Fans of One Piece received some unexpected news this week. According to an official statement from Weekly Shōnen Jump, Eiichiro Oda’s iconic manga will be taking a short break due to the creator’s health. While it’s always tough to hear that the series is pausing, what’s most important is Oda-sensei’s well-being.

What Happened?

The editorial team at Shōnen Jump shared that One Piece would not appear in the latest issue because Oda has been under the weather. The announcement even mentioned that the magazine still listed One Piece in its table of contents, but the correction couldn’t be made in time for printing. Instead, readers were told that the series is expected to resume with Issue 46, set to go on sale on October 14.

In other words, it’s a brief hiatus—likely just one missed chapter—before the Straw Hats return to continue their journey in the Final Saga.

Not the First Time

Longtime fans know this isn’t the first time One Piece has been delayed due to Oda’s health. Over the years, the creator has occasionally stepped back from his famously grueling schedule to recover.

In the past, we’ve seen one-week and even multi-week pauses when Oda’s health needed attention.

In June 2022, the series took a month-long break so that Oda could rest and prepare for the massive Final Saga we’re currently reading. The workload of weekly serialization, especially after 25+ years of continuous storytelling, is incredibly demanding.

Fans have always been supportive of Oda taking the time he needs. After all, One Piece is a once-in-a-lifetime story, and its quality relies on the health of its creator.

Why Fans Shouldn’t Worry Too Much

The good news is that this particular break seems short. With a scheduled return on October 14, it looks like Oda will only be missing one chapter. Compared to some of the longer hiatuses in manga history (Hunter x Hunter being the most famous example), this is a light pause.

Still, every announcement like this is a reminder of how much work goes into bringing a weekly manga to life. From the detailed art to the layered storytelling, Oda has poured decades of energy into building the world of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.

For now, though, the fandom seems united on one point: Oda’s health comes first. Social media has already been flooded with messages of support, reminding everyone that even heroes need to rest

So while October 14 might feel like a long wait, it’s a small price to pay to ensure the captain of this legendary manga can continue steering the ship.

Source: WSJ Editorial Statement