With the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’sOne Piecelive-action series on the horizon, creator Eiichiro Oda is expressing more gratitude than ever for the show’s impact. According to@newworldarturon X, in a recent SBS fan Q&A, Oda revealed how the series has helped broadenOne Piece’sreach beyond its typical audience, bringing in new fans who may have never given the franchise a chance before. This success is especially meaningful to him asOne Piececontinues its journey to becoming a truly global phenomenon.
For decades, anime and manga have faced the perception of being primarily for children, especially outside of Japan. However,the success of the live-action adaptation has helped challenge that stereotype, proving thatOne Piece’sstory can resonate with audiences of all ages.As more people, including those who had previously dismissed the medium, give the series a chance,Oda sees this as a major step toward a future where manga and anime are embracedby a global audience just as passionately as they are in Japan.
The Live-Action’s Impact on New Audiences
How Netflix’s One Piece is Bringing The Story to More People
Oda highlighted how Netflix’s adaptation has been instrumental in attracting audiences who had never watchedOne Piecebefore. A fan had told him how their mother, who once dismissed anime as something just for kids, became hooked on the manga after watching the live-action series. Similarly, a friend who had never been interested in manga also found themselves drawn into the story. These transformations are exactly what Oda had hoped for, as they prove how wellOne Piececan connect with viewers beyond its traditional fan base.
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This shift is particularly important for the franchise’s longevity.One Piecehas always had a devoted following, but bringing in fresh audiences ensures that its influence continues to grow.By making the world ofOne Piecemore accessible to those unfamiliar with anime and manga, the live-action adaptation has broken down barriers, proving that great storytelling can resonate regardless of the medium. With season 2 on the way, this trend is likely to continue, further cementingOne Piece’sstatus as a global cultural force.
Oda’s Vision for a Global Manga Culture
One Piece’s Creator Wants Manga to be More Mainstream
Beyond just appreciating the success of the live-action series, Oda expressed an even bigger dream of creating a world where manga is universally embraced. He noted that, whileanime and manga are still often seen as nicheoutside Japan, this was not always the case within the country either. Over time, the medium became an integral part of Japanese culture, and Oda hopes to see a similar shift worldwide. The idea of a “global magazine” where both children and adults could eagerly follow serialized manga excites him and serves as further motivation for his work.
This vision aligns with the growing international popularity of anime and manga. Streaming services, digital platforms, and live-action adaptations like Netflix’sOne Pieceare helping bridge the gap between cultures, making it easier than ever for fans around the world to connect. AsOne Pieceenters its next chapter with both the anime and live-action seriesmoving forward, Oda’s dream of a truly global manga audience feels closer to reality than ever before.
One Piece
Cast
One Piece follows young pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they embark on a daring quest for treasure. Released in 2023, the film brings the adventurous world of the popular manga to life, capturing Luffy’s relentless pursuit of the legendary One Piece treasure.
