Every week, JUMP authors get a small space to express a message for the week. It could be something as trivial as a comment on the weather to something as big as a surprise wedding announcement. It’s also a space authors may use to promote their work as it exists in other mediums such as video games, movies or CD releases. When you look at just one or two they usually aren’t much to write home about, but when followed over time they can reveal telling patterns of how the author works or what challenges they face.

 

…then there’s our Oda -_-;

 

A man who proudly talks about forgetting to renew his driver’s license.

 

Here are all of his weekly comments from when I began collecting JUMP in 2006. I have a smattering of JUMP issues prior to that but they’re not in the same country as me at the moment so I won’t be able to translate them. At any rate, I suggest before you read any of these take some time to enjoy Rika’s excellent translations of the first five years worth over at the long-defunct Destination Paradise to get your feet wet. I’d love to bring them here but I’m definitely not interested in stealing her work. HOWEVER, if anyone out there knows of a database that has kept a Japanese record of Oda’s weekly blurbs, please let me know and I’ll get to work on them. Other than that, expect this page to be updated weekly. Big shout-out to EGX who was able to scan 30+ pages from JUMPs he's collected from 2003-2005. Also to bandit_legend of Arlong Park Forums who scanned a slew of 2002 issues! If you happen to have any old issues collecting dust, you can help out too! Any entries that have a question mark (?) in the Related Comments column it's because I was able to find Oda's quote but not the other authors' comments.

 

One note, there are times when you might think to yourself, “Wow, Oda’s really milking the merchandise isn’t he?” Please consider that his comments stem from two objectives far more important than greed:

 

·         He genuinely wants to get information about ways to enjoy OP to fans of all ages

·         He has a responsibility to the people working on the various incarnations of OP to support them and their jobs

 

So just keep that in mind when you see him plugging his movies or video games X weeks in a row. Speaking of plugging. If you’re going to copy-and-paste my work update any form of Wiki with this material (and I know you will) a link to the English source as credit would be nice…mostly. Speaking of giving credit, props to scorpedo of Arlong Park Forums for getting the fish image of Oda used in this section’s logo. Also a big thanks to the love of my life who fielded my inane questions about unfamiliar grammar during translations.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Issue

Sale Date

Chapter

Comment

Related Comments

34

7/21/1997

1

When I was in middle school, I decided that I would draw a pirate comic in JUMP. I'll just ignore the atrocities of historic fact and [instead] draw a bunch of jolly pirates. 'Cause hey, it's summer. But what I really wonder is why JUMP uses a pirate mark. Why is that?

Nobuhiro Watsuki [Ruroni Kenshin]- Oda-sensei who helped out [on my staff] in the past will finally be starting his new serialized comic from this week. Congratulations. Let's do our best together.

Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro* [Takeshi]- I've been waiting for Oda's serial [comic]. I hope you'll all read One Piece and become pioneering pirates!!

[*Mitsutoshi 'Shimabu~' Shimabukuro- Mitsutoshi is a manga artist infamous for being convicted of paying underage girls for sexual services. He was an assistant alongside Oda during their work on Rurouni Kenshin. His series 'Takeshi' was left unfinished but he would go on to write 'Toriko'.]

35

7/28/1997

2

The morning sun as seen from my window at work is incredibly beautiful!! Seeing it the first thing in the morning is what I think about just before going to sleep.

36

8/4/1997

3

To Asami-sensei and your staff members, thank you for the flowers celebrating the start of my series. Wild Half is drawn by such a nice person.

37+38

8/11/1997

4

A comic by Mizumoto-san*, a comrade of mine from my early days [as a professional manga artist], will have his work run in Akamaru JUMP. Use that as a first step towards us drawing serials together!!

[*Akitsugu Mizumoto: A long-time manga artist who, as of this writing (2011) never quite seems to have made it big. He has had multiple pieces published in various Shueisha publications but they never caught on. The particular work Oda mentions here was called 'Ga-ROW' which actually did reach the pages of Weekly JUMP the next year but only for 11 issues.]

39

8/25/1997

5

Woah! I went to see Mononoke Hime!! It's so good!! And so cool!! It's compellingly Mela* at the office.

[*Yoshikazu Mela: A Japanese countertenor who sang the film's main theme.]

40

9/1/1997

6

During my assistant years both Tokuhiro-sensei* and Rurouni's Watsuki-sensei took great care of me. I hope that Tokuhiro-sensei will be able to return to JUMP as soon as possible.

[*Masaya Tokuhiro: A manga artist responsible for a number of series in Shueisha publications, notably 'Jungle King Tar-chan'.]

41

9/8/1997

7

I bought a Lego pirate ship. What a fun creation. It's respectable that the Lego designers haven't lost their child-like hearts. But they're aimed at 5-12 year olds!! Aw shucks.

42

9/15/1997

8

Seems that One Piece will be running in Hong Kong and Taiwanese publications as well. I'm looking forward to what the title will be changed to. I bet it'll be all Chinese characters.

43

9/22/1997

9

Let's try to think about what the Hong Kong and Taiwanese titles of One Piece might be. 'Adventurous Elasticity Boy'. 'Straw Hat Pirate'. 'Young Girl's Clothes'. I wonder.

44

9/29/1997

10

Seems there's been an emergence of 'towelers'* on my home [island] of Kyushu. Amateurs... Why, I've been a toweler while working since way back.

[*Towelers: A Japanese term for youths that wrap a white towel around their head as opposed to a scarf or bandana.]

45

10/6/1997

11

I've been in serialization for over 10 times but I still can't keep up with the weekly pace. Man, professionals are amaaaaazing.

46

10/13/1997

12

Thank you for the fan letters that come in week after week. I think the best way I can thank you at this point is by turning your words of support into the energy of the characters. So that's what I'm gonna do!!

47

10/20/1997

13

Now it's been decided that One Piece will be appearing in Thailand. The art will have to be mirrored from right to left. I'm a little concerned that it might mess with the designs.

48

10/27/1997

14

Volume 2 of 'Butsu Zone' by Hiroyuki Takei-sensei, a personal and neighborhood friend, was released. Bought it. Just like I thought it's right up my alley.

49

11/3/1997

15

Toriyama-sensei's serial has begun!! I'm so happy!! Maybe too happy!! I'm looking forward to being able to read it each week!!!

50

11/10/1997

16

In my childhood I read a book called 'Elmer and the Dragon' and it gave me culture shock. I don't think there's any other imaginary creature as beloved as dragons. Who the heck thought them up? That person was awesome!!

51

11/17/1997

17

SO COLD!! I hate the cold!! Ahh, I know what this means. Yep, drinking a warm and bitter cup of coffee while doing my job good and dandy.

52

11/24/1997

18

There were some domed stickers in a fan's letter. I've seen them placed on things before but noooow I get how they're used.

1

12/1/1997

19

Kazu-sensei* and Mizumoto-sensei, congratulations on your new serials! We used to go drinking a lot back in the day but now we're war buddies!!

[*Hajime Kazu: A manga artist best known for the series 'Mind Assassin'.]

2+3

12/8/1997

20

Alright then. You ready? It's coming. At long last One Piece Volume 1!! It comes out on Christmas!! There are special pages as well.]

4+5

12/20/1997

21

This calls for a celebration!! Two of my buddies will [have their work] published in Akamaru JUMP. I'm cheering for you Shinya-chi & Matsui-chi. Push forwaaaard!!

6

1/3/1998

22

WOAH!! THE YEAR'S ALREADY STARTED!! Happy New Year. I worked very diligently last year. That's coming from me so there's totally no reason for you to doubt me and stuff. Right, so carrying on that grand tradition, you guessed it!! I'll do my best [this year too]!! Looking forward to this year with you.

7

1/12/1998

23

The boombox I bought with money from my very first high school part time job* has been with me for six years. Recently CDs started skipping. Hang in there!!

[*Part time job: It's possible Oda is talking about his job at 'Baratei' the steak restaurant where he worked that inspired the name of the restaurant ship in One Piece.]

8

1/19/1998

24

I went to the party for the 'Big Two'* awards. It's been a while since I let loose singing and partying like that. Rejuvination* is sooo important.

[*'Big Two': An abbreviation of the annual Tezuka & Akatsuka awards.]

[**He literally said 'refresh' but the nuance is slightly different in English.]

9

1/26/1998

25

Thank you for the incredible amount of postcards we received for last year's cover page illustration idea contest. Selecting them is tough!

10

2/2/1998

26

So funny!! I've been watching 'Masaru-san'* on TV but it's crazy that a TV cartoon can make me laugh this much.

[*'Masaru-san': An abbreviation of the title of the animated television comedy 'Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san'.]

11

2/9/1998

27

I went to the [JUMP] New Year's party where I was able to meet Toriyama-sensei. If you can believe it we actually played rock-paper-scissors!! AND I LOST!! He really IS a living legend.

12

2/16/1998

28

At last the unveiling of the [winners of the] 'Cover Page Idea Contest'. Since I love drawing pictures I'm going to put some extra effort into the next six weeks. Of course that goes for the series too.

13

2/23/1998

29

Crap. My molar feels kind of weird. Is this all because I stopped going to the dentist mid-treatment last year?

14

3/2/1998

30

FAIL!! I woke up the same time I went to sleep. I SLEPT OVER 24 HOURS!! This week's drafts are probably gonna be hell.

15

3/9/1998

31

The Olympics, which will be long over by the time this is printed, have got me all emotional right now. Sports are amazing.

16

3/16/1998

32

Valentine's chocolates have arrived! Thank you so much!! The characters and staff included, we're all enjoying them. I love chocolate.

17

3/23/1998

33

About that funky molar I wrote about in issue 13, after I brushed it with ApaXXrd* all the ridges [on my tooth] were missing. THE HECK!?

[*Apagard: Oda couldn't mention the brand name but Apagard is a Japanese-developed toothpaste that SUPPOSEDLY restores tooth enamel.]

18

3/30/1998

34

April 3rd, One Piece Volume 2 will be out!!! You can look forward to the lively antics of the Buggy Gang. There are also some extra pages for an arts and crafts project.

19

4/6/1998

35

Did you guys know this!? If you put shrimp-flavored rice crackers* on top of shoyu ramen it tastes delicious!! Just be careful of how much you put in.

[*Kappa ebisen: A kind of rice cracker from the snack company Calbee.]

20

4/13/1998

36

Thank you for sending me all the One Piece cosplay pictures. If I did it I'd be a fabulous Nami ♥ Yikes.

21

4/20/1998

37

Regarding the DVD [player] I got at the [JUMP] New Year's party. To tell the truth I wasn't too interested in it but I hooked it up the other day. Oh yeah, it's the Age of DVD!!!

22+23

4/27/1998

38

Golden Week is coming. Three buddies from my amatuer days will be published in Akamaru JUMP. Fukushige-san*, Shinya-po** and Yamakawa-san***, good luck-po.

[*Masakazu Fukushige: A manga artist that, as of this writing, never broke it big.]

[**Shinya Suzuki: Same artist mentioned in his comment with Chapter 21. Oda just uses a different nickname.]

[***Kaori Yamakawa: A manga artist that, as of this writing, never broke it big.]

Nobuhiro Watsuki [Ruroni Kenshin]- Shinga*, Takei and Oda, all three sensei dropped by unexpectedly. It helped me feel refreshed. THANK YOU*.

[*Gin Shinga: The pen name of Eiji Kumazawa (possibly Kumasawa) who worked as an assistant with Oda on Rurouni Kenshin in the so-called ‘Watsuki Gang’. (See Chapter 233)]

[*He used the katakana spelling for the English 'thank you'.]

24

5/11/1998

39

At last it's here, the season of warmth. For a lazy guy like me, getting along by wearing just a t-shirt is too awesome to handle.

1

12/3/2001

210

The jealousy of old men seems to be butting heads with the Koizumi Cabinet. They should just lend him a hand if they’ve got enough time to waste disagreeing with him. Such strange people they are.

2

12/10/2001

211

Finally bought the coffee maker for the office that I’ve put off buying because I heard you’ve gotta wash the dang thing after every use. Aha so this is it. This is what they call coffee... This is...

3

12/17/2001

212

Plans for a number of [One Piece] video games are moving ahead and of all of them the farthest from completion is coming out the year after next. Th-...The year after next you say... Guess it’s pretty tough making games too.

4+5

12/28/2001

213

And so this year...is drawing...to a close... Even though it’s coming to and end, it’s the New Year’s edition of JUMP. What’s up with that?

6+7

1/7/2002

214

Alrighty, a happy new year to you. Ah~ a fresh new year. So I should probably state my goal for the year, huh. This year I uh...yeah a good manga...that’s what I’d like to draw...

8

1/21/2002

215

The year-end JUMP Festa at Makuhari. It was a huge celebration and I had a great time. Did you see the One Piece stage show at Bandai they spent 50 million yen* on!? It was awesome. They should perform it all around the country.

[*Roughly $500,000.]

9

1/28/2002

216

The DVD player I won at the JUMP New Year’s party four years ago just broke. The timing was great because I got a new one at this year’s New Year’s party. THANK YOU*.

[*Oda wrote 'sankyu' in katakana, the written way to immitate the English 'thank you' via Japanese pronunciation.]

10

2/4/2002

217

I slipped away from working on drafts and went to Disney Sea for the anime staff’s New Year’s party, had fun to my heart’s content and went immediately back to my drafts.

11

2/9/2002

Break

12

2/18/2002

218

Thanks for last week. I’m sorry for taking a break. I’m in the middle of watching The Godfather. I hate being controlled by others. So just call me ‘Don’.

13

2/25/2002

219

OOOOOH~~~ (blush) I never ever thought I’d be faced with having to do voice acting. How can I put it? Th-The ebb and flow of the times? ...or just...me getting sucked into it...!!

Ryu Fujisaki [Sakuratetsu Taiwahen]- Oda-sensei, thank you for so graciously accepting that somewhat forward request of mine. I just wanted to borrow this space to thank you.

14

3/4/2002

220

We are now in The Age of the iPod. The iPod is niiice... I loaded it up with songs I love from CDs I don’t listen to anymore and I’m at 700 songs. Niiiiice...

15

3/11/2002

221

I went to the test screening of the One Piece movie. The response from the audience was superb. Man, Chopper Kingdom is fantastic. That’d be an awesome island. I’d lo~ve to go.

16

3/18/2002

222

Nosebleed FWOOOOSH!! I received so many chocolates thank you very much. I’m the kind of guy that eats chocolate every week regardless of Valentine’s Day. Now recharging sugar supply~

17

3/25/2002

223

Lately Ando-kun who has been helping me exclusively with final touches has been on the ball. He’s the kind of guy that would climb the corporate ladder in a company. And he’s still so young.

18

4/1/2002

224

I think it’s the first time this happened to me since I was born. I spilled my ink. But since my desk is packed to overflowing with stuff it was more like, “Oh-my-gosh-the-inks’s, not going anywhere actually.” It’s all good.

19

4/8/2002

225

The Straw Hat Gang Voice Acting Crew came to my place. Starting with a food run for ingredients the main event was Sanji’s [Hirata’s] peperoncino [pasta]. We carried on late into the night.

Yoshio Sawai [Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo]- I bought a video game for the first time in a long while. It’s One Piece ‘Grand Battle! 2’. I just keep doing Gomu Gomu Storm. It’s incredibly refreshing.

20

4/15/2002

226

A popular song called ‘Family’ has been included in the One Piece album. The [anime] producer, Shimizu-san, is busy running here and there trying to make sure that as many people as possible can listen to it. Good lu~~ck!!

21

4/22/2002

227

I went to see Mr. 2’s voice actor Mr. Yao perform on stage with his troupe SWAT. The attention to detail in the depiction of characters helped me see how interesting stage productions is. So that’s what real theater is.

22+23

4/27/2002

228

The three pages I drew last week for the picture book Norland the Liar held me back 15 hours in overtime. It turned out great and I’m totally satisfied with it. I love picture books.

24

5/13/2002

229

I always thought that 70’s soul music was my favorite but lately I’ve started to pay attention to modern soul. I’ll start with some Grammy winners. Ooh, this is gooood...

25

5/20/2002

230

Obata-sensei’s* illustration collection, Sai. I was deeply moved when I received a signed copy. It’s just sooo beautiful. I have nothing but unconditional respect for those who have always been skillful artists. This is the real deal guys.

[*Takeshi Obata- Author of Hikaru no Go and illustrator of Death Note.]

26

5/27/2002

231

I rented out a whole movie theater!! YEAH-HE-HEAH!! I'm messin’ with you, just wasn’t anyone else in it. It was a popular [foreign] movie too but I guess it’s because I saw the dubbed version.

27

6/3/2002

232

I’m out of shape so just walking around town gives me muscle cramps. There’s a sports gym in my neighborhood. Every time I pass it I think, “Whaddya know, a sports gym.” (so go to it ya' bum)

28

6/10/2002

233

Big bro Gin Shinga* passed away. He was a dear friend from my assistant days when we dreamed of being manga authors. I’ll continue to draw for the both of us.

[*Gin Shinga- The pen name of Eiji Kumazawa (possibly Kumasawa) who worked as an assistant with Oda on Rurouni Kenshin in the so-called ‘Watsuki Gang’. Oda made the opening page of One Piece black that week as a tribute.]

29

6/17/2002

234

This is something that really ticks me off. When some guy puts important scenes from a movie on the main menu of a DVD. Come ooon, isn’t there something you can do other than THAT.

30

6/24/2002

235

What I feared most at the ‘Big Two’* awards ceremony came to pass. The winners were scared of me because I wore beach sandals. Yeah I guess everyone else was wearing full suits. ...I’m actually a really nice guy.

[*The ‘Big Two’ Awards- A nickname for the annual Tezuka Award and the Akatsuka Award.]

31

7/1/2002

236

I went with the One Piece Comedy Voice Acting Crew to Kobe. We succeeded in happily surprising Sanji [Hiroaki Hirata]. We spent half a year planning it. That was fun.

32

7/8/2002

237

The World Cup. I saw some booing from the crowd during a Korean home game. I thought that was awesome. That’s exactly what fans should be doing.

[This sparked a small fire of controversy on the popular Japanese anonymous message board 2channel. Many fans thought Oda was cheering for Koreans over his country's team. This stoked the fires of a small but dedicated group of individuals who are strongly opposed to One Piece and its success. They commonly use racist anti-Korean terms to describe Eiichiro Oda and the series itself.]

