believe it's because it fits the the traditional Japanese relationship of Authoritative Male/Passive female. Relationships where the males are in charge and the woman is more of a follower. In Japan the family is really patriarchal and the wife has to walk three steps behind her husband. So they can want those kind of relationships such as SasuSaku or NaruHina (though I'm not sure of NaruHina as I read that it isn't popular there like it is in the U.S.). Also, Sasuke is one of the most popular characters in Japan so that plays a role as well.

But Shonen mangakas are trying to change that with strong male/strong female relationships where both people are on equal terms.

Though it might change in Japan because the anime has started to show NaruSaku hints and those who don't read the manga and only watch the anime may start to see it differently. They did finally get finished with all those fillers and now have seen Sakura's development and show she still isn't infatuated with Sasuke (especially when the latest episodes come out and we have Team 7's reunion).

I'm not sure how they know what the popularities are in Japan. I just use Google search and fanfiction to see:

Google
SasuSaku: 593,000 results
NaruHina: 583,000 results
NaruSaku: 340,000 results

Fanfiction:
SasuSaku: 448 pages
NaruHina: 188 pages
NaruSaku: 114 pages

Though the results will change when people start to watch the fillers and those who switch to subs or manga.

Edited by TrueSalvation, 03 March 2008 - 07:46 PM.

[Jenskott]

The "I love you" part is actually the part they loved (to us is call desperation) which make them believe that the pairing will happen. While at our end, it means that the pairing was shot down.

Most definitely.

Why getting Sakura confessing her love -I didn't know she was hidding it- if Kishimoto didn't plan getting them together? Very simple: for getting Sakura rejected for good.

Think about it: since the beginning of the manga, Sakura had been reevaluating her opinions about her teammates. Naruto wasn't the ruthless prankster and useless idiot she thought he was. Sasuke wasn't either the incredible shinobi she thought he was (Do you remember her shout in the Forest? Naruto is a disaster, but at least he isn't a coward). She already knows he is cold, moody and he never trusts them nor tells them anything.

Then she confess her love... And he proves he puts his wishes and needs above her.

The next day she looks for Naruto because she knows she can trust him... and he proves he has always understood her, supported her, and he puts her wellfare and her happiness above his.

Later, when Ino and she were to the hospital, Sakura tells she'll visit Naruto first. And from that moment, she has never thought exclusively about Sasuke, IIRC. It's always Sasuke and Naruto, saving them both, reuniting Team 7, crying over one Team Seven photo...

Moreover, back in the hospital she told Naruto it cared no longer. She told Sai Sasuke was "their friend". When Kabuto told Naruto he had to face reality, she shouted he knew nothing about how Naruto felt. When Naruto was being consumed by the demon, she told she'd save Sasuke-kun for him...

Those are the facts, not my speculations.

So, sincerely, I think that scene was written for forcing to Sakura to give up her love for Sasuke and move on.

Or perhaps I'm absolutely wrong, and she's still in love with Sasuke.

[AchikaMiyu]

I think the whole appeal of Sasusaku and even yaoi for that matter is the whole concept of unattainable or forbidden love. Some people like the idea of the love that tries to transcend different obstacles. They think that if it can do that then the relationship is a sure-fire winner.

For example, Sasusaku fans want Sasuke and Sakura to rekindle their "feelings" after having been distanced by time, Orochimaru and various other factors. They see the relationship as this superficial thing that they want them both to grasp. There are so many obstacles in their way the relationship seems impossible to actually happen, but the idea of it working and overcoming those obstacles are supposed to make it worthwhile. If they were to see Sasuke come back, sweep Sakura off her feet then they feel vindicated because their love held strong despite everything that happened. I think another mentality is that Sasuke is a good looking guy so why not pair up the good looking guy with the good looking girl (and frankly that's how most fandom pairings work).

The popularity of yaoi has the same sort of principles. There's that forbidden love factor and the obstacles that both guys need to overcome. Also, a lot of girls think that seeing two cute guys making out is hot . Though I'm not personally a yaoi fangirl, even I have to admit that the shot of a naked Sasuke and Sai in that intimate pose was drool-worthy material. Does that mean I want to see them in a relationship? Heck no! But the thought of it does make me grin a bit and that's where I think a lot of the Sasusaku fans and yaoi fans are coming from.

