Toei Unveils New Production Schedule for ‘One Piece’ Anime

Bassyonni

ago 10 hours

Toei Animation has revealed significant changes to the production schedule of its renowned anime, One Piece. This announcement came during a live-streamed event from Japan, where it was confirmed that the show will enter a new phase starting in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of the Elbaph Arc.

New Production Schedule for ‘One Piece’

Beginning in January 2026, One Piece will transition to a system of two cours per year. Each cour will focus on producing 13 episodes, culminating in a total of 26 new episodes annually. This marks a shift from the previous approach of 11 to 12 episodes covering four to five volumes of the manga.

Enhancements to the Series

Ryūta Koike, the series producer, emphasized that this restructuring aims to better align the anime with the pacing and content of the original manga by Eiichiro Oda. The intention is to enhance the storytelling capabilities of the series while still delivering a satisfying viewer experience.

Upcoming Broadcast Schedule

The first cour of 2026 is set to premiere in April, following a three-month hiatus from January through March. This break will provide fans with several opportunities to engage with the “World of One Piece” through various events and initiatives.

New episodes will reflect more closely the content of the manga.
Enhanced storytelling through animation techniques.
A focus on character development and pacing.

Event Highlights and Fan Engagement

The hour-long event was co-hosted by Hiroyuki Nakano, editor in chief of One Piece Media. In addition to the production updates, viewers were treated to discussions about the manga, marketing highlights, and news about local events such as Jump Festa. The presentation included visuals and teaser artwork for the Elbaph Arc, alongside insights into upcoming projects.

Legacy of One Piece

Having debuted in 1999, One Piece has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The franchise features 15 feature films, numerous video games, and a thriving market for merchandise and location-based experiences. The ongoing journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew continues to attract millions of fans worldwide, solidifying its status as one of the most beloved anime series of all time.