Wondering when the epic journey of One Piece actually began? You’re looking for a simple date, but the story behind that date is the start of a legend. Getting the facts straight is key to understanding its massive history.
The One Piece manga officially started on July 22, 1997. This is the date the first chapter, “Romance Dawn,” was published in the 1997 issue #34 of Shueisha’s renowned magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, launching the serialization of what would become the best-selling manga in history.
Based on analysis of its publication history, this guide will give you the definitive origin story. You will discover not only the exact start date but also the prototype stories that came before it, the magazine that launched it, and the records it has shattered over its incredible run.
Key Facts
- Definitive Start Date: The manga’s official serialization began on July 22, 1997, a date now celebrated as “One Piece Day” in Japan.
- The Creator’s Vision: Eiichiro Oda is the sole author and illustrator, having worked on the series continuously for nearly three decades.
- The Prototype Story: Before its official launch, the series was conceived in two one-shot prototypes, both titled “Romance Dawn,” which were published in 1996.
- The Publishing Powerhouse: The series has always been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump, the most popular manga magazine in Japan.
- Record-Breaking Legacy: One Piece holds the Guinness World Record for “the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author,” with over 600 million copies in circulation worldwide.
When Did the One Piece Manga Start? The Definitive Origin of a Legend
The official publication date for the One Piece manga is July 22, 1997. On this day, the very first chapter, titled “Romance Dawn,” was released in issue #34 of Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in Japan. This marked the formal beginning of Monkey D. Luffy’s quest and the start of a global phenomenon that would span decades.
While July 22nd is the official date printed on the magazine and celebrated as “One Piece Day,” it’s interesting to note how magazine distribution works. The “street date,” or the day the issue actually became available for purchase in stores, was a few days earlier, on July 19, 1997. However, the July 22 date remains the officially recognized anniversary for the series’ debut. From this single chapter grew a story that would capture the hearts of millions and break numerous publishing records.
The launch introduced readers to the series’ creator, Eiichiro Oda, and the core concept of a boy with a straw hat and rubber-like powers dreaming of becoming the King of the Pirates. The initial reception was strong, quickly establishing One Piece as a rising star within the highly competitive landscape of Weekly Shōnen Jump, home to many of manga’s biggest titles. This first chapter was the culmination of earlier ideas Oda had been developing, which provides even more context to the series’ origins.
What Was the Precursor to One Piece Before Its Official Launch?
Before One Piece began its official serialization, its creator, Eiichiro Oda, wrote two prototype one-shot stories in 1996, both titled “Romance Dawn.” These short, self-contained stories served as the testing ground for the core concepts that would eventually define One Piece. They featured an early version of Monkey D. Luffy and established key elements like his signature straw hat and a power that made his body like rubber.
These prototypes are more than just trivia; they are a direct look into Oda’s creative process. The first version of “Romance Dawn” was published in a Shonen Jump Summer Special issue, while the second appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump itself. Seeing the subtle and significant differences between these two versions and the final first chapter reveals how Oda refined his characters, plot, and world before committing to a full series. They represent the true genesis of the grand adventure.
Many iconic elements were present from the very beginning, but key details were different. Exploring these changes offers a unique insight that most guides miss, showing how the story you know and love was carefully crafted.
How Do the Two ‘Romance Dawn’ Versions Differ From Each Other and the Final Story?
The two versions of “Romance Dawn” present distinct takes on Luffy’s initial journey and motivations, with Version 2 being much closer to the final manga. The key differences lie in the supporting characters, Luffy’s specific goals, and the origin of his iconic straw hat.
“Romance Dawn” Version 1 introduces a female protagonist named Silk and a type of “good” pirate called a “Peace Main,” a concept that was dropped entirely from the final story. In this iteration, Luffy’s primary goal is to be a Peace Main, and he fights against a villain named Crescent-Moon Gally. This version feels like a rougher, more experimental take on the core idea.
In contrast, “Romance Dawn” Version 2 feels much more familiar. It features a character named Ann, who is a clear prototype for Nami. More importantly, this is the version where Luffy’s grandfather makes an appearance and gives him the straw hat, a significant departure from the final story where “Red-Haired” Shanks bestows it. The art style in Version 2 is also noticeably closer to what fans would see in the official 1997 serialization. The table below breaks down the most critical distinctions.
| Feature | Romance Dawn (Version 1) | Romance Dawn (Version 2) | One Piece (Chapter 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luffy’s Goal | To be a “Peace Main” pirate | To be a great pirate | To find the One Piece and become King of the Pirates |
| Straw Hat Origin | Given by “Red-Haired” Shanks | Given by his grandfather | Given by “Red-Haired” Shanks |
| Female Lead | Silk, a blue-haired girl | Ann, a prototype of Nami | Nami (introduced later) |
| Devil Fruit Name | Gomu Gomu no Mi (not called a “Devil Fruit”) | Gomu Gomu no Mi | Gomu Gomu no Mi (a “Devil Fruit”) |
| Antagonist | Crescent-Moon Gally | Spiel the Hexagon | Higuma the Bear (in flashback), Alvida (in present) |
Where Was the First Chapter of One Piece Published?
One Piece was first published in the magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump on July 22, 1997. This highly popular anthology, owned by the publisher Shueisha, has been the exclusive home for One Piece’s weekly serialization from its very first chapter to the present day. Being published in Weekly Shōnen Jump is a mark of prestige in the manga industry, as it is Japan’s best-selling and most influential shōnen (manga aimed at young male audiences) magazine.
