I started reading Shonen Jump in the 1980s, and I believe Kumaโs backstory is the most touching of all time. The fact that we can live in the same era as a great writer like Oda is truly a blessing. May Oda be in good health forever.๐
#ONEPIECE1102
[๐Long Tweet] Oda's message about Akira Toriyama paassing away. Oda: It is too early.
The hole is too big. Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again.
I have admired him so much since I was a child, so I remember the day he called me by name for theโฆ
Oda's message 10minutes ago:
I am going to have surgery to correct my astigmatism because it is interfering with my work. I have been discussing this with Shonen Jump chief editor since last year and will be taking *4 weeks* off. I will be able to beam out of my eyes.๐คฃ
In the anime, Luffy finally defeated Kaidou today. 10 years and 4 months have passed since Luffy and Law formed their pirate alliance, leading to today's victory.๐๏ธ๐คฉ
Oda (2007): I can draw anything I want because I have a reasoning in my manga that says, *In Grand Line, anything is possible*. If I want to draw a country like India, I can just draw it in the next arc. If I want to draw a sports manga, I can just create Sports Island.๐คฃ
Oda(2022): I drew Gear 5 as a big joke, knowing that my readers would be disgusted by it. Battle manga becomes more serious when they follow readers' expectations. I hated that. I didn't want my manga to be too serious, so I had fun achieving it with the fight against Kaido.๐ฅ
Oda(2022): I drew Gear 5 as a big joke, knowing that my readers would be disgusted by it. Battle manga becomes more serious when they follow readers' expectations. I hated that. I didn't want my manga to be too serious, so I had fun achieving it with the fight against Kaido.๐ฅ
When Oda married in 2004, he made a promise with his wife that they will go on a round-the-world trip after One Piece ends, saying he would finish it in 10 years..๐
Taz Skylar, the actor who plays Sanji in the Netflix TV drama revealed that when he visited Japan this month, Oda kindly gave him a black belt with his signature as a gift. Taz said he would frame and display that belt.โจ๐
Oda: Considering my life expectancy, the Netflix TV drama series is One Piece's last chance to go global.๐ฅบ
Oda (2015): Naruto is more popular than OP in the world, but I appreciate that it makes me jealous.
Kishimoto (2016): I wanted to surpass OP in manga, but I could not.
When Kumamoto, Oda's hometown, decided to build statues of OP characters to support reconstruction from the earthquake, there were those who opposed the idea of wasting taxpayer money. But when it turned out Oda had donated $6 million to the town, all naysayers were silenced.๐คฃ
Oda(2019): One Piece is not a *bond of Straw Hats*. I hate that kind of thing. When I was a kid, I was not happy with the ending of The Wizard of Oz, that the adventure is itself a treasure. That story was unacceptable. Luffy has a great journey, so give him a proper treasure.๐
Oda (2013): Initially, I had no intention of having the Straw Hats abandon Going Merry, but I decided it because the enemy ships were getting stronger..๐ญ
Oda (2022): I had already planned to have Sanji have siblings for quite a while, but my daughter loved an anime called Osomatsu-san with sextuplets just before the Whole Cake Island arc. I wanted her to love me, so I decided to set Sanji as a quadruplet.๐คฃ
Oda (2006): Whitebeard's pirate flag was warned that it could not be broadcast in anime. Now I have just been told that it cannot be published in manga as well.๐ญ
In Marineford arc, Oda received many fan letters asking him to save Ace's life. Even his editor asked him *every week*, "Are you really gonna kill Ace? It isn't a good idea." After watching the anime episode, Oda said, "I wonder why Ace had to be killed in such a harsh way..๐ฅ"
Oda's message 10 minutes ago: Taking into account my life expectancy, the Netflix TV drama series is One Piece's last chance to go global, scheduled for release in 2023, but they have promised to delay it if I am not satisfied with the quality. It will consist of 8 episodes.๐ฅฐ
The first pic is the cover of Shonen Jump only *1 week* before the serialization of Dr. Slump by Akira Toriyama. You can see how readers at the time were shocked by his overwhelming drawing ability.๐ [source: Combat Rec]
When all of Oda's daughter's classmates were enthusiastically singing the My Hero Academia theme song on the school bus, she got worried and asked him, "Dad, is your manga really okay?"๐
Oda (2022): Tom and Jerry are the models for Gear 5, but I was troubled because only Luffy jokes around in battle, but not Kaido. I like the traditional manga expressions such as character's legs spinning around like a wheel when he runs. It's sad they are outdated now.๐ฅ
Oda (2015): Naruto is more popular than One Piece in the world, but I appreciate the fact that it makes me jealous. There are no other manga like it.
