The Intense Dedication of Eiichiro Oda: Life as an Editor for One Piece

"Be Prepared to Die for One Piece!"

When editor Kawashima first met Eiichiro Oda, the legendary creator of One Piece, he was taken aback by Oda’s stern warning: “Be prepared to die for One Piece!” This intense proclamation shocked Kawashima, but it also highlighted Oda’s unwavering dedication to his craft. Oda’s commitment to One Piece is so profound that he even assured his editors, “If you destroy your health due to overwork, I’ll take care of your family financially.” This promise underscores the high stakes and relentless work ethic that Oda demands from both himself and his team.

The Unyielding Vigilance of Oda's Editors

Working for Eiichiro Oda comes with unique and demanding challenges. Oda’s editors must remain constantly available, never missing a single phone call from the mangaka. To ensure they don’t miss an important call, editors have taken to placing their mobile phones on their chests while sleeping. This level of readiness is crucial, as failing to answer can incur Oda’s wrath.

The Toll of Phantom Vibration Syndrome

The intense demands of being on call 24/7 have taken a toll on Oda’s editors. In 2017, editor Sugita revealed that he had suffered from phantom vibration syndrome, a condition where it feels like one’s mobile phone is vibrating even when it is not. This confession sheds light on the psychological and physical strain that comes with the relentless pace of working alongside one of the most dedicated mangaka in the industry.