This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf Arc of One Piece.
Overview
- In 2013, Eiichiro Oda faced serious health challenges, threatening the future of One Piece during the Dressrosa arc.
- The demanding weekly publication schedule prompted Oda to re-evaluate his work-life balance and emphasize his well-being.
- Oda has since adopted a healthier lifestyle, incorporating regular breaks, improved dietary choices, and increased physical activity.
One Piece has achieved phenomenal success, originating in 1997 and becoming a cultural phenomenon with unparalleled achievements in the world of manga. It holds the title of the best-selling manga series of all time and remains a leading global narrative.
Fast forward 28 years, and One Piece shows no signs of slowing down. However, not many fans are aware that the series nearly reached its conclusion during the acclaimed Dressrosa arc. This revelation, shared by Oda in 2016, echoes concerns that were already prevalent in 2013 regarding his health.
The Near End of One Piece During the Dressrosa Arc
- Oda faced significant pressure from the weekly serialization of One Piece.
- Prior to 2013, Oda took fewer breaks, which exacerbated his health issues.
Fans often express disbelief that One Piece could have ended during the Dressrosa arc. The misconception might suggest that Oda aimed to conclude his saga, but the reality was far more alarming. The strain on his health reached critical levels in 2013, coinciding with the beginning of the Dressrosa storyline. Oda collapsed and required urgent medical intervention.
Such developments were hardly surprising, considering Oda’s grueling schedule—averaging only three hours of sleep per night while maintaining a relentless work ethic. His erratic eating patterns, often characterized by prolonged fasting followed by binge eating, contributed to his deteriorating health. In fact, concerns became so serious that the editors at Shonen Jump contemplated the sudden cancellation of the series. Oda himself recounted:
“After I was hospitalized in 2013, Shonen Jump editors got scared that One Piece might have to suddenly end, so they began letting me take regular breaks. When I collapsed, I thought, ‘Editors, have you finally realized that if I push myself too hard, I’ll collapse?'” — Eiichiro Oda, 2016
Oda’s Approaches to Improved Health
The Value of Regular Breaks
Since that life-changing event in 2013, Oda has markedly improved his self-care routine. He now incorporates more physical activity into his lifestyle and has made it a priority to take frequent breaks. Previously, Oda would sometimes work on six to seven chapters consecutively, but he has since moderated this pace. His current schedule often includes the release of three chapters followed by a much-needed break. Additionally, Oda occasionally takes month-long hiatuses, allowing for significant recovery time.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate the release of One Piece Chapter 1149, scheduled to drop weekly on Sundays. In Japan, the chapter will be available at 12 AM JST on Monday, while international readers can access it on May 11, 2025. For those interested, the chapter will be available for free on Manga Plus.