Wondering exactly when the One Piece manga was made? You are looking for the precise date, not just a general timeframe. Getting this specific detail right is key to understanding the series’ long history.
The One Piece manga, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, was first made and officially released on July 22, 1997. This iconic series debuted with its first chapter, “Romance Dawn,” in the 34th issue of Shueisha’s popular manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, marking the beginning of its historic serialization.
This guide provides the definitive answer based on official publication data. You’ll discover the manga’s pre-serialization origins, its current ongoing status as of 2026, and the record-breaking success that cemented its legacy as a global phenomenon.
Key Facts
- Definitive Release Date: The first chapter of the One Piece manga was published on July 22, 1997, in issue #34 of Weekly Shonen Jump.
- Sole Creator: Eiichiro Oda is the single writer and illustrator for the entire series, an achievement recognized by Guinness World Records.
- Ongoing Series: As of 2026, the manga is not finished and is currently in its “Final Saga,” which officially began in 2022.
- Best-Selling Manga Ever: With over 600 million copies in circulation worldwide, One Piece is the best-selling manga series in history.
- Guinness World Record Holder: The series holds the world record for “most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author.”
When Was the One Piece Manga Originally Made and Released?
The One Piece manga by Eiichiro Oda was first made and officially released on July 22, 1997. It debuted with its first chapter, “Romance Dawn,” in the 34th issue of Shueisha’s popular manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump. This marked the official start of its serialization, which is the process of publishing a series in regular installments. This date is the foundational starting point of the entire One Piece franchise.
While the weekly magazine publication marked its first appearance, the journey didn’t stop there. The individual chapters were later collected by the publishing house Shueisha into bound volumes known as tankōbon. The very first collected tankōbon volume of One Piece was published months later on December 24, 1997, allowing fans to own the beginning of the story in a more permanent format. This two-step release process, first serialization in a magazine and then collection into volumes, is standard in the manga industry.
The creator, Eiichiro Oda, is the single author and illustrator behind this massive work. His direct involvement since 1997 ensures a consistent vision and art style throughout the entire series. The release in Weekly Shonen Jump, a highly influential manga anthology, immediately placed One Piece in front of a massive audience, setting the stage for its future success.
How Did The One Piece Manga Start Before Its Official Serialization?
Before One Piece was officially serialized, creator Eiichiro Oda developed the concept through two one-shot prototypes, both titled “Romance Dawn,” in 1996. These short, standalone stories were published to test early versions of the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and key plot elements. These one-shots served as the direct predecessors to the main series, and the title “Romance Dawn” was even reused for the first official chapter in 1997. Oda developed these concepts while working as an assistant for other established manga artists, including those on the famous series Rurouni Kenshin.
These two versions of “Romance Dawn” offer a fascinating glimpse into the manga creation process. They feature a recognizable Luffy with his straw hat and Gomu Gomu no Mi powers but introduce different supporting characters who were prototypes for Nami, such as Silk and Ann. By comparing these prototypes to the final version, we can see how Oda refined his ideas to create the story we know today.
Here is a breakdown of the key differences between the prototypes and the final first chapter:
| Feature | Romance Dawn (Version 1) | Romance Dawn (Version 2) | One Piece (Chapter 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Published | 1996 | 1996 | 1997 |
| Female Lead | Silk | Ann | Nami (appears later) |
| Origin of Straw Hat | Given by Shanks | Given by Grandfather | Given by Shanks |
| Luffy’s Goal | To be a “Peace Main” pirate | Not explicitly defined | To become King of the Pirates |
| Devil Fruit Name | Gomu Gomu no Mi | Gomu Gomu no Mi | Gomu Gomu no Mi |
Is The One Piece Manga Still Being Made And When Will It End?
Yes, as of April 2026, the One Piece manga is still being made and is actively serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. It is currently in its “Final Saga,” which began in 2022, moving the story toward its grand conclusion. While creator Eiichiro Oda has had the ending planned for years, an official final release date has not yet been announced.
The series is a monumental work, with its chapter count exceeding 1,100 and its collected volume count now over 114 as of 2026. This demonstrates its incredible longevity and ongoing popularity. The announcement of the “Final Saga” confirmed that the narrative is in its concluding phase, but this final part of the story is expected to last for several years.
Here are the key points regarding the manga’s current status:
* ✅ Actively Published: New chapters are released weekly in Japan, with brief, periodic breaks taken by the author.
* ✅ Entered the “Final Saga”: The story officially entered its final major arc in 2022, signaling that the end is in sight.
* ✅ Ending is Predetermined: Eiichiro Oda has famously stated that he has known how the series will end since its beginning.
* ✅ No Official End Date: Neither Oda nor the publisher, Shueisha, has announced a specific date or year for the final chapter.
How Successful Is The One Piece Manga?
The One Piece manga is the best-selling manga series in history, with over 600 million copies in circulation worldwide as of 2026. It holds a Guinness World Record for the “most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author” and was the top-selling manga in Japan for 11 consecutive years from 2008 to 2018. This level of commercial success is a clear indicator of its global impact and cultural significance.
