Eiichiro Oda’s grueling routine: how the creator of ‘One Piece’ battles deadlines and health issues
Oda barely sleeps, works 15-hour days, and keeps pushing ‘One Piece’ forward with brilliant storytelling.
Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind ’One Piece’, has dedicated his life to crafting one of the most beloved manga series of all time. However, his relentless work schedule has raised concerns about his health, leading to frequent breaks in recent years. Despite these challenges, Oda continues to deliver top-tier storytelling, leaving fans wondering how long he can keep going.
The brutal reality of a mangaka’s schedule
The manga industry is notorious for its demanding deadlines, and Oda’s routine is no exception. In past interviews, he has revealed his intense work schedule, which often consists of:
- Sleeping only three to four hours per night
- Working almost non-stop, with little time for personal activities
- Spending over 15 hours a day drawing, planning, and reviewing chapters
This grueling pace has led to multiple health scares, forcing Oda to take breaks to recover.
How Oda almost had to end ‘One Piece’ in 2013
In 2013, Oda was hospitalized due to peritonsillar abscess, a severe throat infection that can be life-threatening if untreated. The condition forced him to take a break from ’One Piece’, sparking concerns that he might have to end the series prematurely. Fortunately, after receiving medical treatment, Oda recovered and continued working on the manga.
This incident was a wake-up call, leading him to adjust his schedule and take more frequent breaks to preserve his health.
Oda’s recent breaks and health prioritization
In recent years, Oda has started taking scheduled breaks, often pausing One Piece for a few weeks at a time. In 2024, he announced a three-week hiatus, explaining that he needed time to focus on his health. He reassured fans that he wasn’t seriously ill but wanted to avoid overworking himself, especially after the passing of Akira Toriyama, the creator of ’Dragon Ball’, which deeply affected him.
Another unexpected break occurred in November 2024, when ’One Piece’ went on hiatus due to Oda’s poor physical health. Shonen Jump confirmed the break, stating that Oda needed time to recover before resuming work.
Despite these pauses, Oda remains committed to delivering high-quality storytelling, proving that even under extreme pressure, his dedication to ‘One Piece’ remains unwavering.
Why Oda struggles to take longer breaks
Oda has admitted that he finds it difficult to step away from work, even when his health demands it. In a 2022 interview, he explained that he worries about disappointing fans if he takes extended breaks. His passion for the series and his audience keeps him pushing forward, even at the cost of his well-being.
However, with ’One Piece’ entering its Final Saga, fans hope that Oda will prioritize his health while delivering the best possible conclusion to his legendary story.
Eiichiro Oda’s dedication to ’One Piece’ is undeniable, but his unhealthy routine has raised concerns about how long he can sustain this level of work. While he has started taking more breaks, the pressure of deadlines and fan expectations continues to weigh on him.
As ’One Piece’ nears its grand finale, one thing is certain—Oda’s storytelling remains as brilliant as ever, and fans will support him no matter how long it takes to complete his masterpiece.
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