In October 1999, a new anime entitled One Piece began airing in Japan. This series was based on the recent manga by Eiichiro Oda that had begun to be published in 1997 and is animated by Toei Animation, the legendary studio responsible for Dragon Ball. This year will mark 25 years since the beginning of the broadcast of this legendary anime, and we cannot deny the enormous impact it has had on the entire industry. This anniversary inspired the creation of a beautiful tribute that was very well received by the community.
If you are a fan of One Piece, you will be thrilled with this nostalgic video.
The video in question, which is titled “25 Years of One Piece” was posted on YouTube by the official Toei Animation account. This does not surprise us, as this is one of the biggest projects this prestigious animation studio has ever worked on, something that even seems to be surpassing Dragon Ball. One Piece is an essential part of their identity and success, so it makes sense that they have started celebrating this important anniversary early.
This incredible tribute in celebration of Anniversary #25 is showing us the evolution of the One Piece anime, from 1999 to 2024. It all began with the first appearance of Monkey D. Luffy in the East Blue saga. This likeable protagonist was defeating powerful enemies and meeting new friends who joined his crew, known as the Straw Hat Pirates. The truth is that we can’t help but feel nostalgic when we see again how Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook and Jinbe joined the crew little by little.
On the other hand, it’s really amazing to remember how all these pirates grew over the years, becoming stronger and stronger until Luffy won the prestigious title of Yonko (or Emperor of the Sea). The video also gave us a nostalgic look back at many, many memorable moments throughout all the One Piece arcs: East Blue, Alabasta, Skypiea, Marineford, Gyojin Island, Dressrosa, Whole Cake and Wano, ending in 2024 with the Egghead Island arc, which is airing right now. Although it is also important to note that the quality of Toei Animation’s art and animation was evolving in an amazing way.
Of course, in 1999, no one imagined how important One Piece would end up being. Currently, this is one of the most popular anime around the world, and it’s very curious to think that it seems to be quite far from completion (Although we can be sure that the latest saga has just begun in the manga) Not to mention that it has also been a huge influence on the entire Action Shonen genre. The day Luffy and the other Straw Hat Pirates find the One Piece and this legendary anime comes to an end, it will be a historic moment. But we will continue to enjoy their animated adventures until then.
What did you think of this nostalgic video from Toei? Do you think the One Piece anime will end soon?
© Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation