Chōji Akimichi is one of the main supporting characters in the ‘Naruto’ and ‘Boruto: Naruto Next Generations’ anime and manga series. He is one of Naruto’s best friends, and a member of the Akimichi clan of Konohagakure.
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Much to every character and fan’s relief, Chōji does not die in the Naruto series. He’s had a few close calls, but thankfully has made it through each and every time.
Who Is Chōji?
Chōji was born into the Akimichi clan of Konohagakure on May 1. Though he is now a chūnin-level shinobi, Chōji was often berated and bullied as a child, being told that he was no good at the common child’s game ‘Ninja’ and that any team he was put on was bound to lose.
Thankfully, Shikamaru Nara stood up for Chōji, trying to ensure that he wasn’t left out of the game like the other children had wanted. Though this didn’t work in the end and Chōji was indeed left out of the game, it sowed the seeds for a lifelong friendship between Shikamaru and Chōji.
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This blossoming friendship was further strengthened by Shikamaru joining Chōji on the roof of a building, where Chōji was sadly speaking to his father about how the other children treated him.
Chōji and Shikamaru watched the clouds together, and Chōji shared his chips with him (food is a key element in Chōji’s relationships and friendships).
While in the Academy, Chōji was often in trouble for eating in class. Alongside this, he would cut class with Shikamaru, Kiba Inuzuka and Naruto Uzumaki – leading them all to get into trouble many times. These activities cemented a firm friendship between the characters though, which would last throughout their lives.
In later times, Chōji would become a member of Team Asuma, consisting of Chōji, Shikamaru and Ino.
What Is Team Asuma?
Team Asuma (also known as Team 10) is comprised of Chōji, Shikamaru and Ino and was led by Asuma Sarutobi. They all shared a very close bond.
All three team members are very talented warriors and skilled at teamwork – aside from some occasional bickering! The team’s leader, Asuma, was tragically killed in the series and though the team is still thought to be active, they are now without a permanent leader.
The team have gone on a number of missions, such as capturing Baji (a bandit leader), rescuing Kosuke from a group of Iwa shinobi, and hunting Akatsuki.
Asuma was killed by the Akatsuki member Hidan, and the team swore to avenge his death. Tsunade, a central character of Naruto, was concerned for their safety however, and this resulted in the mission being led by Kakashi, another shinobi.
The mission was a success, and they defeated Hidan.
What Is Chōji Like?
Chōji is a very kind, caring and polite person. He suffered with a severe lack of self-confidence in his earlier years, and was very sensitive to anyone calling him “fat”.
He was able to overcome these issues, however food still plays a central role in his life and values. Food can make him overreact to things, and Chōji may sometimes frustrate his teammates as eating can come first before other necessities like stealth or strategy.
As a man, Chōji is laid back and jovial. He is a loving husband to his wife Karui, and an adoring father to his daughter Chōchō.
What Does Chōji Look Like?
Chōji has spiky brown hair, with swirl marks on his cheeks. Like all of the Akimichi clan, he is robustly built.
Initially, Chōji wore black shorts, a white scarf, a short-sleeved green haori over a shirt with his clan’s kanji for ‘food’ on it, small hoop earrings and bandages on his legs and forearms. Like many other characters in their youth, Chōji also wore a forehead protector.
Later on in the series, Chōji’s hair has grown to his waist and he has changed his hoop earring to studs gifted to him by Asuma. He wears a red suit with plated armor; standard attire for the shinobi of his clan.
The kanji for food is still emblazoned on his chest armor. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Chōji wears the Konohakagure flak jacket over his attire.
What Are Chōji’s Abilities?
Despite Chōji’s low self confidence, he is incredibly strong, like most members of the Akimichi clan. He (along with those of his clan) possesses the ability to convert the calories he consumes into chakra – hence his insatiable appetite and heavier physique.
He can perform the ‘Multi-Size Technique’ (allowing him to expand his body and grow hugely in size), and thus perform the ‘Human Bullet Tank’ to mow down his opponents.
Using the ‘Three Coloured Pills’, Chōji can convert his own body fat into chakra; enhancing his physical attributes. These pills are dangerous and can even cause death to the user, and so are considered by the clan to be a last resort. Chōji has fallen victim to their dangers before, but thankfully recovered and returned to full health.
In the anime, Chōji is recognized as the strongest man on Konohagakure. This feels especially satisfying considering how insecure Chōji was as a child about his athletic abilities.
Where Is Chōji Now?
Chōji appeared in many episodes of the Naruto anime and manga, and now appears in the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime and manga.
Chōji marries Karui, a kunoichi from Kumogakure, and has a daughter with her named Chōchō.
