Toei Animation Announces Major Changes to One Piece Production Schedule

Tokyo, Japan — Toei Animation announced significant changes to the production schedule of the popular anime series One Piece during a special live-streamed event on October 28, 2025. The modifications will take effect in 2026, coinciding with the debut of the highly anticipated Elbaph Arc.

Series producer Ryūta Koike revealed that starting January 2026, One Piece will transition to a two-cour structure, releasing only 26 new episodes each year, compared to the numerous episodes produced in previous years. This strategic alteration aims to enhance the series by aligning the show’s pacing and content more closely with the original manga by Eiichiro Oda.

“This change will allow us to dive deeper into the heart of the One Piece world, incorporating more content while utilizing the unique aspects of animation storytelling,” said Koike during the event.

The broadcast of the first cour in 2026 will commence in April, following a three-month hiatus from January to March. This break presents opportunities for fans to engage with One Piece-related content, including local events.

In addition to the announcement about the new production schedule, the global stream also featured updates on the manga, marketing highlights, and the latest projects surrounding the franchise, including an in-depth look at Issue 113 of the manga. Viewers were treated to visual reveals from upcoming One Piece projects, including the Elbaph Arc.

One Piece, which debuted in Japan in 1999, has become a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its rich storytelling and character development. The series centers on the adventures of pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they seek the legendary treasure known as One Piece.

The announcement reflects a broader industry trend, where anime production is increasingly adopting seasonal formats for improved animation quality and storytelling fidelity. Previously, ongoing shows often faced the challenge of padding episodes to avoid catching up with their source material, leading to criticisms from fans.

With this shift, One Piece joins a modern approach to anime production, potentially resulting in episodes that cover one chapter of the manga or even more to enhance narrative depth and pacing. The Elbaph Arc, a much-anticipated storyline involving the land of giants, is set to explore new territories for the Straw Hat crew and promises to be a focal point of excitement for fans.

The live-stream event concluded with teasers about upcoming content and events related to the One Piece franchise, ensuring fans will have plenty to look forward to during the hiatus.