One Piece anime sets July 2026 start date for second Elbaf cour

Episode 1168 of the One Piece anime aired on July 12, 2026, concluding the first cour of the Elbaf arc and confirming key plot revelations. The series will resume with episode 1169 on July 19, 2026, continuing weekly releases through the second cour, which runs until late October 2026.

Toei Animation has shifted the show to a seasonal two‑cour format, limiting production to up to 26 episodes per year instead of the previous 40‑50. The change includes moving the broadcast from its long‑standing Sunday morning slot to a nighttime schedule, allowing for higher animation quality and fewer censorship restrictions. Producer Ryūta Koike cited these adjustments as a means to better match the pacing of the manga and improve overall quality. Fans had mixed reactions to the new schedule, but positive reception to the first cour's episodes has eased concerns.