Why Do The Akatsuki Paint Their Nails In Naruto?
If you’re an anime fan, you’ve probably noticed the mysterious group known as the Akatsuki and their signature painted fingernails in Naruto. With their dark cloaks decorated with red clouds and colorful nails, the Akatsuki members certainly stand out with their unusual style.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Akatsuki paint their nails to represent their membership in the group. The different colors symbolize each member’s individuality and role within the criminal organization.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the reasons and symbolism behind the Akatsuki’s nail art to help Naruto fans understand this intriguing aspect of the powerful shinobi group.
The History and Purpose of the Akatsuki
The Akatsuki, a notorious organization in the Naruto series, has intrigued fans with their mysterious appearance and unique fashion sense. One element of their appearance that stands out is their painted nails.
While it may seem like a minor detail, the reason behind the Akatsuki members painting their nails is rooted in their history and purpose.
Formed as a Mercenary Group
The Akatsuki was initially formed as a mercenary group composed of rogue ninjas who had abandoned their respective villages. These individuals were highly skilled and sought-after for their abilities. As a way to distinguish themselves from other ninjas and to showcase their unity as a group, the Akatsuki members began painting their nails with a specific pattern.
Each member of the Akatsuki has a unique nail design that represents their individuality and serves as a symbol of their allegiance to the organization. The intricate patterns often feature a combination of colors and shapes, adding to the mystique of the group.
Goal to Capture Tailed Beasts
The primary goal of the Akatsuki is to capture the powerful creatures known as Tailed Beasts. These creatures possess immense chakra and are regarded as valuable weapons. The Akatsuki members believe that by capturing all the Tailed Beasts, they can gain control over the world and reshape it according to their vision.
The painted nails of the Akatsuki serve as a visual representation of their mission to capture the Tailed Beasts. The colors used in their nail designs often correspond to the Tailed Beasts they are targeting.
For example, members pursuing the Nine-Tailed Fox may have nails painted in shades of orange, representing the fox’s fiery chakra.
Recruited Missing-Nin Rogue Ninjas
In their pursuit of power and the Tailed Beasts, the Akatsuki actively recruited missing-nin rogue ninjas. These individuals were often skilled fighters who had abandoned their villages for various reasons.
By joining the Akatsuki, these missing-nin gained access to a network of like-minded individuals and resources to further their goals.
The painted nails of the Akatsuki also served as a means of identification. When encountering other rogue ninjas or potential recruits, the nail designs acted as a secret code, allowing members to recognize each other without explicitly revealing their allegiance to the organization.
Reasons for the Akatsuki’s Painted Nails
Shows Membership and Unity
One of the main reasons why the Akatsuki members paint their nails is to show their membership and unity within the organization. Each member of the Akatsuki has a distinct red cloud symbol on their cloak, and painting their nails with the same red shade further emphasizes their belonging to the group.
It serves as a visual identifier and signifies their commitment to the Akatsuki’s cause. The nail polish acts as a subtle yet powerful way for the members to showcase their unity and loyalty to one another.
Represents Individuality
While the Akatsuki members share a common goal, they also value their individuality. The painted nails are a way for each member to express their unique personality and style. Each member has their own nail design and color, allowing them to stand out and be easily recognized.
This emphasis on individuality adds depth and complexity to the characters, showcasing their diverse backgrounds and motivations. It also serves as a reminder that despite being part of a group, each member is their own person with their own story.
Inspired by Kishimoto’s Art Style
The decision to give the Akatsuki members painted nails was influenced by Masashi Kishimoto’s distinctive art style. Kishimoto is known for his attention to detail and unique character designs. The painted nails not only add visual interest to the characters but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of the series.
Kishimoto’s artistic choices, including the Akatsuki’s painted nails, have helped make the Naruto series visually compelling and memorable.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Each Member’s Nail Color
Itachi Uchiha – Deep Red
Itachi Uchiha, one of the most enigmatic members of the Akatsuki, is known for his deep red nail color. This color holds a significant meaning in terms of Itachi’s character and role within the organization.
Deep red symbolizes blood, which represents the countless lives Itachi has taken in his mission to protect the Leaf Village. The red nails also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices he has made for the greater good.
