Key Takeaways
- Kazuhiko Torishima believes One Piece has declined in quality, citing a lack of editorial control as a possible reason.
- The former Shonen Jump editor originally opposed One Piece’s serialization, but later acknowledged its potential.
- His blunt critique has sparked widespread discussion about editorial influence, storytelling quality, and the evolution of long-running manga.
During a candid interview at Japan Expo Paris 2025, legendary manga editor Kazuhiko Torishima, known for his work on Dragon Ball, shared critical insights about One Piece—arguably the world’s most popular manga. Torishima, who once served as editor-in-chief at Shonen Jump, remarked that One Piece has “deteriorated” in quality over the years.
Torishima’s Complicated History with One Piece
Torishima’s remarks carry extra weight due to his long-standing history in the manga world. He famously worked with Akira Toriyama on Dragon Ball and held the top editorial post at Shonen Jump from 1996 to 2015. Notably, Torishima was skeptical of One Piece from the very start. In 1997, as Eiichiro Oda’s pirate saga was gearing up for serialization, he initially opposed its publication.
Although he ultimately gave the green light—acknowledging its potential—Torishima admitted that he found Oda’s storytelling and panel layouts confusing, especially for younger readers. Despite his early concerns, One Piece went on to become a record-breaking global franchise.
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“The Author Won Over the Editors”
In his conversation with French outlet France Info, Torishima was asked whether he thought One Piece had evolved for the better. His response was strikingly direct:
“At the time, I thought it had improved, but then it deteriorated. I think his editors can no longer tell him anything. The author won over the editors.”
This statement has ignited passionate debate among fans. While some defend Oda’s increasingly complex narrative, others agree with Torishima, arguing that the series lost some of its original clarity and pacing as it grew in ambition.
Fans React to Torishima’s Blunt Assessment
Many manga enthusiasts praised Torishima’s honesty, especially given Japan’s typically reserved media culture. Some social media users noted that his frankness was refreshing, with one comment reading, “It’s rare for Japanese people to be this blunt… The One Piece part resonates well with me.”
Others pointed out that Torishima, now retired from Shueisha, may feel more freedom to express unfiltered opinions about the industry’s most powerful creators.
The Editor’s Role: A First Reader and Silent Architect
Torishima also used the opportunity to highlight the editor’s role in manga creation. He described editors as the “first readers” who are responsible for identifying flaws and guiding authors toward clarity and impact. He emphasized that even if authors resist feedback, it’s the editor’s duty to help shape the story before publication.
This perspective has reignited conversations about whether Eiichiro Oda—whose work is globally beloved—still benefits from editorial checks and balances as One Piece nears its conclusion.
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