One Piece manga creator Eiichiro Oda is taking a one-issue break from Weekly Shonen Jump due to poor health, the official One Piece staff accounts announced on Friday. The highly anticipated next chapter will be absent from the magazine’s 45th issue, which was slated for an October 6 release, and is now scheduled to resume publication on October 14 in issue 46.
Eiichiro Oda’s Health Concerns Lead to Unexpected Break
The sudden hiatus of the beloved manga has sparked concern among its global fanbase. The official statement from the Shonen Jump editorial department confirmed that the break is directly attributed to the author’s “poor health,” with the assurance that Oda is currently “recuperating well.” This isn’t the first time Oda’s health has led to a pause in the manga’s serialization, a recurring issue that has often worried fans given his notoriously demanding work schedule.
The announcement also noted that due to printing schedules, One Piece may still appear in the table of contents and reader survey postcards for issue 45, despite the chapter not being included.
Impact on Publication Schedule
Fans who were eagerly awaiting Chapter 1162 will now have to wait an additional week. The chapter was initially expected around October 5, 2025. The series is set to return in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 46, available on October 14, 2025. While specific details about Oda’s health issues remain undisclosed, the fact that it’s a one-week break has somewhat alleviated fears of a prolonged hiatus.
Oda’s Rigorous Work Ethic and Past Health Issues
Eiichiro Oda is renowned for his incredibly rigorous work ethic, often spending most of his waking hours dedicated to creating One Piece. Reports indicate that his schedule has, at times, involved as little as three hours of sleep per night for many years. This intense dedication, while contributing to the manga’s consistent output and intricate storytelling, has also led to several health complications in the past, including astigmatism requiring eye surgery in 2023, and developing moderate diabetes and gout.
The manga industry is known for its demanding schedules, and creators like Oda often face immense pressure to meet weekly deadlines. Fans have consistently voiced their support for Oda prioritizing his health, understanding that such breaks are crucial for his well-being and the long-term continuation of One Piece.
The Enduring Legacy of One Piece
One Piece, which began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump on July 22, 1997, has become the best-selling manga of all time, captivating millions worldwide with the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. The series is currently deep into its “final saga,” a pivotal phase that promises to tie up many long-running mysteries and storylines.
With the manga approaching its grand finale, and with other significant projects like the live-action Netflix series (for which Oda serves as an executive producer) also in the works, the importance of Oda’s health for the successful conclusion of his epic tale cannot be overstated. Fans across social media platforms have sent messages of support, urging Oda to rest and recover fully.
