In a shock to the manga community, creators and publishers have unexpectedly announced a temporary hiatus for One Piece. Chapter 1162, which was slated for release on October 5, 2025, has been delayed due to the health issues of its author, Eiichiro Oda. This pause comes at a critical juncture in the narrative—right in the thick of the dramatic God Valley arc. Fans around the world are holding their breath.
This article delves into why Oda’s health matters not just to the story, but to the entire One Piece phenomenon. We’ll explore possible implications, fan reactions, and what the future might hold.
Why the Hiatus Matters
The timing could hardly be more dramatic. The God Valley arc is a linchpin in One Piece lore—tying together the origins of major characters like Roger, Garp, and Rocks, and shedding light on the mysterious ties between pirates and the World Government. The cancellation of one issue in this arc amplifies tension and speculation, as readers eagerly await revelations about alliances, betrayals, and the legacy of the Rocks Pirates.
Because One Piece is known for its slow-burn storytelling and deeply layered plot, each chapter often leaves fans with more questions than answers—and that suspense is precisely what makes this pause feel so excruciating.
Oda’s Grueling Work Routine and Its Consequences
To understand why a hiatus was necessary, we must look at Eiichiro Oda’s personal history with health and workload:
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Relentless schedule: Oda is famous (or infamous) for claiming he sleeps only three hours per night. Over the course of 28 years of serial publication (since 1997), he’s adhered to one of the most punishing routines in the manga industry.
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Health setbacks: Over time, the body pays the price. Oda has battled diabetes, gout, and high blood pressure. In 2023, he also underwent eye surgery for severe myopia.
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Cumulative strain: The manga and anime industries in Japan notoriously demand adherence to tight deadlines. Many mangaka struggle with burnout, physical ailment, or forced hiatuses. Oda, whose series is among the world’s biggest, has long encountered public concern about his health.
Putting it bluntly: Oda is not invincible. The strain of maintaining a bestselling series for decades is immense—and both fans and publishers have to reckon with it.
What Fans Are Saying
Given the magnitude of One Piece’s global reach, the announcement immediately galvanized fan responses across social media, forums, and fan communities:
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Encouragement and concern: Many fans posted supportive messages, urging Oda to rest properly and not push himself too far.
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Advocating schedule reform: Some voices suggested that Weekly Shōnen Jump should change how it handles One Piece—for example, switching to biweekly or monthly releases instead of weekly ones.
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Anxiety over story continuity: Because One Piece is now in its final arc, some fans worry that delays may compound or lead to rushed endings. But most insist that a healthy creator should take priority.
In many ways, this reaction marks a turning point. For years, fans accepted breaks and delays as part of the manga life cycle. But now, with the series approaching its endgame, pauses feel more consequential—and deeply emotional.
What This Means for the Future of One Piece
While no one can predict precisely how long the hiatus will stretch, we can sketch out a few scenarios and implications:
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Short break, return as scheduled
If Oda’s health stabilizes, One Piece may resume in the October 12 issue—or soon after. This would be the least disruptive path, maintaining narrative momentum. -
Extended hiatus or irregular release
If medical recovery takes longer, the series may settle into an irregular publication rhythm—like releasing chapters fortnightly or monthly. That model is already used by some high-profile manga to ease creator burden. -
Potential editorial shifts
Shueisha and Weekly Shōnen Jump might adjust how they support Oda—possibly offering more editorial assistance, extending deadlines, or reducing ancillary responsibilities. -
Narrative pacing changes
If chapters come out less frequently, Oda might compress or restructure storytelling to sustain interest. Longer chapters or alternative formats could emerge. -
Legacy and longevity
As One Piece nears its conclusion, preserving the integrity of the story is paramount. Fans want a satisfying ending—not a rushed one. Ensuring Oda’s health gives him the space to finish right.
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