Kishimoto (2016): I wanted to surpass OP in manga, but the ceiling called One Piece was too high for me.
Oda: In many mangas I read as a child, the heroine existed only to be rescued. I didn't want to create stories where women were kidnapped and needed to be rescued. I wanted to depict women who knew how to fight for themselves.๐ช
When Oda's former editor Habuta's daughter was born, Oda gave him a wholesome illustration to celebrate. Habuta recalled that he appreciated it so much that it was the happiest moment ever since he became an editor.๐ฅฐ
Oda (2017): One Piece was originally intended to be a story that would end in 5 years fighting the Four Emperors. Warlords is the reason why OP hasn't ended yet. I casually came up with Warlords. I should have at least restrained it to 2 or 5 people, not 7. I regret it a bit.๐
Oda (1998): When Shanks appears frequently in manga, you can assume that One Piece has entered the final saga. ๐
[source : Oda's talk show at Nakano Sun Plaza in December, 1998]
Oda (2012): One thing that motivates me to keep drawing One Piece is that I want to draw the final saga.๐ฅ The final saga will be so amazing that it makes the Marineford arc look like nothing. Marineford arc was just a side trip to me. I didn't expect it to be so popular.
Snyman, the Netflix staff responsible for the fishmen's makeup, denies CGI as a way to replicate Chopper, saying he hopes to take the same approach as fishmen.๐
ใLost in translationใIn Japanese chapter, Kizaru has a habit of stretching the end of his sentences as in his fights against Marco and Hawkins, but he didn't extend the end of his sentence when Luffy kicked him. This may be a sign that Kizaru is becoming less relaxed.๐ช
Oda: Before One Piece started, I got annoyed when my editor said, "None of your female characters are cute!" It is the most shocking advice I have ever received from my editors. I couldn't sleep and kept drawing female characters through that night.๐ฅ (2015)
When Oda's former editor Habuta's daughter was born, Oda gave him a nice illustration to celebrate. Habuta recalled he appreciated it so much that it was the happiest moment ever since he became Shonen Jump editor.๐ฅฐ
Oda (2007): I never want to do something childish like making a character cry just because I want to make my audience cry. That is why I always cry when the characters cry.๐ง
#ONEPIECE1098
ใLost in translationใIn Japanese chapter, Kizaru usually has a habit of extending the end of his sentences, but this week he doesnโt do that in most of his lines. This is a hot topic among Japanese readers, because it shows how much mental pressure he is under.๐ญ
#ONEPIECE1104
In 2009, Film Strong World staff complained to Oda that Usopp's armor was too detailed to be animated, but Oda insisted they should make every effort to satisfy their audience. Oda later jokingly recalled he was like an "enemy" for the film staff. ๐คฃ
Around 1997-2000, Oda already told his mentor mangaka (Watsuki) that Zoro would lose one of his eyes. In 2021, the mangaka asked him about why Zoro became one-eyed, but Oda didn't answer..โ
Oda: As a 17-year-old Luffy, there was no way he could defeat a strong enemy like Yonko. That is why we needed two years. This is to have Luffy's growth be supplemented by imagination. The reason I chose two years was because I didn't want to make Luffy that much of an adult.๐
Oda receives many fan letters every week, both from Japan and overseas. And he reads them all. Oda has a policy of preserving all fan letters, so he rents an apartment just to store the enormous amount of fan letters he receives.โจ
It is now May 5th Japan time, which means it is Luffy's birthday.๐ In Japan, it is a holiday called Kids' Day. Perhaps Oda set this day as his birthday because Luffy is the main character in a manga for kids.
Oda (2022): I want to joke around more in the final saga. Even if OP becomes a manga that people say, "Your manga is boring," it can still be an entertainment for me. It'd be interesting even if my audience complain, "One Piece is in big trouble!!" Anyway, I'm gonna enjoy it.๐ช
Oda (2002): I decided to become a mangaka, not a film director because the popularity of a film peaks on the release date. But mangaka can fascinate audiences for a long time if the series continues. I didn't enjoy my junior high school life, but I was happy when I read Jump.๐ฅฐ
Oda: I'm not an idiot like Luffy, but he is my ideal kid. Sometimes he says a line that convinces everyone, but the rest of the time I just want him to be a kid. Luffy is a bit mysterious even to me. If I understood everything about him, my audience would get bored.๐
After Naruto ended, Kishimoto told Oda that he can now take a walk with his kid on a sunny day whenever he wanted. Oda was so depressed to hear that but he was motivated at the same time to draw OP for the future where he can take a walk anytime.๐ฅฐ(2018)
Oda: In Water 7 arc, it was decided from the start Franky would join and Going Merry would be discarded. I tried to confuse my readers by having them hate Franky and introducing many shipwrights. Now, who should I make the enemy? OK, let's make this pigeon guy Lucci the villain!
