One Piece anime transitions to seasonal format

The One Piece anime franchise is undergoing significant structural and content changes. After 27 years of continuous broadcast, the anime is transitioning to a seasonal format. Toei Animation will now produce approximately 26 episodes per year, a move intended to maintain high visual quality and prevent the anime from catching up to Eiichiro Oda’s manga too quickly.

The current Elbaph arc is nearing its conclusion, with episode 1180 scheduled for release on September 27, 2026. This episode is expected to end on a major cliffhanger. Following this, the series will enter a hiatus, with a return anticipated in 2027.

In addition to the series transition, the original 2000 One Piece film is returning to theaters. This film follows Monkey D. Luffy and the early Straw Hat crew—including Zoro, Nami, and Usopp—as they hunt for the treasure of the legendary pirate Woonan while facing the antagonist Eldorago. The theatrical release also features iconic musical themes such as ‘We Are!’ and ‘Memories’.