Sarutobi

Sarutobi is a Japanese term used as both a surname and, in some cases, as part of mythological or character names. The kanji are typically 猿飛, meaning “monkey leap” or “monkey fly.” In folklore and religion, the name appears in various forms and contexts, from deities to fictional characters.

In Shinto, Sarutobi no Ōkami (often written as Sarutae no Ōkami) is a kami associated with guidance, crossroads, and the initiation of journeys. He is featured in myths as a mediator and guide, most famously aiding the descent of Ninigi no Mikoto from the heavens to the earth and helping establish the divine settlement of Japan. The figure is emblematic of pathways and travel, and appears in various regional traditions and writings.

In Japanese folklore and literature, Sarutobi Sasuke is a legendary ninja celebrated for agility and élan. Appearing in Edo-period tales, kabuki, and later adaptations, he is commonly linked with the Iga or Kōga ninja traditions and has become a staple figure in popular culture as a skilled, elusive fighter.

In contemporary media, the surname Sarutobi is associated with notable fictional characters such as Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage in the Naruto franchise. As a political and military leader of the Hidden Leaf Village, he is depicted as a wise but sometimes stern mentor to younger generations, including Naruto Uzumaki.

As a surname, Sarutobi remains in use in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad. The name’s appearance across myth, folklore, and modern fiction reflects its enduring presence in Japanese cultural imagination.