Oda (yesterday): After the astigmatism surgery, I will be able to beam out of my eyes.
Oda (2014): After the operation to remove my tonsils, I am going to have a bazooka attached to my shoulder.
He never changes.๐คฃ๐คฃ
When creating Film Red, Oda asked the film staff, "Now that OP is near the final saga, it's time to tell you guys about all important events that will happen until the end of the story." But all staff instantly declined his offer, saying they don't want to get spoiled too much.๐
Oda: My mother told me for the first time what she thought of One Piece. She said, "I like that deer arc.๐" Wait, Chopper is a reindeer, not a deer..
Gege Akutami: My mother read my manga and all she said was, "Your drawings are good." Don't you have any other impressions?๐ญ
Oda (2015): Sanji's name was originally Naruto. But when the Naruto manga started, I knew it was going to be a long-running series, so I quickly changed his name. Do you see Sanji's eyebrows swirling? (Naruto is the white and pink *swirling* toppings on Japanese noodles.)
Oda(2007): I transformed Chopper into a mascot character when I heard his anime voice. I had the belief that I didn't want to draw a mascot character that would flatter readers, but the VA's voice was so cute that I changed Chopper's design.๐
Oda (2009): I don't draw romance because OP is a manga for boys. Female fans ask me to draw romance, but if they want to read it, they should read shoujo manga, and it's not my job. I don't care how many women love Luffy, but I don't think it's good if they love each other.๐
[๐Long tweet] Oda: I'll take a 3-week- break! I'm not sick or anything, although I'm sure I'm going to worry my readers excessively these days because of the Toriyama-sensei incident. But it's about my body. Just think of it as maintenance. I also have to think about what theโฆ
After the release of One Piece Volume 1 in 1997, Oda and his editor were worried about whether his first volume would sell well. They decided to hide in a bookstore and watch the customers. When they saw a boy buying the OP volume, Oda and his editor shouted with joy. ๐ฅฐ
Oda (2022): I knew that my audience would be disappointed if One Piece took a break, so it was a hard decision for me to take a break. But recently, young manga artists are growing up in Shonen Jump, and I feel relaxed that they will support me even if I take a break.๐ฅฐ
In Water 7, Oda omitted a wholesome talk between Usopp and Garp.โจ
Garp: Who are you? Did you just mention Yasopp?
Usopp: Yes, sir. Do you know if he is well..or if he is still alive?
Garp: Why are you asking me that? Who the hell are you?
Usopp: Well, I'm just a passerby.โฆ
Oda (1999): I've already decided on the last panel and how the last chapter will be. In the final saga, I'll focus on not only Straw Hats but also on *events happening in the whole world*.โจ The problem is how many years it will take to start the final saga..
Oda (2018): The reason I don't want to draw scenes where people die is because I want to draw a party after the battle. If someone dies, you can't have an enjoyable party. A party is my ideal form of friendship. I want to end with One Piece with a *big party*.
Oda (2017): I created all Sabaody rookies at once in their first appearance chapter to spice up. Nobody was in my plot notes. I thought half of them would drop out soon in New World, but they didn't. I thought Kid would be important, but I didn't expect Law to be so important.๐ช
Today I visited Oda's hometown Kumamoto. Before his debut, he worked in a steak restaurant "Baratei" here. Baratie in OP is based on it. According to the owner-chef, Oda broke many plates and ate food without permission like Luffy.๐ Took some pics.
Oda: Vivi was introduced as an agent of Baroque Works, but I had no idea of her setup more than that. When I drew her with her hair down, she looked like a princess. What would happen if she were the princess of Alabasta? That's how I started to think about the Alabasta arc.๐
Oda: Tom and Jerry are the models for Gear 5, but I was troubled because only Luffy jokes around in battle, but not Kaido. I like the traditional symbolic manga expressions such as character's legs spinning around like a wheel when he runs. It's sad they are outdated now.๐ฅ
In Marineford arc, Oda received many fan letters asking him to save Ace's life. Even his editor asked him every week, "Are you really gonna kill Ace? It isn't a good idea." After watching the anime episode, Oda said, "I wonder why Ace had to be killed in such a harsh way..๐ฅ"
24 years ago, Oda told the Film Red director about the whole story of One Piece until the ending. The director recently said he wishes OP would end soon because it has been so painful to not spill the beans.๐คฃ BTW, Straw Hat VAs said they don't know how OP will end.
