This unique and special short film for the 25th anniversary of One Piece will immerse us in the lives that have been touched by the Straw Hats.
The universe of One piece It continues to expand, even after 25 years of sea voyages and epic adventures. This October, the global anime phenomenon celebrates its quarter century with a special release: the short film “One Piece Fan Letter”. Inspired by the short story collection “Straw Hat Stories” by Tomohito Osaki, this new installment offers a fresh and exciting perspective, different from the usual legendary treasure hunt.
A new perspective on the vast world of One Piece
Directed by Megumi Ishitani, recognized for her work in series such as One piece Yes Dragon Ball Superand with character designs by Keisuke Mori, this special promises a deep dive into the everyday lives touched by the Straw Hats. The screenplay by Momoka Toyoda, who also worked on “My Happy Marriage,” complements the direction with a narrative that connects emotionally with fans.
Set in the Sabaody Archipelago, two years after the events of the Better War and the tragic loss of Luffy’s brother Ace, the story centers on a young local woman who deeply admires Nami. Her passion for female pirates motivates her to seek a face-to-face meeting with her heroine when the Straw Hat Pirates return to the archipelago. The anticipation of this meeting is built through the story of the short film, whose official trailer has already captured the attention of fans and will be broadcast on 20 October 2024, in the usual broadcast times of One piece in Japan.
Double party with pirate fashion
The celebration doesn’t stop on screen; One piece also launched an impressive collection of clothing and accessories in collaboration with HYPLAND for its 25th anniversary. The collection, which features designs that include characters like Luffy and Law, promises to be a feast for fans who want to take their passion for the series outside of convention and screen.
Tomohito Osaki proposes in his novel “Straw Hat Stories” a series of stories that portray the lives of non-pirate characters whose existences intersect with that of the protagonists of One piece. While the original collection contains nine stories, it has not yet been confirmed how many of these will be adapted into the new short or whether further adaptations are planned in the future. The first three stories were published in the first three issues of the magazine One piece magazine in 2017, with Shueisha launching the full collection in November of that year.
A character that captures hearts
The young protagonist of “One Piece Fan Letter” symbolizes the lasting influence of strong female characters within the series. His admiration for Nami reflects not only the aspiration for strength and independence, but also the significant impact that well-constructed characters can have on their audiences. In this special we are shown how a fictional character can inspire real, palpable changes in viewers’ lives, providing not only entertainment, but also role models.
In comparison, fans’ connection to Nami can be seen in parallel with that of other iconic characters from long-running series, such as Bulma from Dragon Ball or Sakura from Naruto. These women not only bring emotional and human dimensions to their respective series, but also serve as bridges through which viewers explore their own desires and aspirations. The special of One piece delves into this symbiotic relationship, celebrating not only the characters, but also the fans who have grown and evolved alongside them.
This special not only celebrates a milestone, but also delves into the impact of the Straw Hat Pirates beyond their adventures, exploring how their ideals and actions continue to inspire and change lives, even without searching for treasure.