ONE PIECE | The Incident That Almost Cost Oda’s First Editor His Job - OP Fandom

A Rookie Mistake

Eiichiro Oda’s first editor, Takanori Asada, worked with him from 1997 to 2001, during the early years of One Piece. In a 2017 interview, Asada recalled a heart-stopping incident that could have ended his career. He mistakenly left Oda’s manuscript in a shop, a blunder that put both his job and Oda’s work at serious risk.

The High Stakes of Manga Editing

Shueisha, the publishing company behind One Piece, has a strict rule: editors are instantly fired if they lose manga manuscripts. This policy underscores the importance of safeguarding the precious original works that fuel Japan’s vibrant manga industry. For Asada, this rule meant that his oversight could have led to immediate termination, causing a significant setback early in his career.

A Desperate Search

Realizing his mistake, Asada rushed back to the shop in a panic, hoping to retrieve the misplaced manuscript. Luck was on his side that day; he found the manuscript exactly where he had left it. This fortunate outcome allowed him to avoid the severe consequences that losing it would have entailed.

Reflection on the Incident

Reflecting on the incident in 2017, Asada described it as the worst mistake he had ever made. The experience was a stark reminder of the intense pressure and high stakes involved in the manga editing profession. Despite this close call, Asada continued his career, undoubtedly more vigilant and aware of the responsibilities that come with handling such valuable creative material.

The Importance of Vigilance

Asada’s story serves as a cautionary tale for editors and professionals alike. It highlights the critical importance of vigilance and the potentially career-ending consequences of even a momentary lapse in attention. For fans of One Piece, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and pressures faced by those who work tirelessly to bring their favorite manga to life.