Kisame Hoshigaki – Dark Blue
Kisame Hoshigaki, the shark-like member of the Akatsuki, sports dark blue nails. This color choice aligns with his aquatic nature and reflects his affinity for water-based jutsu. Dark blue is often associated with depth and mystery, mirroring Kisame’s enigmatic personality.
The color also represents the calm and collected nature of the character, despite his intimidating appearance.
Deidara – Teal
Deidara, the explosives expert of the Akatsuki, opts for a teal nail color. Teal is a vibrant and energetic shade that represents creativity and self-expression. Deidara’s choice of this color reflects his artistic nature and his explosive clay creations.
It symbolizes his passion for creating beauty through destruction and his desire to make a lasting impact on the world.
Sasori – Purple
Sasori, the master puppeteer of the Akatsuki, chooses a purple nail color. Purple is often associated with power, wisdom, and mystery. This color represents Sasori’s profound knowledge and skill in manipulating puppets, as well as his hidden agenda and true intentions.
The purple nails serve as a constant reminder of his cunning and strategic nature.
Hidan – Black
Hidan, the immortal zealot of the Akatsuki, paints his nails black. Black is a color often associated with darkness, death, and rebellion. This nail color reflects Hidan’s morbid and sadistic personality, as well as his obsession with pain and sacrifice.
The black nails serve as a visual representation of his twisted beliefs and his connection to the Jashin religion.
Kakuzu – Dark Green
Kakuzu, the money-driven member of the Akatsuki, sports dark green nails. Dark green symbolizes wealth, growth, and ambition. This color choice represents Kakuzu’s greed and his relentless pursuit of money and power.
It also reflects his longevity and ability to regenerate, as green is often associated with vitality and renewal.
Konan – White
Konan, the only female member of the Akatsuki, opts for a clean and pure white nail color. White is often associated with innocence, purity, and peace. Konan’s choice of this color reflects her role as a peacemaker within the organization.
It also symbolizes her loyalty to her friends and her desire for a better world.
Pain/Nagato – Light Purple
Pain, also known as Nagato, the leader of the Akatsuki, chooses a light purple nail color. Light purple is often associated with spirituality, wisdom, and power. This color reflects Pain’s god-like status and his strong belief in creating a world free from pain and suffering.
The light purple nails serve as a symbol of his authority and his desire to bring about a new era.
Zetsu – Green
Zetsu, the mysterious and dual-natured member of the Akatsuki, paints his nails green. Green symbolizes nature, balance, and duality. This color choice represents Zetsu’s connection to the natural world and his ability to blend into his surroundings.
The green nails also symbolize his split personality and the contrasting traits of his light and dark sides.
The Akatsuki’s Distinctive Style Reflects Their Identities
The members of the Akatsuki, a notorious group of rogue ninjas in the Naruto series, are known for their distinctive style, which includes painting their nails. This seemingly small detail actually holds significant meaning and reflects the identities of the individual members.
Intimidating and Fierce Appearance
The Akatsuki members’ decision to paint their nails is part of their overall intimidating and fierce appearance. The bold colors and intricate designs on their nails serve to visually enhance their menacing presence.
It adds an element of style to their already formidable aura, making them even more imposing to their enemies. This attention to detail in their appearance showcases their dedication to projecting power and instilling fear.
Underground Organization of Rogues
The Akatsuki is an underground organization made up of rogue ninjas who have abandoned their respective villages. Their decision to paint their nails is a way for them to establish a sense of unity and identity within the group.
Each member has their own unique nail design, symbolizing their individuality and personal journeys. This distinction helps them stand out from the rest of the ninja world and further solidifies their status as rebels against the established order.
Visual Metaphor for Corruption
Furthermore, the nail painting tradition of the Akatsuki can be seen as a visual metaphor for corruption. In the Naruto universe, the Akatsuki seeks to harness the power of tailed beasts and disrupt the balance of the ninja world.
By painting their nails, they symbolize the corruption that has taken hold of them. It serves as a reminder that power can corrupt individuals and lead them down a dark path.
Conclusion
The Akatsuki’s custom of painting their nails may seem like a trivial detail, but it carries deeper meaning about the group’s formation, motivations, and members. Their bold nail colors represent their unity as an organization, as well as each shinobi’s distinct personality and abilities.
When seeing the Akatsuki in Naruto, the symbolic significance of their manicures provides insight into who they are as dangerous criminals operating in the shadows.
