One Piece, the famous work of Eiichiro Oda, has transcended barriers over the years, establishing itself as a global phenomenon and a fundamental pillar of the manga industry. However, its beginnings were marked by skepticism, especially from Kazuhiko Torishima, an iconic figure at the Shueisha publishing house and known for his role in the creation of Dragon Ball. Torishima, who at the time was an influential editor within Shonen Jump magazine, had no faith in the potential of One Piece, even claiming that it would be a complete failure and that it wouldn’t be long before the series was canceled.
The editor of Shonen Jump has never been the sharpest pencil in the case
Despite initial doubts, One Piece not only became a bestseller but also surpassed Dragon Ball in popularity and several records. The series, which narrates the adventures of a group of pirates in their quest for the greatest treasure in the world, has maintained its relevance in pop culture for over two decades. In an ironic twist of events, after its dizzying success, Oda informed Torishima, in an annual Shonen Jump meeting, that he had lost the bet on the future of the series, highlighting the magnitude of his triumph.
“One Piece will not become a popular manga! Don’t say nonsense!” Torishima used to exclaim when referring to the work in its early days. Today, however, time has proven Oda right, who has seen his creation flourish like the golden goose of Jump. The series has not only won legions of fans worldwide but also a place in the history of manga, demonstrating that the riskiest bets can yield the greatest dividends.