Shueisha is the Japanese publishing company responsible for both the magazine and the collected volumes of the series. After a certain number of chapters are released weekly in the magazine, Shueisha compiles them into standalone book volumes known as tankōbon. This dual-publication system is standard in the manga industry and is how One Piece has been delivered to audiences for decades.
The significance of its home in Weekly Shōnen Jump cannot be overstated. The magazine’s massive readership gave One Piece immediate exposure to a huge audience, helping it quickly gain the momentum needed to become the cultural titan it is today. It has been serialized alongside other legendary series like Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Bleach, cementing its place in manga history.
How Long Has the One Piece Manga Been Running?
The One Piece manga has been running continuously for over 28 years. Since its debut in July 1997, author Eiichiro Oda has consistently published chapters, resulting in over 114 tankōbon volumes and more than 1175 chapters as of early 2026. This makes it one of the longest-running and most consistent manga series of all time.
This incredible longevity is a testament to both Oda’s dedication and the story’s enduring popularity. What was originally planned as a five-year series has evolved into a multi-decade epic. This consistency and massive volume of work led to a significant achievement. As of 2026, the series holds the Guinness World Record for “the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author,” a record it first earned in 2015 and updated in 2022.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers that illustrate its incredible lifespan:
* Start Date: July 22, 1997
* Total Duration (as of 2026): Over 28 years
* Total Chapters (as of 2026): Over 1175
* Total Volumes (as of 2026): Over 114
* Guinness World Record: Most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author.
FAQs About when did one piece manga start
When did the One Piece anime start?
The One Piece anime first aired in Japan on October 20, 1999. Produced by Toei Animation, the anime adaptation began just over two years after the manga’s serialization started. It has been running continuously ever since, closely following the manga’s storyline.
Was One Piece originally planned to be shorter?
Yes, Eiichiro Oda originally planned for One Piece to run for about 5 years, ending around 2002. However, the world and story expanded far beyond his initial expectations. Oda has since stated that he has known the ending for a long time, but the journey to get there became much longer than he first envisioned.
What was the first chapter of One Piece called?
The first chapter of the One Piece manga is titled “Romance Dawn.” This title is a direct homage to the prototype one-shot stories Eiichiro Oda created before the official series began. It powerfully signals the start of Luffy’s grand adventure to find the legendary treasure.
Who is the author of One Piece?
The sole author and illustrator of the One Piece manga is Eiichiro Oda. He has been writing and drawing the series since its debut in 1997. This remarkable achievement earned him a Guinness World Record for the “most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author.”
What is a ‘tankōbon’ volume?
A tankōbon is the Japanese term for a standard-sized, standalone book volume of a manga series. After chapters are first published weekly in a magazine like Weekly Shōnen Jump, they are later collected and reprinted in these tankōbon volumes, which typically contain 10-12 chapters each.
Is the One Piece manga finished?
No, the One Piece manga is not finished as of 2026. While author Eiichiro Oda announced that the series entered its “Final Saga” in 2022, the story is still ongoing. New chapters continue to be released weekly in Japan, with regular breaks scheduled by the author for rest and research.
How many chapters did One Piece release in its first year?
In its debut year of 1997, One Piece released 21 chapters. The first chapter was published in late July, and serialization continued through the end of the year. In the following full year, 1998, a total of 48 chapters were released, establishing its consistent publication schedule.
What date is officially “One Piece Day”?
July 22nd is officially recognized as “One Piece Day” in Japan. This date was certified by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2017 to commemorate the day the manga first began its legendary serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump back in 1997.
What is the difference between the magazine date and the street date?
The “official” date on a magazine cover (like July 22) is for scheduling, while the “street date” is when it actually arrives in stores. For the first One Piece chapter, while the official date was July 22, 1997, the magazine issue actually hit shelves a few days earlier on July 19, 1997.
How successful was One Piece at the beginning?
One Piece became popular very quickly after its debut. The series caught on with readers from its initial chapters in 1997. It rapidly established itself as one of the premier manga series in Weekly Shōnen Jump, a top-tier position it has successfully held for decades.
Key Takeaways: One Piece Manga’s Origin
- The Definitive Start Date: The One Piece manga’s journey officially began on July 22, 1997, in the pages of Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine.
The ‘Romance Dawn’ Prototype: Before its official serialization, creator Eiichiro Oda developed the core ideas in two one-shot stories called “Romance Dawn,” which served as the blueprint for the final series.
The Mind Behind the Legend: Eiichiro Oda is the sole creator, writer, and illustrator of One Piece, a feat of dedication spanning over 28 years that has earned him multiple Guinness World Records.
A Story of Unprecedented Longevity: Originally planned for just five years, the manga has been in continuous publication for nearly three decades, with over 1175 chapters and 114 volumes as of 2026.
Record-Breaking Success: From its early days, the series was a massive hit and has sold over 600 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling manga and best-selling comic series printed in book form in history.
Final Thoughts on the Start of a Grand Adventure
Understanding that the One Piece manga began on July 22, 1997, is more than just learning a piece of trivia. It’s about pinpointing the origin of a cultural phenomenon that has redefined long-form storytelling in modern fiction. From its humble beginnings as a prototype named “Romance Dawn” to its current status as a record-shattering global franchise, the series’ history is as rich and adventurous as the story itself.
The journey that started in that single 1997 magazine issue has grown into a sprawling epic that has captivated millions for decades. Knowing its definitive origin gives you a deeper appreciation for the incredible dedication of Eiichiro Oda and the foundation upon which one of the greatest adventure stories ever told was built. What has been your favorite part of this grand adventure?