Oda (2022): I have been grateful to Togashi-sensei ever since he gave me the Rookie of the Year award. I admire him so much. I believeใManga creators should not be slaves to their readers.ใ In that sense, his mangas are badass!๐ฅฐ *The pic below was taken around 25 years ago.
For the first time in the 26-year history of One Piece, Oda submitted an unfinished manuscript. He wrote a message of apology on Brooke's pants, saying, "I could not complete the manuscript. I am sorry.๐ฅ"
Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, is such a big One Piece fan that he got Oda's autograph when he visited Japan in 2016. Maybe he is the richest OP fan in the entire world.๐ช
Crocodile's sand ability has been drawn by Oda's assistants.
Interview of the assistants: It has been so painful to draw Crocodile's ability because it requires too much time. We've been hoping Crocodile will die as soon as possible. lol๐คฃ
Oda: The Netflix drama should faithfully reproduce such elements as what is attractive about the characters and the balance of power between them. A good live-action film does not need to change the storyline drastically from manga.
After Naruto ended, Kishimoto told Oda that he can now take a walk with his kid on a sunny day whenever he wanted. Oda was so depressed to hear that but he was motivated at the same time to draw OP for the future where he can take a walk anytime.๐ฅฐ(2018)
Oda(2022): I'm really ready to wrap up One Piece. As for how many years it will take to finish the final saga, I've already answered this question so many times that I've lost credibility, so I probably shouldn't answer it.๐ญ But I'm aiming for *3 years*.
When Oda met editor Iwasaki for the first time, he asked, "Do you play Pokemon Go?"
Editor: Yes, I'm level 19.
Oda: Only 19? Then you're not qualified as my editor.๐คฃ
*Oda takes a walk twice a week to improve his health following doctor's advice.. (latest OP Magazine today)
Around 30 years ago, for a group photo shoot, all the Shonen Jump mangakas took a bus to a hot spring inn, stayed overnight, and had a big party. But someone pointed out, 'If this bus falls off a cliff, Shonen Jump is over,' and so the custom ended.๐ญ
Even during his hospitalization in 2013, Oda never stopped drawing the Dressrosa arc. He created this color spread in a hospital room. Kishimoto, Naruto mangaka, visited the room to cheer up Oda. He was surprised that Oda was still drawing.
In an interview 10 minutes ago, the legendary Dragon Ball editor Torishima said it is a pity that, unlike in the early days, One Piece editors these days can no longer disagree with Oda. On the other hand, he praised Oda for his passion and excellence in character creation.๐คฉ
In 2016, Oda strongly advised the Film Gold staff to add a scene in which Sanji was secretly worried about Zoro, who was about to be executed. On the other hand, Zoro was worried about Sanji in chapter 815.๐ฅฐ
In the latest chapter, Hibari's Japanese speech style is inevitably lost in translation. It is called "Hiroshima dialect", the same as Akainu. Considering only these 2 characters speak that dialect in OP, Oda might be implying Hibari is Akainu's daughter or something.๐
#OP1061
In 2016, Oda made a drawing for Gintama exhibition. He jokingly wrote, "I reject this collaboration between Luffy and Gin-san because I can't imagine them putting their arms around each other's shoulders." Sorachi's response was hilarious.๐คฃ
Oda drew the protagonist of Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue in 2009. And Inoue drew Luffy in 2007. Inoue praised Oda in the drawing, "When I read OP for the first time, I was sure that there was no need to worry about OP. I wish him good luck as he follows the path he believes in."๐ฅฐ
Around 1999, when the One Piece anime began, Oda went to a restaurant near his studio and witnessed a child sitting near him watching the OP anime with his mouth open in concentration. Oda decided that he could never betray these children.๐ฅฐ
Oda: I usually don't mention this since my fans may be disappointed, but some important plots were not planned well in advance. I think it'd be even more amazing if retconned plots miraculously end up working well.๐ฅฐ
*Wonder if Shanks appearing in Wano was retconned as well..?
Oda (2012): Hody had baseless racism against humans. Maybe it is hard for little kids to understand, but I'm just happy if only they will understand it when they grow up.๐
Oda: If you wanna revive a dead character, don't kill him first. I've hated it since childhood because I felt the author's intention. Did he revive the character just because he is popular?๐ค
Toriyama: I keep my manga story simple and try not to unnecessarily make it touching.๐ง
According to Usopp's VA today, Kaido's VA had not read the manga, so when the staff informed him that his role in the anime was over (at the moment?) after recording, he was shocked and said, "Wait, did I lose?"๐คฃ๐คฃ Luffy 's VA was also surprised to hear the fight was over.