There’s A Real-Life Inspiration For Nen In Hunter x Hunter

Nen in Hunter x Hunter isn’t just another anime power; it’s deeply inspired by real-life concepts like Qi from Chinese traditions and Chakra from Indian philosophy. That’s what makes it so different from most other anime. It feels real, logical, and meaningful.

Instead of just powering up through emotions, Hunter x Hunter shows how energy control comes from discipline, focus, and self-awareness. It has rules, stages, and even personality types. But the most interesting part is how much it reflects real-world beliefs about energy, like Qi and Chakra. Togashi clearly did his research, and it shows in every part of the story.

Watch our YouTube Short to find out about the real-life inspiration for Nen in Hunter x Hunter.

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Nen, Qi, And Chakra: Energy You Can’t See

Nen is the idea of controlling your life energy, and that’s very similar to Qi (also spelled Chi), which is a traditional Chinese concept. Qi is believed to be a life force that flows through your body and keeps you healthy and balanced. Chakra, from Indian beliefs, is also about energy, but it focuses on spiritual centers in the body, like energy points that connect your body and mind.

In Hunter x Hunter, the idea of opening aura nodes to let Nen flow is a lot like opening Chakras to allow spiritual energy to move freely. Both systems believe that mastering your energy gives you more control over your life. That’s why Nen users train so hard: to reach the same kind of balance and power that Qi and Chakra training aim for in real life.

Real-Life Training Behind Nen In Hunter x Hunter

Nen training is broken into steps: Ten (defense), Zetsu (hiding), Ren (strengthening), and Hatsu (expression). These stages need patience, mental focus, and strong willpower. This is very close to how people train in meditation, martial arts, or yoga to control their Qi or awaken their Chakras.

Just like Chakra and Qi, Nen in Hunter x Hunter is about knowing yourself and being in tune with your mind and body. Even the six Nen types (Enhancer, Emitter, Transmuter, etc.) are kind of like how different Chakras or Qi flows can affect your personality, behavior, and how your energy works best. Yoshihiro Togashi didn’t create Nen out of thin air. He took inspiration from ancient wisdom that people have followed for thousands of years.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 2011	9.03	Madhouse	Action, Adventure	Netflix

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