On the other hand, Narusaku is the type of relationship you could see a real-life married couple having in their younger days. It's built on the sort of foundations that make for a happy relationship that lasts. It's not as appealing for those who want to see more of that forbidden love or love after overcoming huge obstacles because Naruto and Sakura don't have that sort of baggage. The only obstacle that they face is with the Kyuubi. Another thing is that Sakura and Naruto are friends and they generally get along with each other. There's no tension because of distance or feeling that they can't be together because of gender, ditching Konoha or attempts to kill crazy kin. It's probably because Narusaku seems so safe and more based on how real relationships develop that people don't favor it as much.

Fans are in it for the fantasy, not the reality. They'll go for the pairing not because it's more real to them, but because they think it's hotter.

[naruto_han]

I think the whole appeal of Sasusaku and even yaoi for that matter is the whole concept of unattainable or forbidden love. Some people like the idea of the love that tries to transcend different obstacles. They think that if it can do that then the relationship is a sure-fire winner.

For example, Sasusaku fans want Sasuke and Sakura to rekindle their "feelings" after having been distanced by time, Orochimaru and various other factors. They see the relationship as this superficial thing that they want them both to grasp. There are so many obstacles in their way the relationship seems impossible to actually happen, but the idea of it working and overcoming those obstacles are supposed to make it worthwhile. If they were to see Sasuke come back, sweep Sakura off her feet then they feel vindicated because their love held strong despite everything that happened. I think another mentality is that Sasuke is a good looking guy so why not pair up the good looking guy with the good looking girl (and frankly that's how most fandom pairings work).

The popularity of yaoi has the same sort of principles. There's that forbidden love factor and the obstacles that both guys need to overcome. Also, a lot of girls think that seeing two cute guys making out is hot . Though I'm not personally a yaoi fangirl, even I have to admit that the shot of a naked Sasuke and Sai in that intimate pose was drool-worthy material. Does that mean I want to see them in a relationship? Heck no! But the thought of it does make me grin a bit and that's where I think a lot of the Sasusaku fans and yaoi fans are coming from.

On the other hand, Narusaku is the type of relationship you could see a real-life married couple having in their younger days. It's built on the sort of foundations that make for a happy relationship that lasts. It's not as appealing for those who want to see more of that forbidden love or love after overcoming huge obstacles because Naruto and Sakura don't have that sort of baggage. The only obstacle that they face is with the Kyuubi. Another thing is that Sakura and Naruto are friends and they generally get along with each other. There's no tension because of distance or feeling that they can't be together because of gender, ditching Konoha or attempts to kill crazy kin. It's probably because Narusaku seems so safe and more based on how real relationships develop that people don't favor it as much.

Fans are in it for the fantasy, not the reality. They'll go for the pairing not because it's more real to them, but because they think it's hotter.

great point, often it is appeal and the attractiveness of the pair. just look at avatar (yes i know its an english based anime) zuko and katara had one very tiny moment and its popularity shot through the roof. katara and aang have even kissed and zutaras popularity is still way bigger. some pfans still hold that zutara can happen in the last ten episodes. so no just because a paring is most probable wont make it most popular.narusaku has been gaining support slowly but surely.

Edited by naruto_han, 04 March 2008 - 12:33 AM.

[descentfighter]

I can definitely understand the appeal of the whole forbidden and/or very difficult love, and thus the popularity it receives, and it can be understood that many people are looking for or enjoy seeing this when it comes the Manga stories they read. Thus, I can understand why there is such a prevalence of fan fiction for these pairings. The lack of actual material pointing to SasuSaku and especially any Yaoi pairing allow for much more freedom and room for imagination when writing stories. I mean sure fan fic authors can pick and choose cannon content when writing but honestly for those with a real creative imaginations and who are aware of everything in the story till now, how many of those people want to write about what is probably going to happen in some shape or form as evidenced by the story. Alot of people wont see the fun in that (although I sure do ). NaruSaku definitely wouldn't be bucking any trends in being a relationship that is different, unanticipated, or "out of the blue" but for a Shonen Manga Series I feel it breaks new ground among most popular series in providing a well done depiction of the development and maturation of lifelong friendship and love between two very well made characters (and yes I hated whiny, do nothing early volumes/eps Sakura a lot, I'm not too biased ) that when(if) the realization of their true relationship comes to pass it will be an enjoyable and pleasant experience for the readers rather than something that was expected and predestined like a lot of hero gets girl stories can be.