33

7/15/2002

238

Recently I’ve started enjoying texting and whenever I’ve gotta chance I check for messages. I get lonely if there aren’t any. My dear friends, please text me. Don’t expect a reply though (・◇・)

34

7/22/2002

239

I watched the DVD of Rainbowman*. So an evil army, the ‘Die Die Group’, makes fake yen bills in order to give Japanese currency the flu!! ...the hell kinda kid’s show is this.

[*Rainbowman- A tokusatsu television program that ran from 1972 to 1973. Its claim to fame is dealing closely with Buddhist, Shinto and Christian themes, somewhat unusual for the genre, as well as a group of enemies consisting of anti-Japanese foreigners who commonly used defamatory slang that is now considered television-taboo.]

35

7/29/2002

240

I’m playing Grand Battle Swan Coliseum. This thing’s crazy hard. SO TOUGH!! THE ENEMIES!! It’s kinda starting to get to me. TAKE THIIIIIIS!!

36

8/5/2002

241

Whenever I have a color cover I draw the color picture a week in advance and add what I think the title will end up being but I made a huge mistake this time. This week’s chapter is called ‘Heaven’s Judgment’.

37+38

8/12/2002

242

All I can hear is, “It’s so ho~t.”, or, “The heat is unbearable.” Simply preposterous, is there anything left even resembling ‘fighting spirit’ in the Japanese today!!!
P.S. Okay, so I spend all day in an air conditioned room.

39

8/26/2002

243

Sometimes I really yearn to be a salaryman. Get chewed out by the section chief, drown my sorrows in sake on the way home and wear a suit to work every day. But [putting up] with rush hour, hell no.

40

9/2/2002

244

Summertime means scary stories. While that’s true, people who are quick to bare their fangs based on differences in status scare me the most.

[It's possible Oda is alluding to the case of his mangaka colleague and friend Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro [Toriko] who was arrested on August 7th 2002 for paying a 16-year old girl for sexual services and then later charged with paying two other 16-year old girls for sexual services on earlier occassions against Japan's Child Prostitution Law.]

?

41

9/9/2002

245

My staff are into those [weird] mystery programs. They seem to be interested in strange events from around the globe. But if [those shows] actually provided any solid answers they’d be on the news instead. (meanie)

?

42

9/16/2002

246

As a child I was a little off-beat for liking rakugo but I just found out that rakugo CDs are available [for sale]. So first up iiiiis, ‘Ko Yanagiya-san’, an essential!!

?

43

9/23/2002

247

‘Pierrot’ and ‘Pure’ were put together to make ‘Puroland’*. I experienced the One Piece 4D Simulation Theater. It was way beyond anything I even imagined! Even adults will love this.

[*Puroland- An amusement park from the Sanrio company. In 2002 it featured a One Piece 3D attraction that also included immersive motion, sounds and smells, thus the so-called '4D'.]

?

44

9/30/2002

Break

?

45

10/7/2002

248

There’s something I absolutely had to see for an arc I’ll be doing sooner or later so I headed to Nagasaki. I’d like to personally extend my thanks to Mr. Matsumoto and all of the workers at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries*.

[*Mitsubishi Heavy Industries- A division of Mitsubishi that deals in building ships. In all likelihood this is where Oda went to gather ideas for the major set-pieces of Water Seven.]

?

46

10/12/2002

249

There are a lot of things about drawing a long arc that are quite ‘trying’ but I’m really glad I did Alabasta. The wrap party for the animation was really emotional.

?

47

10/21/2002

250

This is late in coming but congratulations on all your hard work in completing your serialization Higuchi-san*. For the time being just take it easy. If you’ve got time to kill come see me, and I’m not just saying that.

[*Daisuke Higuchi- Author of the soccer series Whistle! Which started running in Weekly Shonen JUMP in 1998.]

48

10/28/2002

251

Playing Fighter Maker 2 now. 's nifty. The fun of actually making movements.

49

11/4/2002

252

Yeah it's definitely the age of 'The Sear'. I had my first seared sushi at a sushi place in Tsukiji. I'm telling you babe, it's either seared sooshee or no sooshee.

[Oda didn't actually say 'babe' and he didn't say 'sooshee'. He used a cocky tone and said the word for sushi elongated and reversed (shiisuu) which is/was a popular manner of pronouncing words for well-off middle-aged male producers in Japan. Thus the Hollywood-style of talking.]

50

11/11/2002

253

Man I just, I really like 'Kyon Kyon'. How do you describe that sense of humor, that... lightness of the laughter...isn't he great... Kyotaro Yanagiya.

[Kyotaro Yanagiya- Nickname 'Kyon Kyon' is a rakugo comedian.]

51

11/18/2002

254

Dear Readers. As the breath leaving my mouth turned a whisping white I thought winter was already upon us, but it turned out I was just smoking. As the sky was still darkening after the six o'clock sunset I called my assistant; turns out it was six in the morning.

Yoshio Sawai [Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo]- Oda-sensei, thank you very much for your comment for the video game poster. I'm both amazed & moved that they actually made a 'Bo-bobo' video game!!

52

11/25/02*

255

Treasure Battle. My assistants are into 'Pirate Soccer'. It's really simple but after work they go nuts over it.

*I've not been able to confirm this release date as there was a weekend holiday which is reason to cast doubt on a Monday release.

Interesting to note that at this time the next issue of JUMP was officially listed in the table of contents as having a 'Tuesday' release. Only from May 19th 2003 (Issue 25) has JUMP regularly been listed as having a Monday release. However, if I understand correctly, the reason for such a listing was that the issues did not reach some areas of Japan until Tuesdays and it was considered 'confusing' to list an earlier release date if certain buyers weren't able to purchase the product on said date. Since many, if not most, areas of Japan have had access to JUMP on Mondays as far back as I know, I will continue to list the release date as a Monday. Note that there are no less than two other 'release' dates printed on each issue of JUMP that have nothing to do with the actual street date.

1

12/2/2002

256

The Grand Secret of Nanatsu Island on Game Boy Advance. I knew about it from the early planning stages but I'm pleasantly surprised with how well it turned out. The characters are neat and the music and graphics are beautiful. I recommend it!

