The Naruto universe, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is renowned for its elaborate and unique power system, notably the Kekkei Genkai—rare genetic abilities that imbue certain characters with extraordinary powers. Among these, Boruto Uzumaki’s mysterious Jougan Eye has become one of the most intriguing and debated abilities within the anime and manga community. This article explores everything known about the Jougan, from its origins and powers to its place in Naruto’s expansive lore.
What is Boruto’s Jougan Eye?
The Jougan (also spelled Jōgan), meaning “Pure Eye,” is a unique d4jutsu, or ocular technique, attributed to Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga. This eye ability stands apart from the well-known Sharingan, Rinnegan, or Byakugan and has sparked considerable controversy and curiosity due to its ambiguous canon status in the franchise.
The Origins and Canonical Status of the Jougan
One of the biggest questions for fans in the West and worldwide is whether Masashi Kishimoto or Mikio Ikemoto have definitively confirmed the Jougan as canon in the official Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga. Despite appearances in episode #15 and episode #125 of the anime, there remains no explicit confirmation that the Jougan is officially recognized within the manga continuity.
Some rumors circulated after a 2024 event in Paris (KONOHA EXPERIENCE), where Kishimoto and Ikemoto illustrated Naruto and Boruto in real-time during a Q&A session. However, the Jougan was never mentioned, and no direct evidence emerged to affirm its canonical status in manga form.
Interestingly, though, the character Urashiki Otsutsuki acknowledges the Jougan in a non-filler episode of the anime, which does provide a form of anime-canon acknowledgment. Still, the lack of confirmation in manga has left fans in a state of speculation.
Connection with the Hyuga Clan and Byakugan
Kishimoto has hinted previously—in a 2014 interview marking the release of The Last: Naruto the Movie—that he had once contemplated endowing Naruto and Hinata’s children with the Byakugan. Hinata, as a Hyuga clan member, naturally carries that trait. Boruto exhibits some traits of the Byakugan, as seen in chapters #44 and #57 of the manga, especially after activating his Kāma, a separate power.
However, the appearance of Boruto’s eye differs from the traditional Byakugan. His special eye lacks the pronounced veins that typically emerge around the Hyuga’s Byakugan when activated, though it retains a white sclera, unlike the anime depiction. This inconsistency has confused many fans who speculate whether the Jougan is a unique evolution or a hybrid ocular technique.
The Abilities of the Jougan Eye
Though not fully explained, the Jougan is believed to possess several impressive abilities:
- Dimensional Awareness: The Jougan allows Boruto to perceive and track changes in the dimensional fabric, seeing through invisible portals and the presence of Otsutsuki clan members crossing dimensions.
- Chakra Detection: Similar to the Byakugan, the Jougan can identify and visualize chakra flow in its surroundings, but appears to function with greater precision and range.
- Enemy Weakness Detection: It can pinpoint targets’ weaknesses and disruptions in their chakra, making Boruto more effective in battle strategy and combat.
These abilities make the Jougan a potentially game-changing power within the Naruto universe, becoming one of Boruto’s signature traits and helping define his unique legacy.
Latest Developments: Boruto Two Blue Vortex
In the recent manga series Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, specifically chapter #28, Boruto faces significant challenges as he grapples with the influence of Momoshiki Otsutsuki. Although Boruto’s injured eye remains hidden in this chapter—as fans might recall from the very first episode of the anime and manga—it remains a vital element in the unfolding story.
Fans eagerly anticipate chapter #29, expected to reveal Boruto’s special eye once again, potentially shedding more light on the Jougan’s true nature and powers as Boruto continues his journey.
The Legacy of Kekkei Genkai in Naruto and Boruto
The Naruto franchise has long showcased the impact of Kekkei Genkai—unique inherited abilities that distinguish certain clans and characters. The Sharingan, Rinnegan, and Byakugan all play pivotal roles in the series’ mythology and plot. Boruto’s Jougan eye, while still a subject of debate, continues this tradition by potentially expanding on the genetic and spiritual legacy of the Otsutsuki and Hyuga bloodlines.
Conclusion
The Jougan Eye remains one of the most mysterious and compelling elements in the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations story. While questions about its canonical status and complete abilities persist, its unique connection to dimensional awareness and chakra sensing sets it apart from other known Kekkei Genkai. As the manga and anime continue to evolve, fans look forward to further revelations about this enigmatic d4jutsu and its impact on Boruto’s destiny and the wider Naruto universe. Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more at keeperfacts.com.
