On August 30th, a live-action video was uploaded to the official One Piece YouTube channel. Titled "WE ARE ONE" Celebration Movies, this was the first of five dramatic short films made in celebration of the manga's upcoming 100th volume release.
Each short film is around 10 minutes long but incorporates some element of One Piece to its core story, whether that be impactful moments, characters, or the themes explored by this series. They are all directed by Mika Ninagawa, a female Japanese director best known for directing Sakuran (2007), based on the manga of the same name, and the "Heavy Rotation" music video for the idol group AKB48 in 2010. The short films also feature animated segments from Toei of One Piece as well as a theme song accompaniment called "Twilight" performed by the band RADWIMPS, best known for composing the soundtrack for the films Your Name and Weathering With You by Makoto Shinkai.
The individual short films themselves are excellent in both writing and directing. The first one centers around a manager and engineer working in a small startup company who can't seem to get along or agree on anything. The engineer walks out after an argument and it's up to the manager to apologize, admitting that they can't achieve their goals without working together. This short film is meant to evoke Zoro and Sanji's relationship, two strong-willed men who can get under each other's skin but will put their differences aside when the time calls for it.
The second film centers around Minami, a chef who dreams of owning her own restaurant and is currently planning her engagement. Unfortunately, her fiance doesn't seem to take Minami's job seriously, calling it "comfortable and fun." Anyone who knows the stress and difficulties that come with running a kitchen knows it's no walk in the park. When Minami talks of her decision to start her own restaurant, her fiance is further dismissive of her dream. The bull-headed salaryman is only worried that she won't be able to clean, cook and raise their future kids.
The next day, Minami starts reading his One Piece collection on a whim and is inspired by the series' strong female characters. She decides she will not put aside her dreams for someone who doesn't respect her, so she breaks off her engagement in a note for her ex (and also takes his One Piece manga collection with her like a real queen).
One Piece's female characters have always been strong, fleshed out and motivated by their own dreams and emotional bonds, so you could not pick a more perfect theme for these "We Are One" films. Episode two may be just the strongest story of all five, and as an additional surprise, the animation featured in this episode also includes the first chilling vocal appearance of Yamato, performed by Saori Hayami (Yumeko Jabami from Kakeguri, Shinobu Kocho from Kimetsu no Yaiba).
The third film is especially interesting, as it is tied to Trafalgar Law and Corazon's relationship. Riku, a boy from Kansai, moves towns and is made fun of for his dialect by his new classmates. However, a goofy teacher aid befriends him, helping him come out of his shell and smile more. When the teacher eventually leaves for a new position at a different school, the boy wishes him goodbye with a smile, knowing that good things will come in his future.
It's well worth watching each of these drama films firsthand, and all are available for free on the One Piece YouTube channel with English subtitles. There are plenty of easter eggs sprinkled throughout each episode, and the performances and animation are outstanding across the board. This was a perfect way to celebrate the manga's 100th volume.
