Eiichiro Oda Solidifies His Goat Status: “Be Prepared to Die for One Piece!”

Eiichiro Oda Affirms GOAT Status: “Be Prepared to Die for One Piece!”

In a revelation that underscores Eiichiro Oda’s unwavering dedication to his magnum opus, One Piece, a striking quote from Oda to his editor has emerged. Shared by the X (formerly Twitter) user Sandman, the quote highlights Oda’s extreme commitment to his work and the level of sacrifice he expects from those involved in the creation of One Piece.

Oda reportedly told his editor at the time, Naoki Kawashima, “Be prepared to die for One Piece! If you destroy your health due to overwork, I’ll take care of your family financially.” The demanding role of being Oda’s editor is known for its challenges, and many editors have not endured the position for extended periods. Kawashima, Oda’s fourth editor in a decade, left the role in less than a year.

Eiichiro Oda’s dedication to One Piece is well-documented, with the mangaka famously sleeping only around four hours a day. This rigorous schedule has taken a toll on Oda’s health, leading to issues like sleep deprivation. Oda’s commitment goes to the extent that he reportedly sends his daily blood pressure readings to his doctors. When warned about high blood pressure, Oda casually responded that ideal blood pressure cannot be universally applied, asserting that there was no problem.

When editor Kawashima met Oda for the first time, Oda told him, "Be prepared to die for One Piece!". Kawashima was shocked but was impressed at how Oda is dedicated to his work. Oda added, "If you destroy your health due to overwork, I'll take care of your family financially."💪 pic.twitter.com/X0AIUqGU2Q

— sandman (@sandman_AP) January 2, 2024

While Oda’s relentless work ethic has been acknowledged, there has been a perception that this dedication is not universally matched by other stakeholders in the One Piece franchise. Resurfaced interviews where Oda’s employers criticized entities like Toei and Bandai for perceived low-quality anime and merchandise gained attention in Japan after the announcement of the One Piece remake.

Despite any criticisms, Oda’s efforts have undeniably paid off. One Piece remains one of the best-selling manga series, with 107 volumes collected as of January 2024. The anime adaptation stands as one of the longest-running in history, and a live-action TV show has received critical acclaim.

Eiichiro Oda’s commitment to his craft, combined with the global success of One Piece, solidifies the series as a cultural phenomenon and Oda’s status as one of the greatest mangaka of all time.

1. What is the significance of Eiichiro Oda’s quote to his editor, Naoki Kawashima?
   • The article mentions Oda telling his editor, “Be prepared to die for One Piece! If you destroy your health due to overwork, I’ll take care of your family financially.” What does this quote reveal about Oda’s commitment to his work and the level of dedication expected from those involved in the creation of One Piece?
2. How has Oda’s commitment impacted the turnover of editors on One Piece?
   • The article notes that being Oda’s editor is a challenging role, with many not lasting long. Naoki Kawashima was Oda’s fourth editor in 10 years and left less than a year into his tenure. What does this turnover indicate about the demands and challenges associated with working closely with Oda on One Piece?
3. What are the health implications of Oda’s intense work schedule?
   • The article mentions that Oda sleeps for around four hours a day, leading to health issues like sleep deprivation. How has Oda’s health been affected by his demanding work schedule, and what are the broader discussions around the health and well-being of manga creators in the industry?
4. How does Oda’s commitment to One Piece compare to other stakeholders in the franchise?
   • The article briefly mentions a growing sense among Oda’s employers that his effort might not be matched by other One Piece stakeholders, with resurfaced interviews criticizing the quality of anime and merchandise. What are the dynamics between Oda and other stakeholders, and how does this impact the overall One Piece franchise?
5. What are the achievements and milestones of One Piece as of 2024?
   • The article mentions that One Piece is one of the best-selling manga of 2023, has spawned one of the longest-running anime series, and has a critically acclaimed live-action TV show. What are the specific achievements and milestones that One Piece has reached, and how has the series maintained its popularity over the years?
6. How has Oda’s work ethic contributed to the success of One Piece?
   • Despite the challenges and health issues mentioned, the article notes that Oda’s efforts have paid off. How has Oda’s work ethic contributed to the success and longevity of One Piece, both in terms of manga sales and the adaptation into anime and live-action?
7. What is the reception of One Piece in terms of manga volumes and international releases?
   • The article mentions that One Piece has been collected into 107 volumes as of January 2024, with VIZ Media licensing the manga in North America. How has the series been received in terms of manga volumes, and what is the international reception and translation status?

(Source: Sandman via X (formerly Twitter))