One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda has provided an update on the status of his popular manga/anime series in light of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The One Piece Twitter posted the update first in Japanese before providing a translation of Oda's message. In the post, Oda noted that, while he is still working on One Piece, the manga has generally been made in person, so staff on the project has been limited. As a result of having to avoid getting sick, "the progress of the original story and other projects have been slowed down to a frustrating extent." The mangaka thus believes there will "be more interruptions for now," though he emphasizes One Piece is not "taking a break" or on hiatus due to any health problems on his part. The One Piece team is also working on a way "to continue making this manga while staying healthy."
We received a new message from Oda-san. Hoping you continue to enjoy ONE PIECE! pic.twitter.com/LSvh4a9v0P
— ONE PIECEスタッフ【公式】 (@Eiichiro_Staff) May 6, 2020
Oda continued, "The anime is also interrupted for now, but preparations are under way behind the scenes so that the show can continue even in the current situation." Those who live in Japan will also be able to access "the first 61 volumes of One Piece" for free on the Jump+ service.
One Piece began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997, with an anime following in 1999. The franchise -- which follows Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates on their quest for the titular One Piece treasure -- is among the highest-grossing and most popular in the world. Since its release, there have been a variety of video games, movies and other media released based on One Piece. While the series has released with fair regularity, Oda fell suddenly ill earlier this year, resulting in delays to One Piece. However, the mangaka later made a full recovery.
