One Piece Saved Shonen Jump. Manga Nearly Rejected by Publisher Became a Lifesaver After Dragon Ball Ended

As a gamer with a keen interest in Japanese culture and a heart full of nostalgia for the golden age of Shonen Jump, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude towards Kazuhiko Torishima. The man who saw potential where others saw doubt has single-handedly steered the course of one of my favorite series, One Piece.


As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that One Piece has made a significant impact not just within its native Japan but also across the globe. It’s no secret that it proudly stands among the elite in the shonen genre, sharing this prestigious platform with giants like Naruto and Bleach. In fact, it’s quite likely that even those who’ve only dipped their toes into Japanese pop culture have stumbled upon this remarkable anime or manga series.

In the 90s, when Eiichiro Oda proposed his concept for One Piece, there were doubts about its success due to the challenges facing Shonen Jump. After the conclusion of Dragon Ball, their sales were reportedly dwindling, so they needed a series to help them rebound. They weren’t entirely convinced that it would be One Piece, but Kazuhiko Torishima, who was an advocate for the passionate editor of the title, managed to persuade the other decision-makers to take a chance on Oda. He discussed this during a recent interview (via Pew on X).

Due to his efforts, One Piece was born and, surprisingly, it rescued Shueisha when Dragon Ball concluded. Oda’s manga has proven to be a monumental success, with its fanbase growing larger every year since 1997. It is now one of the most renowned series worldwide, as Eiichiro Oda nears the conclusion of Luffy’s journey.

Without the presence of “One Piece”, Shonen Jump could have faced a challenging situation. This single title significantly altered the course of the entire magazine, which now houses popular series like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and previously “My Hero Academia”. Movies and TV shows are derived from these series. “One Piece” has been instrumental in Jump’s success and even after 27 years, it remains highly influential in the realm of anime and manga.

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2024-09-16 15:01