The series’ financial and commercial dominance is unprecedented in the comic book world. Its success isn’t just historical; every new volume released continues to sell millions of copies, regularly topping sales charts in Japan. This sustained popularity over more than two decades highlights the deep connection fans have with its characters and sprawling world.
Key success metrics include:
* 📈 Over 600 Million Copies Sold: This makes it the best-selling manga of all time and one of the best-selling comic series globally.
* 🏆 Guinness World Record: First awarded in 2015 and updated in 2022, this record certifies its incredible publication numbers from a single author.
* 📊 11 Consecutive Years at #1: According to Japan’s Oricon sales charts, it was the undisputed top-selling manga from 2008 through 2018.
* 📕 Over 100 Published Volumes: The sheer length of the series is a success in itself, maintaining quality and fan interest for over 114 volumes and counting.
FAQs About when was one piece manga made
What was the exact release date of the One Piece manga?
The exact release date for the first chapter of the One Piece manga was July 22, 1997. This was the date that issue #34 of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, containing the chapter “Romance Dawn,” was published in Japan.
Who is the creator of the One Piece manga?
The creator of the One Piece manga is Eiichiro Oda. He is both the writer and the illustrator for the entire series, a feat for which he holds a Guinness World Record. Oda had been developing the ideas for his pirate manga since he was in high school.
In what magazine was One Piece first published?
One Piece was first serialized in the weekly manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump. Published by Shueisha, it is one of the longest-running and best-known manga anthologies in Japan, and One Piece has been one of its flagship titles since its debut in 1997.
Is the One Piece manga finished in 2026?
No, the One Piece manga is not finished as of 2026. The series is still ongoing with new chapters being released weekly in Weekly Shonen Jump. It has entered its “Final Saga,” but an official end date has not been announced by the author or publisher.
How many volumes of the One Piece manga are there?
As of March 2026, there are over 114 collected tankōbon volumes of the One Piece manga. The number continually grows as new chapters are periodically compiled and released in this format, typically containing 10-12 chapters each.
What came before the One Piece manga?
Before the official series, creator Eiichiro Oda wrote two prototype one-shot chapters in 1996, both titled “Romance Dawn.” These stories explored early concepts for the main character, Monkey D. Luffy, and the world of One Piece, serving as a direct precursor to the 1997 serialization.
When did the One Piece anime start?
The anime adaptation of One Piece, produced by Toei Animation, first premiered in Japan on October 20, 1999. This was just over two years after the manga began its serialization, and the anime has been running continuously ever since.
How long has the One Piece manga been running?
The One Piece manga has been running for over 25 years. Since its debut on July 22, 1997, it has been in continuous weekly serialization, making it one of the longest-running manga series of all time.
How does Eiichiro Oda make the manga?
Eiichiro Oda is known for his hands-on approach, drawing most of the moving characters and key elements himself. He leaves background art to his assistants, based on his own sketches, to maintain a consistent art style. This level of personal involvement is notable for a weekly series of its length.
Is One Piece the best-selling manga ever?
Yes, One Piece is the best-selling manga series in history. With over 600 million copies in circulation worldwide, it has surpassed all other manga and holds the Guinness World Record for the most copies published for a comic series by a single author.
Key Takeaways: One Piece Manga’s Creation Summary
- Precise Origin: The One Piece manga was officially first made and released on July 22, 1997, in issue #34 of Weekly Shonen Jump.
- Creative Genius: The entire series is written and illustrated by one person, Eiichiro Oda, who had been developing the core concepts since the early 1990s.
- Prototype Foundation: The series was preceded by two one-shot stories called “Romance Dawn” in 1996, which served as the testing ground for the main story.
- Unfinished Journey: As of 2026, the manga is still ongoing and is currently in its “Final Saga,” with no official end date announced.
- Unprecedented Scale: The series comprises over 1,100 chapters collected into more than 114 volumes, a testament to its incredible longevity.
- Record-Breaking Success: It is the best-selling manga of all time with over 600 million copies sold and holds a Guinness World Record for its sales achievement.
- Franchise Titan: The manga spawned a massive media franchise, including a globally popular anime series that began in 1999, numerous films, and video games.
Final Thoughts on the Legacy of One Piece’s Creation
The creation of the One Piece manga on July 22, 1997, was more than just the launch of a new comic; it was the beginning of a multi-decade cultural phenomenon. From its early origins in Eiichiro Oda’s “Romance Dawn” prototypes to its current status in its “Final Saga,” the series has maintained an unparalleled level of consistency, world-building, and heart. Understanding that this epic, which has sold over 600 million copies and captivated the world, sprang from a single author’s vision in 1997 gives a profound appreciation for its historic and ongoing journey. As the story now sails toward its long-planned conclusion, its legacy as the best-selling manga in history is already cemented, a journey that began on a single day in the summer of 1997.
