Eiichiro Oda Faces Criticism from Legendary Editor Kazuhiko Torishima Over One Piece Adaptations
Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind the immensely popular manga series, One Piece, has recently come under fire from Kazuhiko Torishima, a revered figure in the world of manga editing and the individual credited with discovering Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. In his latest publication, "Botsu," released in May 2025, Torishima offers a candid critique of Oda’s increasing involvement in anime adaptations, arguing that this commitment is detracting from the overall quality of the manga itself.
Throughout the book, Torishima shares anecdotes from his extensive career and expresses his dissatisfaction with the current editorial policies at Shonen Jump. He specifically addresses what he perceives as a lack of balance in Oda’s role as a creator. Torishima argues that Oda’s preoccupation with the anime adaptations of One Piece has negatively impacted the manga’s quality, claiming that contemporary editors lack the authority needed to provide Oda with the rigorous feedback necessary to maintain high standards.
Torishima states, “If I were Oda’s editor, I would give him extremely strict feedback on the manga because he has the talent. But he is too involved with the anime.” His criticism extends beyond Oda; it also reflects a broader concern regarding the editorial direction of Shonen Jump. According to Torishima, the magazine’s editorial team allows Oda too much creative freedom, which, in his view, undermines the consistency and quality of the work.
Moreover, Torishima highlights the challenges faced by younger editors in communicating with Oda. He notes that many struggle to even reach him, stating, “When they try to call him, he doesn’t answer. If it were me, I would go directly to his studio, sit there for hours, and pressure him until I got a response.” Known for his no-nonsense approach and high expectations, Torishima has played a pivotal role in the success of several Shonen Jump titles, including Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Hunter x Hunter.
Interestingly, Torishima has previously expressed skepticism about One Piece’s potential during its early days, even telling editor Yasuaki Kita, “There’s no chance that One Piece will become a popular manga!” However, he later acknowledged his misjudgment, admitting defeat to Oda with a light-hearted, “Okay… You win! Happy?”
Despite these critiques, Oda remains steadfast in his vision for One Piece. In a discussion with Gosho Aoyama, the creator of Detective Conan, Oda reaffirmed his commitment to concluding the saga at the right moment, without unnecessary extensions. “I probably shouldn’t say this out loud because I tend to be wrong, but my current plan is to finish it in three years,” he revealed.
The ongoing discourse surrounding Oda’s involvement in One Piece adaptations continues to spark debate among fans and industry professionals alike, especially in light of the recent success of Netflix’s live-action series and the ever-evolving production of the anime.
The narrative of One Piece centers around Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy with rubber-like powers who aspires to become the King of the Pirates. Alongside his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy embarks on a grand adventure filled with challenges and friendships. The anime has amassed over 1,000 chapters, maintaining its status as one of the most beloved series in history.
One of the standout features of One Piece is its intricate Sagas, which skillfully weave together elements introduced hundreds of chapters earlier, showcasing the story’s ambitious and meticulously crafted nature. Currently, the anime is transitioning into the Egghead arc, following the completion of the Wano arc, during which Luffy achieved the status of one of the four Emperors, or Yonkou, after an epic battle against Kaidou.
Fans can enjoy the entirety of Luffy’s journey on platforms like Crunchyroll, where it is available in Japanese with Portuguese subtitles, or on Netflix, which offers dubbed versions of the earlier major sagas.
The ongoing evolution of One Piece, both in its manga and anime forms, highlights the challenges and triumphs of adapting a complex narrative across different mediums. As Oda navigates the intricate balance between maintaining his artistic vision and addressing the demands of the anime adaptations, the future of One Piece remains a hot topic among fans and critics alike.
In this dynamic landscape, the relationship between Oda and his editorial team will likely continue to be scrutinized. With the increasing popularity of One Piece, especially among new audiences introduced through live-action adaptations, the stakes are undeniably high. The pressure to deliver a product that satisfies both longtime fans and newcomers can be immense.
As the anime progresses into new arcs and the manga continues to unfold, the dialogue surrounding the creative processes behind One Piece will remain a pivotal aspect of its legacy. The tension between Oda’s artistic integrity and the commercial demands of the industry serves as a fascinating case study of how creators adapt to the evolving landscape of entertainment.
In conclusion, One Piece has not only endured but has thrived due to its rich storytelling and deep character development. As Eiichiro Oda moves forward with his work, the impact of editorial influence and the challenges of adaptation will continue to shape the narrative and its reception among fans worldwide. The balance between creative freedom and editorial guidance is a delicate one, and it will be fascinating to see how this relationship evolves in the coming years as One Piece journeys toward its anticipated conclusion.
