Hokage

Hokage is the title given to the leader of Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village, in the Naruto manga and anime series. The term combines Japanese fire (火, hi) and shadow (影, kage). The Hokage serves as the village's chief political authority and its supreme military commander, responsible for the safety and welfare of its citizens and for setting policy on shinobi training and relations with other villages.

The Hokage typically resides in the Hokage Residence on the village's highest peak, and their office acts as the central hub of governance and strategy for Konohagakure. In addition to directing foreign and domestic policy, the Hokage commands the village's shinobi forces, oversees the Ninja Academy and medical corps, and represents the village in meetings with other factions.

There is no fixed constitutional process for selecting a Hokage. Succession has historically been decided by the village leadership and elder council, sometimes aided by the current Hokage’s designation or by consensus among senior shinobi. Candidates are usually powerful, respected ninjas, and the philosophy known as the Will of Fire guides leadership and loyalty to the village.

Notable holders include Hashirama Senju (First), Tobirama Senju (Second), Hiruzen Sarutobi (Third), Minato Namikaze (Fourth), Tsunade (Fifth), Kakashi Hatake (Sixth), and Naruto Uzumaki (Seventh). The title carries symbolic status within the village, and the Hokage Monument and the Will of Fire emphasize the duty to protect Konoha and its people.