2

12/9/2002

257

Oh man. Do I ever love drawing color spreads. And here I am stuck doing piles of 'year-end wrap-up work'. But I'm churning out the spreads without worrying about deadlines. Wahoo.

3+4

12/16/2002

258

I read the comment from Akimoto-sensei where he stated, "[Looking for an escape] to refresh yourself when you come across a difficulty is only an excuse to avoid it." I was deeply moved [by those words of wisdom]!!

5

12/30/2002

259

Bought the new iPod. 20 gigabytes. Up until now my playlist comprised of mainly 'soul', 'rock' 'mood' music and the like. This time I'll think I'll add some 'rakugo' and 'manzai'.

[Rakugo and Manzai- Two popular types of Japanese performance comedy. Rakugo is vaguely similar to 'Western' stand-up routines (despite literally being performed sitting down) as a solo performance involving word play. On the other hand manzai typically involves two performers, a straight man and the stooge, performing physical comedy similar to Vaudeville slap-stick.]

6+7

1/6/2003

260

Happy New Year to you. Last year was full of this and that but now it's this year. I'm gonna state my ambition ......I~ wanna~~~!! DRAW AN AWWWWWESOME MANGAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

8

1/20/2003

261

Hello there!! One Piece is gonna be a stupid-ass manga this year too!! ...Was that a good follow-up? So that bombshell I dropped at JUMP Festa. Worried about that [choice] after seeing I made fans cry.

9

1/27/2003

262

I met Ouji Hiroi-san. I always wondered what kinda dude he was and turns out he's an adult that knows how to live in style. He's got great values.

10

2/3/2003

263

One of my current assistants, Y-kun, gave me a Haro from Gundam for my birthday. It's one of those toys that randomly starts talking which is annoying so everyone's always shutting it off.

11

2/10/2003

264

Editor-in-Chief Takahashi was a man of manga that always listened to us and saw eye to eye with us. I pray that he may rest in peace.

12

2/17/2003

265

The meaning of '(expld)' that I see written on fan letters and stuff. Apparently it's [short for] (explodes into laughter). I thought it just meant (exploding). Was under the impression flying all over the place was in fashion.

[Oda is talking about the use of '(baku)'or 'burst' which is an abbreviation for 'bakusho' which means to 'burst into laughter'. It's very similar to our 'ROTFLMAO'. I have translated Oda's own use of the term elswhere on this page as (lo-freaking-l)]

13

2/24/2003

266

I met [the members of] Bump of Chicken. They were really pleasant and we ended up talking for three hours. Along with the new film their new song is really a work of art. Please, go see the movie!!!

14

2/31/2003

267

Thought up lyrics to the Godzilla theme. 'Purimu, Purimu, Purimu no Matsuri* (hypermetric)' are the awesome lyrics I came up with. I'm so good.

*Prim, Prim, The Festival of Prim.

15

3/7/2003

268

Nosebleed FWOOOOOSH!! Got chocolates! Thank you! In addition I also received personal health devices, wine, tsukemono (with miso) and a scrub brush...now that's love ♥

[Tsukemono- Pickled vegetables.]

16

3/14/2003

269

STANDING ROOM ONLYYYY~!! It's a hit across the country!! In one theater on opening day it had four times as many customers as last year!! BEYOND INCREDIBLE!! Director Uda you're my hero~ ♥ It's in theaters until April 25th!

17

3/21/2003

Break

Yoshio Sawai [Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo]- I saw the One Piece movie 'Dead End Adventure'. Man, Luffy is just so freakin' cool when he's angry. I was just as excited as the elementary schoolers there.

18

3/31/2003

270

Went to Sky Island to check out how to properly draw clouds. Was a perfect day and the smell of the clouds was so revitalizing. Great food too.

19

4/7/2003

271

So uh, about that comment from last week... I haven't gone cuckoo or anything... It was for April Fool's. You knew that right (lol) ?

20

4/14/2003

272

In the middle of drawing final copies I sent a text to Takei-san, "I'm totally screwed!", to which he replied, "Ignorant whelp! I'm the one who's screwed!!" That gave me the energy I needed (lol).

21

4/21/2003

273

When I'm just standing around waiting or something while I'm outdoors I go right to Tetris on my cell phone without even thinking about it. Be nice if they put Puyo Puyo in there next. Oh and Tekken and 'JSR'*.

*Jet Set Radio

22+23

4/28/2003

274

I'm now watching 'Oshin' on DVD. I'm so not completely and totally addicted. "No ya... Puhlease, ya' just cain't send that thar child away ta be a servant!" OSHIII~~~~N!!!

24

5/12/2003

275

I just happened to be listening to the radio when I heard that mega-star idol saying that 'One Piece is really good'. Well, well, well, looks like he's got some taste, guess he's a pretty cool guy.

[Oda is talking about SMAP member Takuya Kimura who spent a significant amount of time on his radio program 'What's Up SMAP' discussing One Piece.]

25

5/19/2003

276

'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' produced by Mr. Hirotaka Suzuoki and 'Akatsuki 7' [performed] by the troupe SWAT. It was all about stage plays this Golden Week. Both were tour de force performances. Seeing live shows is so great.

Masashi Kishimoto [Naruto]- I went to Oda-sensei's house to hang out. I was able to talk with a bunch of other authors and had a great time. And on top of that he treated us to yakiniku.

26

5/26/2003

277

The CDs we're playing at the office are from a genre called 'Polka'. Kinda like the music used for when a clown appears; it's so stupid and fun.

27

6/2/2003

278

I wanna be able to speak English. Even though it's something I've always thought about, it just recently hit me [that I really want to learn it]. What's a guy to do. I wanna study. *so tempted*

28

6/9/2003

279

A little while ago I went to see a performance by Mayumi Tanaka's 'Opperetta' troupe. Every time each one of them and their unique personalities crack me up. Mayumi-san's singing voice is splendid.

29

6/16/2003

280

Hello there. 'City Boy' here. I bought the futuristic card 'Suica' that you simply flash at the ticket gate to access the JR lines. And yet I never go anywhere.

