Fans of the global manga phenomenon One Piece received worrying news when the series’ publisher announced a sudden, unexpected break for the popular series. The delay for Chapter 1162 is due to the poor health of the series’ creator, Eiichiro Oda, sparking widespread concern among the fan community. The announcement came with a brief apology and a scheduled return date, but the unplanned nature of this hiatus has left many readers anxious about the well-being of the author who has entertained them for over 25 years.
Official Announcement on Manga Hiatus
The official statement from the Shonen Jump editorial department confirmed the reason for the pause. The announcement was shared with readers to explain the missing chapter in the weekly magazine release.
The message read: “Thank you for always reading One Piece. Because of the author’s poor physical health condition, One Piece will take a break in this week’s issue. We deeply apologize to all the readers who were looking forward to it.” The statement also noted that the series is scheduled to resume in the next issue.
This break is different from the planned hiatuses that Oda has taken in the past. Those are usually announced in advance and follow a rough pattern of three chapters of release followed by a one-week break. This sudden interruption, with its specific citation of the author’s health, is what has amplified concern across the fanbase.
Fan Reactions and Concern for Oda
The news of the delay prompted an immediate and supportive wave of reactions from fans across social media platforms. The overwhelming sentiment was one of concern for Oda’s well-being, with many readers prioritizing his health over the release of new chapters.
One fan expressed a common view, saying, “I dont mind waiting as long as Oda is resting. We need the best version of him on this final phase.” Another fan echoed this, adding, “All the whole world nakama would agree that one piece manga can go Hiatus for the rest of this years just for Oda comeback healthy.”
Many long-time followers of the series pointed to Oda’s legendary work ethic, which has seen him maintain a demanding weekly schedule for decades, often with very little sleep. This dedication, while admired, has long been a source of worry regarding his long-term health.
Oda’s History of Health Issues
Eiichiro Oda’s health struggles are not new. Over the years, the author has been open about various health problems that have arisen from his intense work schedule. In the past, he has revealed that he suffers from moderate diabetes and gout, conditions often exacerbated by long hours spent sitting while drawing.
He has also undergone eye surgery to correct astigmatism, a common issue among manga artists due to the strain of detailed work. These health scares have led to several breaks over the years, but fans have noted that they seem to have become more frequent recently. The current break follows another recent health-related delay between Chapters 1160 and 1161, highlighting ongoing challenges for the creator.
Impact on the One Piece Release Schedule
The sudden break has caused a shift in the manga’s release timeline. Chapter 1161 was released on September 29, 2025. The now-delayed Chapter 1162 was originally expected to release on October 6, 2025. With the one-week break, the new expected release date is October 13, 2025.
This delay is particularly felt by fans because the manga is in the midst of a critical story arc. The current narrative is exploring the God Valley Incident, a pivotal flashback in the series’ lore that fans have been eager to see for years. This storyline involves legendary characters like Gol D. Roger, Monkey D. Garp, and the mysterious Rocks D. Xebec, with major implications for the overall story.
The break also coincides with a hiatus for the One Piece anime adaptation, leaving fans without new content from either front for a short period. While disappointing, the consensus among the community is clear: Oda’s recovery is what matters most.
The Demanding Life of a Manga Artist
The situation has sparked broader discussions about the immense pressure faced by creators in the manga industry. Eiichiro Oda is known for his extreme dedication, with a work history that includes famously long hours and minimal sleep, often totaling just a few hours per night. This relentless pace is not uncommon in the world of weekly serialized manga, but it can take a severe toll on a creator’s health.
Other prominent manga artists, such as Yoshihiro Togashi, the creator of Hunter x Hunter, have also faced significant health issues that led to long, multiple hiatuses. Oda himself has previously reflected on the pressure, once stating in an interview, “It’s a race against time between my remaining lifespan and the end of the series.”
Fortunately, in recent years, there are indications that Oda has started to take his health more seriously, adopting a more sustainable schedule with more frequent breaks to ensure he can complete his life’s work. For millions of fans around the world, his ability to do just that is the highest priority.
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