According to the annual report of TV Tokyo Corporation, Naruto series is enjoying popularity around the world. As of the end of March 2008, Naruto has been published in 23 countries in manga format, broadcast in more than 60 countries, and related licensed merchandised sold in over 90 countries.

The annual report refers to Naruto as one of the most powerful content items in TV Tokyo along side Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! The numbers released in the report are evidence of the global popularity of the show. It is also indicated that Pokemon has been watched in 68 countries; however, Naruto has aired in almost the same number of countries as Pokemon in a short period of time.

TV Tokyo anime business is growing every year internationally in all segments, and titles contributing to the company’s financial results are Pokemon, Nartuo, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Bleach, and TV Tokyo plans to push and put major efforts on its flagship titles of the future, Blue Dragon and Gintama.

SOURCE: Tadashi Sudo (Anime! Anime!)