30

6/23/2003

281

I learned from a back pain expert that sitting Indian-style on a chair is the worst possible position for your back. But I can't stop doing that now. Do I have to (*cries*)

31

6/30/2003

282

What's the deal with society revolving around high school girls. Grown-ups are supposed to be at the center!!!... Changing the subject, t.A.T.u are really cute aren't they.

[t.A.T.u- A female Russian pop duo well-known in Japan for dressing in female high school uniforms.]

32

7/7/2003

283

Can you believe how good the sculpting is on the figurines sold at convenient stores lately. Even the sculptor's name is written on them; are even toys fine art these days.

33

7/14/2003

284

It's the age of Akiko Wada. I bought the anniversary CD box-set celebrating her 35 years as a singer and it's been all Wada, all the time since. Wa~DA Wa~DA!!

34

7/19/2003

285

The Master who I worked for as an assistant 9 years ago, Shinobu Kaitani, came over to hang out. It's been like 7 years but that guy hasn't changed a bit. (*happy*)

35

7/28/2003

286

Lately I've gotten into that oxygen thing. You know, the oxygen suppliment device thing*. It's so futuristic it makes me giddy. As for where to put it...

*There was a boom in oxygen 'suppliment' goods and devices at this time in Japan.

36

8/4/2003

Break

Yoshio Sawai [Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo]- I went to see Toei Animation's production house to learn [about the process]. The atmosphere of the One Piece animation production left a big impression on me. Thank you very much.

37-38

8/11/2003

287

Found a great ramen place in the neighborhood. The extras on top are crunchy and the soup is so flavorful I find myself going every week. (＾∇＾)

39

8/25/2003

288

The Matsudo Bandai Museum. There was a huge Gundam there. The Cutey Honey stage show was neat and so were all the old toys on display; I had a good time.

40

9/1/2003

289

We are now in the age 1.3 megapixels and so it is that I'm busily tapping away on a brand new cell phone. Got tons of voice ringtones and wierd applications to mess with. It's fun. It's keeping me indoors.

41

9/8/2003

290

This summer I splashed in the sea in Chiba and frolicked in the forests of Yamagata. But now, the World is infatuated with a never before seen by human eyes man-faced-fish. I too experienced this creature myself first hand.

[He's talking about the Sega Dreamcast game Seaman.]

42

9/13/2003

291

The Odaiba Grand Adventure's Going Merry will be dismantled when the event comes to a close. Again I'd like to extend my deepest thanks to all of the individuals who lent their energy to [making] the ship.

43

9/22/2003

292

The pot [appliance] we used for heating water that we had to physically pump water out of has broken. I was on the verge shedding tears of joy when I learned our new one releases water with just the push of a button when my staff said, "That's considered normal these days."

44

9/29/2003

293

Currently prepping the illustration book for release. This time I'm going to have an interview with THAT person...!! It's going to be me gushing like a fan again. No doubt.

45

10/6/2003

294

One of my assistants informed me that eating raw egg with natto was just common sense but I had nary a clue. I tried it and the flavor was divine. A most righteous flavor of non-bogus delishness.

46

10/11/2003

295

The One Piece Character Solo Single [CD]. I was told that Luffy, Zoro, Nami and Sanji['s singles] all ranked in on a certain ranking TV program. ∑(ﾟ<>ﾟ) This mean they're gonna be on Kohaku!!?

[Kohaku Utagassen- Literally 'Song Battle of The Red and The White'. An annual multi-hour live performance on December 31st where the the year's hit songs are performed one after another counting down to New Year's where the female artists (red) compete against the male artists (white).]

47

10/20/2003

296

Kishimoto-san's wedding was fantastic. The priests's broken Japanese during the ceremony was a thing of beauty. I see your wife looks just like Sakura.

[Priests and ministers who 'officiate' symbolic Christian-style weddings in Japan (the actual ceremony is for show since in Japan no legal changes are made due to the ceremony itself) are infamous for carrying out the service in broken Japanese. Whether or not it's all for show to make the ceremony seem more foreign is uncertain.]

48

10/27/2003

297

I went to have an interview with Fujiko Fujio A-sensei for the illustration collection going on sale in November. He just seemed to radiate such an agreeable personality, what a great guy. It was a lot of fun.

49

11/1/2003

298

Was talking with someone about how Joshi Juni Gakubo (Twelve Girls Band) and Shorinji Sanjuuroku Bou (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) sound really similar. Shourinji Musha Bou (Shaolin and Wu Tang) is pretty cool too. But the best is Arahan.

[Twelve Girls Band is an instrumental group from China that was popular in Japan at the time. Oda and others were reminded of classic Kung Fu films with slightly similar names. With each name he brings up he gets farther from the original name until he ends with 'arahan' (sometimes arakan) a term for a Buddhist monk that is no longer in the cycle of rebirth and death.]

50

11/10/2003

299

It's cool that I can see reader's face with purikura. Most of the time they're from the girls but sometimes I get 'em from boys. Makes me smile when I think,"So these are the kind of kids that read it huh?"

[Purikura- Short for 'print club' are decorative photograph stickers popular with high school students.]

51

11/17/2003

Break

52

11/22/2003

300

I saw a performance by the group who acted as the Straw Hat Pirates at JUMP Festa. The troupe is called 'Punish'. It was a blast. Looking forward to your work this year as well.

1

12/1/2003

301

I bought an enka CD!! The songs of people who have real vocal talent are a pleasure to listen to. I~ Lo~ve i~t.

[Enka- A form of Japanese music that, at least thematically, resembles American country western music using a 'traditional' base for songs about hardship, love, nature and traditional gender roles.]

2

12/8/2003

302

So about the comment I made at JUMP Festa last year regarding A CERTAIN THING* that made some fans cry. I won't be able to get to it this year. Oh well, no biggie.

[*Oda is talking about his comment from JUMP Festa 2003 (held in December 2002) where he said a crew member would 'pass on'.]

Riichiro Inagaki [Eyeshield 21]- I was able to talk indivually with Oda, Takahashi & Toriyama-sensei at the Tezuka Awards. On a cold and rainy day Oda showed up in sandals. HE'S LUFFY!

3

12/15/2003

303

Had a ping-pong tournament at the house of Luffy's Mayumi Tanaka with the voice acting crew. The winner was Mayumi's son. Loser adults.]

