Does Anyone Realize: Choza Akimichi’s Purple Robe and Its Significance?

The enigmatic characters in the legendary anime 'Naruto' often carry secrets hidden within their outfits and accessories. One such mystery surrounds Choza Akimichi’s choice of a purple robe, a style also seen with other Jounin instructors like Orochimaru during the time of Kakashi Hatake’s generation.

A Yonin Generation of Instructors

During Kakashi’s youth, a generation of Jounin instructors emerged, including notable figures such as Orochimaru, Choza Akimichi, and the future Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. These teachers included:

Team Minato: Minato Namikaze, with pupils Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, and Rin Nohara. Team Choza: Choza Akimichi, with pupils young Ebisu, Might Guy, and Genma Shiranui. Team Orochimaru: Orochimaru, with pupils Anko Mitarashi and potentially others. Team Tsunade: Tsunade, with pupils Shizune and two unconfirmed members. Team Tokara: Unidentified Jounin leader, with pupils Tokara Ibiki Morino, Hayate Gekko, and two others. Team Raido: Raido Namiashi, with pupils Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuuhi, and young Aoba Yamashiro. Team Aoba: Young Aoba Yamashiro, with unconfirmed information on other members like Tonbo Tobitake, Iwashi Tatami, Mozuku, and young Iruka Umino.

This generation of Jounin teachers shared an era and a certain style, making the outfits and accessories of these characters intriguing points of discussion among fans and enthusiasts.

Purple Robe: A Symbol or a Shimenawa?

A frequent question revolves around Choza’s purple robe and why it resembles the attire worn by some of Orochimaru’s subordinates, like Sasuke. Initially, many wondered if this similarity held any deeper meaning or if Choza’s choice of fashion was influenced by Orochimaru’s presence and former affiliation with Sound Village.

Is the Purple Robe a Sign of Orochimaru’s Influence?

This speculation is fueled by the fact that both Choza and Orochimaru were active Jounin instructors at the time when Kakashi and his peers were training under them. Some fans proposed that Choza might have adopted the style due to his previous work with Orochimaru, even before his permanent departure from Sound Village.

Shimenawa: A Time-Honored Tradition

However, the mystery of Choza’s purple robe can be dispelled by an understanding of its true meaning. According to the Shinto religion, the purple obi belt is actually referred to as a Shimenawa, a symbol used inShinto rituals and festivals.

The Shimenawa is often seen in shrines and is used to mark sacred areas, as well as sumo wrestlers, who are known for wearing these belts during their matches. In the context of 'Naruto', this implies that both Choza’s and Orochimaru’s use of such attire is more about branding and tradition rather than any hidden allegiance or connection.

Hidden Grass’s Original Look

Interestingly, even before Orochimaru “snatched away” their faces and gave Grass ninja their distinctive appearance, they originally wore purple robes, much like Team Shiroe. This further confirms that the purple attire is not exclusive to Sound or Orochimaru, but rather a part of the Grass Village’s tradition.

Further Evidence from Manga and Anime

Additional support for this interpretation can be found in the 'Naruto Shippuden: Blood Prison' movie, which features characters wearing similar robes to those worn by Grass ninjas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the choice of clothing for Jounin instructors like Choza and Orochimaru in 'Naruto' may initially seem mysterious or symbolic, there is a simple and logical explanation. Choza’s purple robe is a part of his personal style and an homage to the Shumenawa and sumo traditions, rather than a sign of allegiance to Orochimaru or the Sound Village.

Understanding these cultural references not only deepens our appreciation of the show but also enriches our enjoyment of the vast and detailed world of 'Naruto'.