Oda’s Pokémon GO Obsession

Oda’s Hilarious Pokémon Go Journey and Its Unexpected Consequences

Eiichiro Oda, the legendary creator of One Piece, has always been known for his dedication to his work, but a lesser-known fact about him involves a rather unique obsession with Pokémon Go. For two years, starting in 2016, Oda played Pokémon Go—but only within the confines of his room!

Health Concerns and Lifestyle Changes

His enthusiasm for catching Pokémon, especially the elusive legendary ones, was so intense that it drew concern from his doctor. The doctor warned Oda that his sedentary lifestyle could lead to serious health issues, even an early demise. This startling revelation prompted Oda to make a significant lifestyle change: he decided to start taking walks twice a week to stay active.

A Humorous Encounter with His Editor

The story doesn’t end there. When Oda first met his former editor, Iwasaki, he had an unusual question for him: “Do you play Pokémon Go?” When Iwasaki replied that he was at level 19, Oda’s response was priceless. With a mix of humor and seriousness, he quipped, “Only 19? Then you’re not qualified to be my editor.”

Oda’s Artistic Contribution and Recent Achievements

Oda’s passion for Pokémon Go also led to a heartwarming contribution in 2022. As a gift, he created artwork for the Pokéstop featuring Jinbe’s statue in Kumamoto, bridging his love for both One Piece and Pokémon Go.

Recently, Oda celebrated another achievement in the game by catching a Galarian Moltres, adding yet another legendary Pokémon to his collection.

Balancing Passion with Health

This anecdote highlights not only Oda’s love for Pokémon Go but also his quirky sense of humor. It’s a testament to how even the most dedicated and hardworking individuals can have their own unique hobbies and how important it is to balance passion with health. So next time you’re out catching Pokémon, remember: even Eiichiro Oda had to step outside for the sake of his health—and his legendary Pokémon collection!