4 + 5

12/22/2003

304

Winter is the season when fish meat is most crisp. Speaking of fishy things, the other day the corns on my feet healed up.

[The Japanese word for a 'corn' of the foot is 'uo no me' which could be read as 'fish eye'.]

Yoshio Sawai [Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo]- I was blown away by the collaboration poster from Akamaru JUMP going on sale the 29th of this month!! Oda-sensei and all of you from Toei, thank you so much!!

6 + 7

1/5/2004

305

A Happy New Year. I ate some meat and my tooth broke. Gee, guess I'm just a little calcium defficient (lo-freaking-l) I get the feeling something good is coming my way this year *heart*

8

1/19/2004

306

Thanks for all your work at JUMP Festa 2004. I love just chilling out in the dressing at the end of each year. Even though I'm slacking off my Editor doesn't harp on me.

19

1/26/2004

307

I finally went to Yokohama's China Town which is someplace I've always wanted to visit. Lotsa Chinese restaurants. I couldn't eat nearly as much as I wanted so I'll be back.

10

2/2/2004

308

Thank you for all the New Year's greeting cards. I've also been lucky enough to get fan letters each and every week. Your support is what helps keep on my feet and moving forward. I'm very grateful.

11

2/9/2004

309

I saw Usopp's voice actor Kappei Yamaguchi in a play called 'Son Goku'. The nimble and monkey-like action was AWEsome.

12

2/16/2004

310

I've put my enka craze on hold and I'm into Ayaya at the moment. A 'crazy holiday' indeed. Like so~~~~ ado~~~~rable.

[Ayaya is the nickname of Hello! Project idol/singer Aya Matsuura. 'Yeah! Crazy Holiday' (Yeah! Meccha Horidei) was her hit single from 2002 that was experiencing a resurge in popularity due to drag performances of the song by TV personality Maeken.]

13

2/23/2004

311

Alrighty then, time to take a break from all the work I put off until the start of the year. It's about time to start writing my New Year's greeting cards. I do this [to myself] every year.

14

3/1/2004

312

I met Machami Hisamoto-san, Shidou Nakamura-san and Hiroki Uchi-kun at the movie's press conference. Once again a really wonderful group of people [for the movie].

[Masami 'Machami' Hisamoto- A female comedian from Osaka who is a regular as both a guest and a host of variety television programming. She voiced Izaya.

Shidou Nakamura- A kabuki and film star of Japan who has a reputation of being something of a playboy. He voiced Saga.

Hiroki Uchi- A former singer in two popular Japanese boy bands managed by the Johnny's group. He voiced Toma.]

15

3/8/2004

313

Interested in pottery lately. Those thick'n hardy-looking Japanese plates are really cool. I'd like to try making some ceramic art.

16

3/15/2004

314

Nosebleed FWOOOOOOSH!! I got Valentine's chocolates. Thank you very much. I'll use that love to do keep me running on purely [the power of] love alone (･◇･)ゞ　

17

3/22/2004

315

Kazuki Takahashi-sensei, congratulations on reaching the end of your long-term comic. It's no surprise that a comic that can be enjoyed by children all over the World is a remarkable one.

18

3/31/2004

316

I saw the One Piece Movie 'Curse of the Sacred Sword'. I hope the intense action that's all for the sake of a certain someone hits home in your heart.

19

4/5/2004

Break

20

4/12/2004

317

'Shimabu~' just started a new serial in Super JUMP!! It's a teen sports manga called 'Ring'. I'm thrilled!!!

21

4/19/2004

318

We held another Ping Pong Tournament at Mayumi Tanaka's house. Everyone brought food and drink and we partied up a storm. Lotta fun.

22+23

4/26/2004

319

Mega House from the Bandai label designed Luffy, Zoro and Nami figurines. They're really top quality!! Amazing job.

24

5/10/2004

320

The accessory-maker DECOLE is AWESOME! A great battle rages in conflict with my manly spirit whenever I enter the store which is teaming with females.

25

5/17/2004

321

I went to see Sanji's voice actor Hirata-san in a play. Dancing and singing in that kind of costume. He had me doubled over in laughter.

[Given the time-frame of the comment, it's possible Oda is referring to his performance in, 'OH! Kami-sama']

26

5/24/2004

322

Seems that Children's Day is actually a day for children to give thanks to their parents. But uh, not like you needed to know that or whatever.

27

5/31/2004

323

In order for children all over the world to be able to watch the One Piece cartoon, a lot of people are working very hard [right now]. It moves me to tears.

28

6/7/2004

324

A strange sensation went down my throat when I took a swig from the bottle of of tea on the edge of my desk. Mold was floating in it. I drank mold.

29

6/14/2004

325

Been wanting to read some picture books from overseas so I went online to a foreign bookstore and ordered all the ones that had nifty covers. Turns out they were all novels.

30

6/21/2004

326

Experiencing a Terumi Yoshida 'boom'. Lately it would seem that Terumi Yoshida is on fire. His Bunka Hoso thing and the rest are awesome.

[Terumi Yoshida- A freelance announcer, TV personality and radio host and Bunka Hoso is a radio station in Japan.]

31

6/28/2004

327

It may be June but we just had a New Year's and Sky Island arc wrap party for the animation. I'm extremely grateful to all of you.

32

7/5/2004

Break

33

7/12/2004

328

The Going Merry will be appearing in Odaiba again this year! A creature from the Grand Line, Mohmoo, will show up too. Looking forward to iiiiit!!

34

7/17/2004

329

I am madly in love with tuna. I've just recently realized this. From way back seems like I'm always eating it without even thinking about it.

35

7/26/2004

330

I went to see Robin's voice actress, Yuriko Yamaguchi-san, in a play. The message was that the atom bomb is a symbol that war mustn't be allowed. Struck a chord with me.

36

8/2/2004

331

Played 'One Piece Land Land'. It's fun and the setting looks really fantastic, I had a lot of fun just messing around with it. A must-buy.

37+38

8/9/2004

332

Regarding potato chips as of late, it's surprising when I open a new bag only to find a smattering of chips within. Would you please put some more in there!!

39

8/23/2004

333

Kyoshiro 2030's serialization has come to an end in Super JUMP. Master Tokuhiro-sensei, here's to all your work on a seven year series. I haven't seen you in long time.

