One Piece Anime Returns After A Long Hiatus

After a months-long hiatus, the beloved One Piece anime is officially returning to the airwaves. The series will resume broadcasting on April 6, 2025, taking on a new time slot: Sundays at 11:15 p.m. JST. This shift marks a departure from the anime’s long-held morning broadcast schedule, signaling a fresh start for the iconic series.

The hiatus, which began in October 2024, left fans eagerly anticipating the return of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. During this break, however, Toei Animation kept viewers engaged with a special edited version of the Fish-Man Island Arc. This condensed retelling transformed the original 57 episodes into 21, featuring reshot scenes and enhanced animation quality. The updated version served as a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and a polished introduction for newcomers to the series.

Another significant development for One Piece is the casting change for Franky, the shipwright of the Straw Hat crew. Subaru Kimura will step into the role starting in April 2025, replacing Kazuki Yao, who has voiced the character for many years. Notably, Yao played an integral role in selecting Kimura as his successor, ensuring the spirit of the character remains intact. This change has been met with optimism, as fans are eager to hear Kimura’s interpretation of the beloved cyborg.

Since its debut in October 1999, the One Piece anime has enthraled audiences worldwide. Produced by Toei Animation and based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga of the same name, the series has become a cultural phenomenon. With over 1,000 episodes aired, One Piece continues to hold a significant place in anime history. Beyond the TV series, the franchise boasts fourteen animated feature films, one original video animation, and thirteen television specials, further cementing its legacy.

The manga, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since July 1997, serves as the foundation for the anime’s enduring success. Oda’s storytelling, combined with vibrant characters and epic adventures, has kept fans hooked for decades. The series’ global appeal shows no signs of waning, with both the anime and manga continuing to reach new milestones.

As April 2025 approaches, anticipation is building for the anime’s return. The new time slot, enhanced production quality, and the addition of Subaru Kimura as Franky promise an exciting new chapter for One Piece. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates are set to sail into uncharted waters once again, continuing the legacy of one of the most celebrated anime series in history.