The concept of NTR can be traced back to Japanese folklore and traditional storytelling, where themes of betrayal and heartbreak were common. Over time, these themes evolved into the NTR genre as anime and manga gained popularity. The rise of adult anime (also known as hentai) further solidified NTR as a distinct category within the medium.
Early examples of NTR in anime often appeared in visual novels and eroge (erotic games), where the focus was on creating immersive and emotionally charged narratives. As the genre gained traction, it began to influence mainstream anime, leading to its widespread recognition today.