40

8/30/2004

334

Wo~ah Shaman King is over~. I wonder if Takei-san will be able to do whatever the heck he wants now!! Here's to aaaaall your hard work!!

41

9/6/2004

335

The other day my editor 'Habuyan' brought his two-year-old daughter to my place. Said she didn't know what a 'Luffy' was. I can do better than this.

42

9/13/2004

336

Saw the stage performance of Sakura Wars. It was overflowing with Mr. Ouji Hiroi's flambouyant extravagant taste. And the performance by the [members of the] Peking Opera took my breath away.

43

9/18/2004

337

Went to see a performance [put on] by the WAHAHA-HOMPO [Agency]. I don't even know how to describe the energy. I was still laughing on the way home. [You guys are] awesome.

[WAHAHA-HOMPO - A talent and troupe agency that is infamous for risque and lowbrow humor.]

44

9/27/2004

338

To all of those who helped us bring the animated One Piece to America, thank you sooo very much!!!

45

10/4/2004

339

The old-timer from the katsu lunch delivery place said, "I added some extra in there for ya' special", and put a ton of rice to my order of half-size rice. THAT DEFEATS THE PURPOSE!

46

10/9/2004

340

The other day there was something I had to take care of so I returned to my home in Kumamoto for about 7 hours. Made certain to have 'basashi'. [Regardless of the time] that's non-negotioable.

47

10/18/2004

341

The thing about cockroaches is when you spot one, unless you defeat it that very same day there's simply no resting easy. Mega scary.

48

10/25/2004

342

Yeah soooo, my computer was acting funky and I didn't wait for I-san who always bails me out in a fix so when I tried messing with it the thing died. ...how odd.

49

11/1/2004

343

Was listening to some hip-hop on the radio when I heard the DJ say, "This is the real deal.", only to immediately correct himself, "Dis be the real deal ya'll."

50

11/8/2004

344

There's no expiration date printed on ice cream but, that's 'cause it's frozen so you can eat it a year later right?

51

11/15/2004

345

Every year I learn that I'll be appearing at the year-end JUMP Festa when I'm leafing through the magazine itself. My Editor Habuyan doesn't even ask me. Not like I won't go though.

52

11/22/2004

Break

Masashi Kishimoto [Naruto]- Oda-san, congratulations on your marriage! The ceremony was a lot of fun! Thank you for everything from here on too!

Nobuhiro Watsuki [Rurouni Kenshin]- Oda sensei, congratulations on the joyful occassion of your marriage. Your ceremony was the best. My best wishes for a long and happy life together with your wonderful wife who could be mistaken for Nami.

Shinya Suzuki [Mr. Fullswing]- Congratulations on your marriage Oda-sensei. The ceremony was lovely and a lot of fun. I know you're married but let's still hang out okay.

53

11/29/2004

346

I got so married. We received way more congratulatory envelopes* than I ever thought possible and we are very very thankful. I'll still going to work hard to bee bzzy** drawing manga.

*The envelopes he speaks of are mandatory monetary gifts from the guests to the bride and groom. You could write a book on how unique (read: frustrating & futile) the entire process is since the final sum of money almost NEVER changes hands as you in turn are usually invited to the guests' weddings and are expected to give them roughly the same amount of money in return.

**The gag in Japanese was 'ganbarimanmosu' which tacks the Japanese word for 'mammoth' onto the end of 'ganbaru' instead of the standard polite 'masu' form. It's a play on words that is a little dated and attempting a clever play on words using 'mammoth' would have made it seem more clever than it really was as Oda was using an old gag on purpose; so I opted for an equally old and cheesy English play on words.

1

12/6/2004

347

Next March a number of special One Piece related plans will come to a head and it's going to be a heck of a celebration. In the middle of working on it all now.

2

12/13/2004

348

Made a cheese fondue. If you dig into one of those expecting to polish it off in one sitting your stomach'll be bursting at the seams.

3+4

12/20/2004

349

Bought a new microwave. One of the functions is an automatic shutdown when the item is appropriately warmed up. Unreal.

5+6

1/3/2005

350

NEW YEAR!!! Last year this and that were, yeah, but of course this year I'm aspiring to draw a fun and interesting comic.

7

1/17/2005

351

Having all seven voice actors together for JUMP Festa 2005 with the cheers from the crowd was really powerful. I had an incredibly good time [at this year's] on-stage event.

8

1/24/2005

352

Changing of the Editors. Habuyan, thanks for four years ob yur... Whoops, flubbed that. Thanks-bye!!... Seriously, I'm very grateful.

9

1/31/2005

353

My new Editor Mr. Watanabe is the first who's younger than me. 'Younger' being relative since he's 27; I ain't gonna hold back anything asking for your help!! Thanks in advance.

10

2/7/2005

354

I drew some really cool pictures for the special project [coming] this March!! Had enough fun to make up for the six months I took off from drawing color pictures last year.

11

2/14/2005

355

In Chapter 353 I mistakenly wrote '12 years ago' instead of '8 years ago'. I'm gonna sneak the correct date into the comic.

12

2/21/2005

Break

13

2/28/2005

356

About that One Piece Punch Battle that came out last year. All the staff members who've been using it at the office are suffering from sore muscles. A bunch of weaklings. That includes me.

14

3/7/2005

357

As part of the special plans for breaking the hundred million mark in sales we're hijacking Shibuya!! And that means Shibuya is looking really friendly. If you live close by stop on over!

15

3/14/2005

358

Nosebleed FWOOSH!! I got lots of chocolates this year too!! Thank y- *munch munch* Than- *munch munch* Thanks!!

16

3/21/2005

359

If you go into the year's movie unsteeled, it's gonna make you cry. And the animation is really well done. The magic word is 'Toothbrush Moustache'.

Yoshio Sawai [Bobobo-bobo Bo-bobo]- I saw the latest One Piece film!! It was constantly moving which was really refreshing. Luffy was really cool!

17

3/28/2005

360

Seeing my assistants fighting over the controller for Grand Battle! RUSH is hilarious!! And I'm really happy about all the hidden costumes.

18

4/4/2005

361

Had a parting with the anime's producer Shimizu-san that I felt was incomplete. He took care of me on an immeasurable level. Let's remain good friends.