Again just my opinion, go easy on me

[Fruits Basket Fan]

The only thing that annoys me sometimes is when people actually think that a "Thank you" means love.....

I guess, Sakura saying "Thank you" to Naruto at the same place (two chapters after 181) and her going all emotional and finding out she was wrong on pre-judging Naruto in the beginning....means "I love you" as well....*sarcasm*

Edited by Fruits Basket Fan, 05 March 2008 - 01:26 PM.

[roninmedia]

Maybe I'm missing the point here, but I don't really see evidence of Sasuke loving Sakura. I mean, I've seen some of the arguments:

1) Sasuke complimenting her genjutsu during the Chunnin Exam
2) The Forest of Death, asking who hurt her
3) The Gaara Fight
4) "Thank You"
5) Sasuke wasn't trying to kill Sakura during the reunion

I just don't see Sasuke coming back and saying he loved Sakura all that time but held it in because he needed to kill Itachi first and Sakura accepting and happily ever after.

Edited by roninmedia, 05 March 2008 - 05:03 PM.

[catsi563]

1) Sasuke complimenting her genjutsu during the Chunnin Exam

YEs he did. But if you read back a bit he was the one who made her feel depressed in the first place by comparing her to naruto, and saying she was below Narutos abilites.

2) The Forest of Death, asking who hurt her

A good question but he said it with no conscern in his voice, instead it was as an excuse to test himself.

3) The Gaara Fight

The closest to a legitamte argument for feelings but still not there. The context in this case was as a teamate. Not a love interest.

4) "Thank You"

Still cant believe people are stupid enough to argue this. The Thank you was ambiguous at best. At worst he was playing with ehr feelings to get her to drop her guard. Ill be nice to sasuke and say he was thnking her as a comerade and friend for caring but thats it.

5) Sasuke wasn't trying to kill Sakura during the reunion

Oh man people are clueless arent they. IF he wasnt then why did Yamato feel the need to take a sword to the shoulder for her. HE even said that Sasukes Eyes were dangerous. If he hadnt intervened Sakura may very well have lost her life.

And on top of it. For this epic love that Sasusaku peopel claim is there. What does their Hero say to their Heroine after nearly 3 years apart. A grand wopping total of 2 words before he never looks at ehr again except as hes about to run a sword through her.

"Sakura huh."


Sheesh oh baby take me away and make me yours. Yeah I want that type of relationship in my life. Even the conept of forbidden love is blown out of proportion in the debate. They cant even claim to have actually held any spark to begin with unlike other so called forbidden loves in the past.

HELL!! I am a huge Kataang fan, and even I'll grant that Zutara Fans actually have more basis for Zutara then Sasusaku and Naruhina fans have for their pairing.

And you know the Stupid things is They wont ever Admit that Sakura was never In love with Sasuke in the first place. She was inlove with the idealized version that Naruto put in her head with that bloody forehead compliment he gave her while transformed into Sasuke.

[Fruits Basket Fan]

"Did not stab her".....Oh my.....He was about to charge her with his sword....he was going to toward Naruto as well (until Sai interrupted)......

[Nate River]

Still cant believe people are stupid enough to argue this. The Thank you was ambiguous at best. At worst he was playing with ehr feelings to get her to drop her guard. Ill be nice to sasuke and say he was thnking her as a comerade and friend for caring but thats it.

Oh man people are clueless arent they. IF he wasnt then why did Yamato feel the need to take a sword to the shoulder for her. HE even said that Sasukes Eyes were dangerous. If he hadnt intervened Sakura may very well have lost her life.


And you know the Stupid things is They wont ever Admit that Sakura was never In love with Sasuke in the first place. She was inlove with the idealized version that Naruto put in her head with that bloody forehead compliment he gave her while transformed into Sasuke.

Do not bash the poster.

A warning to all people posting in this thread: on the previous page both Nick and myself warned about bashing. The next person to do so will be warned.

[catsi563]

Do not bash the poster.

A warning to all people posting in this thread: on the previous page both Nick and myself warned about bashing. The next person to do so will be warned.

Wasnt bashing the poster. I apologize if it seemd i was but context cna be hard to come by in a written as opposed to a spoken post. The reply was catered more to answer the questions as opposed to "bashing" the poster.

:thumbs: