The One Piece Podcast – Episode 901, “Manga is Something You Create By Yourself”

Release Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Zach (Maji Media)
Guests: Stephen Paul (One Piece & Shonen Jump Translator), Sam Leach (Anime Recap Host), Kirsten Cary (Musician/Writer)

Episode Overview

This special, in-depth episode is dedicated to dissecting One Piece Magazine Volume 20: Weekly Shonen Jump and One Piece. Host Zach and panelists (notably, translator Stephen Paul) deliver a rich discussion, focusing on a long autobiographical essay from Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece. Stephen provides a full, fresh English translation of Oda’s interview, sharing new, little-known details about Oda’s early life, influences, and deep love for manga and Shonen Jump. The team also delves into various bonus materials within the magazine and reflect on manga’s communal and creative nature.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Issue: One Piece Magazine Vol. 20—What's Inside?

[02:24 – 13:13]

Focuses on Oda’s career, Shonen Jump history, and the intersection of One Piece and Jump magazine.
Stephen describes his quest to get this “scalped to hell” issue, mostly purchased for its exclusive Luffy card.
Magazine includes a lengthy Oda autobiographical essay in lieu of a traditional interview, plus retrospectives, commemorative illustrations, insights on Jump’s production process, and manga by Oda’s friends and assistants.

2. Oda's Early Manga Memories and Jump Encounter

[40:10 – 45:06]

Oda’s first awareness of Jump: “The first volume of JUMP manga I bought was Kinnikuman…in third grade. But…didn’t know what Shonen JUMP was.”
Earliest Jump magazine read was the Dragon Ball chapter 2 issue:

"…That issue had Dragon Ball Chapter 2. And I remember reading it and being completely blown away…All you have to do is buy one magazine and you can read all of these series. Wow, what a steal." – Oda [41:24]
Oda’s philosophy developed early: Jump feels "worth it" when you can read three favorite series—an early conception of the "Big Three" model.

3. Family & Deciding to be a Mangaka

[47:51 – 54:04]

At age 4, reading Kaibutsukun inspired his wish to become a manga artist.

"…There was a job called Mangaka, where you could just draw pictures all day. First…amazed and…decided, oh, that's what I'll be." – Oda [49:19]
Strict parents, but supportive of his dream after he won the Tezuka Award.
He urges young artists: “Go and win the Tezuka Award.”

4. Formative Influences: Toriyama, Fujiko Fujio, and a Who’s Who of ’80s Jump

[54:37 – 75:58]

Toriyama is a huge influence:

“If anything influenced me the most, it was Toriyama Sensei’s art.” – Oda [57:05]
His first series in Jump coincided closely with Toriyama’s brief return after Dragon Ball.
Discusses role model series: Kinnikuman, Fist of the North Star, Dr. Slump, Kimagure Orange Road, and more.
Emphasizes the “eccentric” heroes of ’80s Jump; admires artists who stuck to their own weirdness before the internet “flattened” art styles by exposing artists to mass opinion.

“There was no internet at the time…so they just had to draw their own style and have faith that it would be good, that it would be successful. The result was a lot of uniqueness and creativity.” – Oda [62:16]
Noted Romcoms, sports manga, and Akira (Otomo) also deeply affected him.

5. Early Breaks, Setbacks, and Rivalries

[75:39 – 85:15]

First submission to Jump’s Hop Step Award as a teen; finalist at age 15, but misunderstood editorial instructions.
Adopted pen names to conceal his hobby from classmates and only wanted his “real” debut as a pro to be surprising.
Won the Tezuka Award at age 17 for “Wanted!”—a vital validation for Oda and his family.
Hilarious anecdote: Leiji Matsumoto criticized his “cowboy” drawing for not looking Western enough.

“At the time, I didn’t know who Leiji Matsumoto was, so I got mad thinking, ‘Who’s this jerk?’” – Oda [83:41]

6. Assistant & Helper Years: Learning the Trade

[85:45 – 104:03]

Worked as an assistant for Shinobu Kaitani, Masaya Tokuhiro, and Nobuhiro Watsuki.
Learned practical techniques and work ethic by observing and competing with his peers.
Candid, humorous tales of being too chatty as a helper, and the “Kanzume Hotel” all-night manga marathons.
Notable Reveal: Oda contributed (as an assistant) to a Shaquille O'Neal manga one-shot for Jump—something previously unknown in the English-speaking fandom.

“Not only does this basically confirm that Eiichiro Oda contributed in some way to the art of an officially licensed Shaquille o’Neal NBA manga…” – Stephen [97:03]

7. Debut, Persistence, and Seizing Opportunity

[104:03 – 107:11]

After publishing “Monsters,” Oda faced years of rejection before the serialized version of One Piece (Romance Dawn) got its chance.
Emphasizes hard work, resilience, and seizing sudden, unexpected opportunities.

“I learned that opportunities can come very suddenly and that you have to seize them when you get the chance.” – Oda [106:22]

8. Oda’s Thoughts on Shonen Jump and the 'Classic' Manga Path

[107:36 – 113:30]

Oda describes the historic moment when Jump's dominance was challenged by Magazine after Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk ended.
He intentionally avoided mimicking Dragon Ball and leaned into adventure over battles for One Piece’s early survival.

“By knowing that I couldn’t win with a battle manga, I chose to reinforce the adventure…Once I got into the fighting, the survey results…shot through the roof.” – Oda [109:31]

9. Oda’s Advice to the Next Generation (and All Creatives) – THEME OF THE EPISODE

[113:30 – 119:33]

Praises how manga can shape youth culture and foster community.
Warns of hyper-niche fragmentation due to the internet; laments the loss of shared community-wide stories:

“Manga is something you think about and create by yourself. So don’t allow yourself to be swept along by others. Believe in what you love…” – Oda [113:50] “It’d be sad if everything gets split into micro niches. I think we ought to have at least one magazine that everyone reads…and for that to happen, we need young people to become the next pillar.” – Oda [115:20]
Urges young artists to be original, not to chase trends, and not to let strangers’ opinions on the internet dictate their creativity.
The hosts reflect on the importance of shared culture, with poignant nostalgia for “everyone watching the same thing”—both for Japan with Jump, and the West with Saturday morning cartoons or Toonami.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On discovering Jump:
“All you have to do is buy one magazine and you can read all of these series. Wow, what a steal.”
— Oda [41:24]
On creative individuality:
“Nowadays, if someone out there has their own quirky style and puts it up online, they’re gonna have a lot of people saying, ‘Oh, that's weird.’…But I really love the individuality and power of those old Jump heroes. And I hope people find a way to treasure and preserve that.”
— Oda [63:19]
On listening to internet criticism versus trusting oneself:
“Manga is something you think about and create by yourself. So don’t allow yourself to be swept along by others. Believe in what you love.”
— Oda [113:50]
On manga’s power to create community:
“Shonen Jump was the key to making new friends. Manga can be a tool for that too.”
— Oda [115:00]
On the grind of ‘making it’:
“Opportunities can come very suddenly and you have to seize them when you get the chance.”
— Oda [106:22]
Surreal Oda Trivia:
“Not only does this basically confirm that Eiichiro Oda contributed in some way to the art of an officially licensed Shaquille o’Neal NBA manga…”
— Stephen [97:03]

Important Segment Timestamps

Volume 20 magazine & physical edition talk: [02:24 – 13:13]
Oda’s childhood manga memories, first Dragon Ball issue: [40:10 – 45:06]
Advice about the “Big Three” & Jump’s underlying philosophy: [42:07, 115:20]
Toriyama & other 1980s Jump influence: [54:37 – 75:58]
First attempts at getting into Jump, teenage years: [75:39 – 85:15]
Assistant/Helper stories & Shaq manga revelation: [85:45 – 99:22]
Debut & One Piece serialization struggles: [104:03 – 107:11]
Jump’s shifting fortunes post-Dragon Ball/Slam Dunk: [107:36 – 113:30]
Oda’s message to the next generation; communal power of manga: [113:30 – 119:33]

Closing Reflections

The hosts marvel at the unprecedented openness and personal insight offered by Oda’s essay. They discuss the contemporary challenges faced by artists, social media’s double-edged sword, and the power of shared media experiences in building lifelong communities. Kirsten and Sam chime in as fellow creatives, affirming Oda’s advice on not letting online trends shape your authentic vision.

Summary in a sentence:
Oda’s essay spotlights the formative role of manga, the power of individual creativity, the importance of shaping rather than following trends, and the critical need for community in a rapidly fragmenting media landscape—a message inspiring for manga fans, creators, and anyone passionate about creative work.

“Find that thing you love and spill it all over the pages. I want you to realize that even if no one else in the world knows about it, if you turn that love into manga, you can start the next wave.”
— Eiichiro Oda [115:00]

(For further details, manga fans are encouraged to seek out One Piece Magazine Vol. 20 or revisit this podcast episode and accompanying translation.)

The One Piece Podcast – Episode 901, “Manga is Something You Create By Yourself”

Release Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Zach (Maji Media)
Guests: Stephen Paul (One Piece & Shonen Jump Translator), Sam Leach (Anime Recap Host), Kirsten Cary (Musician/Writer)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Issue: One Piece Magazine Vol. 20—What's Inside?

[02:24 – 13:13]

Focuses on Oda’s career, Shonen Jump history, and the intersection of One Piece and Jump magazine.
Stephen describes his quest to get this “scalped to hell” issue, mostly purchased for its exclusive Luffy card.
Magazine includes a lengthy Oda autobiographical essay in lieu of a traditional interview, plus retrospectives, commemorative illustrations, insights on Jump’s production process, and manga by Oda’s friends and assistants.

2. Oda's Early Manga Memories and Jump Encounter

[40:10 – 45:06]

Oda’s first awareness of Jump: “The first volume of JUMP manga I bought was Kinnikuman…in third grade. But…didn’t know what Shonen JUMP was.”
Earliest Jump magazine read was the Dragon Ball chapter 2 issue:

"…That issue had Dragon Ball Chapter 2. And I remember reading it and being completely blown away…All you have to do is buy one magazine and you can read all of these series. Wow, what a steal." – Oda [41:24]
Oda’s philosophy developed early: Jump feels "worth it" when you can read three favorite series—an early conception of the "Big Three" model.

3. Family & Deciding to be a Mangaka

[47:51 – 54:04]

At age 4, reading Kaibutsukun inspired his wish to become a manga artist.

"…There was a job called Mangaka, where you could just draw pictures all day. First…amazed and…decided, oh, that's what I'll be." – Oda [49:19]
Strict parents, but supportive of his dream after he won the Tezuka Award.
He urges young artists: “Go and win the Tezuka Award.”

4. Formative Influences: Toriyama, Fujiko Fujio, and a Who’s Who of ’80s Jump

[54:37 – 75:58]

Toriyama is a huge influence:

“If anything influenced me the most, it was Toriyama Sensei’s art.” – Oda [57:05]
His first series in Jump coincided closely with Toriyama’s brief return after Dragon Ball.
Discusses role model series: Kinnikuman, Fist of the North Star, Dr. Slump, Kimagure Orange Road, and more.
Emphasizes the “eccentric” heroes of ’80s Jump; admires artists who stuck to their own weirdness before the internet “flattened” art styles by exposing artists to mass opinion.

“There was no internet at the time…so they just had to draw their own style and have faith that it would be good, that it would be successful. The result was a lot of uniqueness and creativity.” – Oda [62:16]
Noted Romcoms, sports manga, and Akira (Otomo) also deeply affected him.

5. Early Breaks, Setbacks, and Rivalries

[75:39 – 85:15]

First submission to Jump’s Hop Step Award as a teen; finalist at age 15, but misunderstood editorial instructions.
Adopted pen names to conceal his hobby from classmates and only wanted his “real” debut as a pro to be surprising.
Won the Tezuka Award at age 17 for “Wanted!”—a vital validation for Oda and his family.
Hilarious anecdote: Leiji Matsumoto criticized his “cowboy” drawing for not looking Western enough.

“At the time, I didn’t know who Leiji Matsumoto was, so I got mad thinking, ‘Who’s this jerk?’” – Oda [83:41]

6. Assistant & Helper Years: Learning the Trade

[85:45 – 104:03]

Worked as an assistant for Shinobu Kaitani, Masaya Tokuhiro, and Nobuhiro Watsuki.
Learned practical techniques and work ethic by observing and competing with his peers.
Candid, humorous tales of being too chatty as a helper, and the “Kanzume Hotel” all-night manga marathons.
Notable Reveal: Oda contributed (as an assistant) to a Shaquille O'Neal manga one-shot for Jump—something previously unknown in the English-speaking fandom.

“Not only does this basically confirm that Eiichiro Oda contributed in some way to the art of an officially licensed Shaquille o’Neal NBA manga…” – Stephen [97:03]

7. Debut, Persistence, and Seizing Opportunity

[104:03 – 107:11]

After publishing “Monsters,” Oda faced years of rejection before the serialized version of One Piece (Romance Dawn) got its chance.
Emphasizes hard work, resilience, and seizing sudden, unexpected opportunities.

“I learned that opportunities can come very suddenly and that you have to seize them when you get the chance.” – Oda [106:22]

8. Oda’s Thoughts on Shonen Jump and the 'Classic' Manga Path

[107:36 – 113:30]

Oda describes the historic moment when Jump's dominance was challenged by Magazine after Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk ended.
He intentionally avoided mimicking Dragon Ball and leaned into adventure over battles for One Piece’s early survival.

“By knowing that I couldn’t win with a battle manga, I chose to reinforce the adventure…Once I got into the fighting, the survey results…shot through the roof.” – Oda [109:31]

9. Oda’s Advice to the Next Generation (and All Creatives) – THEME OF THE EPISODE

[113:30 – 119:33]

Praises how manga can shape youth culture and foster community.
Warns of hyper-niche fragmentation due to the internet; laments the loss of shared community-wide stories:

“Manga is something you think about and create by yourself. So don’t allow yourself to be swept along by others. Believe in what you love…” – Oda [113:50] “It’d be sad if everything gets split into micro niches. I think we ought to have at least one magazine that everyone reads…and for that to happen, we need young people to become the next pillar.” – Oda [115:20]
Urges young artists to be original, not to chase trends, and not to let strangers’ opinions on the internet dictate their creativity.
The hosts reflect on the importance of shared culture, with poignant nostalgia for “everyone watching the same thing”—both for Japan with Jump, and the West with Saturday morning cartoons or Toonami.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On discovering Jump:
“All you have to do is buy one magazine and you can read all of these series. Wow, what a steal.”
— Oda [41:24]
On creative individuality:
“Nowadays, if someone out there has their own quirky style and puts it up online, they’re gonna have a lot of people saying, ‘Oh, that's weird.’…But I really love the individuality and power of those old Jump heroes. And I hope people find a way to treasure and preserve that.”
— Oda [63:19]
On listening to internet criticism versus trusting oneself:
“Manga is something you think about and create by yourself. So don’t allow yourself to be swept along by others. Believe in what you love.”
— Oda [113:50]
On manga’s power to create community:
“Shonen Jump was the key to making new friends. Manga can be a tool for that too.”
— Oda [115:00]
On the grind of ‘making it’:
“Opportunities can come very suddenly and you have to seize them when you get the chance.”
— Oda [106:22]
Surreal Oda Trivia:
“Not only does this basically confirm that Eiichiro Oda contributed in some way to the art of an officially licensed Shaquille o’Neal NBA manga…”
— Stephen [97:03]

Important Segment Timestamps

Volume 20 magazine & physical edition talk: [02:24 – 13:13]
Oda’s childhood manga memories, first Dragon Ball issue: [40:10 – 45:06]
Advice about the “Big Three” & Jump’s underlying philosophy: [42:07, 115:20]
Toriyama & other 1980s Jump influence: [54:37 – 75:58]
First attempts at getting into Jump, teenage years: [75:39 – 85:15]
Assistant/Helper stories & Shaq manga revelation: [85:45 – 99:22]
Debut & One Piece serialization struggles: [104:03 – 107:11]
Jump’s shifting fortunes post-Dragon Ball/Slam Dunk: [107:36 – 113:30]
Oda’s message to the next generation; communal power of manga: [113:30 – 119:33]

Closing Reflections

(For further details, manga fans are encouraged to seek out One Piece Magazine Vol. 20 or revisit this podcast episode and accompanying translation.)

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Episode 901, “Manga is Something You Create By Yourself”

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Summary

The One Piece Podcast – Episode 901, “Manga is Something You Create By Yourself”

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Issue: One Piece Magazine Vol. 20—What's Inside?

2. Oda's Early Manga Memories and Jump Encounter

3. Family & Deciding to be a Mangaka

4. Formative Influences: Toriyama, Fujiko Fujio, and a Who’s Who of ’80s Jump

5. Early Breaks, Setbacks, and Rivalries

6. Assistant & Helper Years: Learning the Trade

7. Debut, Persistence, and Seizing Opportunity

8. Oda’s Thoughts on Shonen Jump and the 'Classic' Manga Path

9. Oda’s Advice to the Next Generation (and All Creatives) – THEME OF THE EPISODE

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Closing Reflections

Summary

The One Piece Podcast – Episode 901, “Manga is Something You Create By Yourself”

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Issue: One Piece Magazine Vol. 20—What's Inside?

2. Oda's Early Manga Memories and Jump Encounter

3. Family & Deciding to be a Mangaka

4. Formative Influences: Toriyama, Fujiko Fujio, and a Who’s Who of ’80s Jump

5. Early Breaks, Setbacks, and Rivalries

6. Assistant & Helper Years: Learning the Trade

7. Debut, Persistence, and Seizing Opportunity

8. Oda’s Thoughts on Shonen Jump and the 'Classic' Manga Path

9. Oda’s Advice to the Next Generation (and All Creatives) – THEME OF THE EPISODE

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Closing Reflections