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On the surface, Eiichiro Oda seems like he should be relaxing more. His iconic manga, One Piece, has become one of the best-selling comics in history, with a hugely successful anime and series of video games based on his creation. He could, if he wanted, chill out a bit if he wanted to, yet he’s been working exceptionally hard to make sure the Netflix live-action One Piece stays true to the original manga. The reason he can’t relax is simple – he’s got more than a little Luffy in him.

At Jump Fiesta 2025, Oda gave his annual message to fans about everything happening in the new year with One Piece. He talked about being impressed by all the work being done with Netflix’s One Piece adaptation, which prompted him to explain why he was so excited by the new challenge. “A lot of people told me ‘One Piece is already so popular worldwide, so why even bother putting so much effort into a life action?’ Yes, it may be popular in the animation industry worldwide, but if someone told you new unexplored horizons await out there, wouldn’t that make you want to go after them too?!!”

In addition to giving us a bit more insight into the ambition of Oda – what sort of man isn’t satisfied with having one of the most successful manga series of all time? – but it also shows that there is more than a little Luffy in Oda. Like his creation, Oda can’t look away from the allure of a fresh challenge. As One Piece sails into its second season, it is clear that Oda wants to see the series succeed no matter what format it takes.

THE ONE PIECE IS REAL...ly important to Popverse! That's why we've put together the key articles to keep your fandom of the manga-turned-anime-turned-live-action-show alive:

• How to watch One Piece One Piece in chronological and release order (All 1,100+ episodes plus the movies!)
• When the next episode of One Piece is coming
• Netflix almost missed casting Superman star Mikaela Hoover as Tony Tony Chopper because the audition materials were too vague
• Netflix enlists a Bridgerton star to show off the first big set piece of One Piece season 2, with a Loguetown that is full of easter eggs from the manga
• Why One Piece's Monkey D. Luffy is the perfect hero for the dark times ahead
• Every difference between the live-action One Piece and the original manga
• One Piece Gear 5 Form: Everything we know about Luffy's latest transformation
• Ranking the One Piece anime's arcs, from best to worst
• Why is One Piece more popular now that the anime is 25 years old? We asked around and found out
• The English cast of One Piece explain what they love about Eiichiro Oda's storytelling - "He's a genius!"