“One Piece Will Never Become Popular”: That’s What This Dragon Ball Editor Thought, But Why?
It seems that even the most experienced editors can make mistakes. Discover how an incorrect prediction led to an unexpected reality in the manga universe.
Dragon Ball’s first editor, Kazuhiko Torishima, was convinced that One Piece would never achieve popularity. This Japanese producer, who had already refused three times to give the green light to the publication of One Piece (success came on the fourth attempt), firmly refuted the idea that One Piece could become a pillar of Shonen Jump, declaring: “It’s impossible!” What are you talking about ? »
Initial reactions and predictions
The comment first appeared in a 2019 post on the serialization of One Piece in the late 1990s. Kita claimed that One Piece would become a “pillar” of Shonen Jump, which Torishima, then editor-in-chief of Shonen Jump, vigorously denied. This comment resurfaced in a recent X-post from a popular One Piece news translator, seen below.
Translation: Also, when we were having drinks after Makuhari, I said “I think the pirate manga will become a JUMP staple.” I remember very clearly Mashirito strongly rejecting this idea, saying, “There’s no chance!” What are you talking about?! »
An erroneous prediction
Torishima’s comment turned out to be incorrect, of course, as One Piece became not only a major financial success, but also one of the “Big Three”, a true pillar of Shonen Jump and a symbol of the success of anime in the West. Torishima later admitted that his comment was incorrect, even going so far as to tell One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, “You win!” »
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Torishima’s impact and opinions
Torishima’s career in manga and anime began in 1976 at Shueisha, and continues today after experiences at Japanese media conglomerates like Hakusensha and Bushiroad. This left the executive with decades of industry experience and well-respected opinions, even when controversial. Torishima has been open to criticizing Dragon Ball and One Piece in interviews, including stating that no one has “anything to learn” from Dragon Ball and that “it’s a shame no editor can stand up to Oda” , as well as “I would like to see a manga that dethrones OP (One Piece). »
Crossed inspirations between creators of legends
These comments likely resurfaced following the recent passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama. Until his death, Toriyama and Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, were close friends and had great admiration for each other. Oda has been very public about the fact that he considers Toriyama his idol and a major inspiration for One Piece.
Dragon Ball is often considered the father of the Big Three, although in recent years the dedication and viewership of historically popular anime has declined sharply in the face of newer series such as Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia. Dragon Ball and One Piece are two of the few series that maintain their relevance and audience, both among new and old fans.
