The world’s most beloved pirate saga, One Piece, is making waves not just with its story but with how it’s engaging artificial intelligence (AI) in creative and controversial ways.
Eiichirō Oda, the mastermind behind One Piece, has recently experimented with AI technology, including asking AI models like ChatGPT to draft manga chapters. In early 2023, Oda shared that he prompted ChatGPT to create a story involving the kidnapping of Chopper by a mysterious “King of Shadows.” While the AI-generated plot was imaginative, Oda found it lacked the emotional depth and character nuance that defines his work, leading him to request a more engaging version.
Not stopping there, Oda also released an AI-generated song in December 2023 titled “YO-HO-HO We Pirates,” which combined AI-generated lyrics and music. This move sparked debate among fans and critics about the role of AI in creative arts, with some praising the innovation and others worried about the loss of human artistry.
On the fan side, the One Piece editorial team has taken a firm stand against the use of AI for fan art. Volume 108 of the manga featured a message discouraging fans from submitting AI-generated artwork due to copyright concerns and to preserve the authenticity of the fan art collection.
Within the industry, Toei Animation, the studio responsible for the One Piece anime, is exploring AI-driven tools to assist with animation tasks such as coloring and background design. However, animator Vincent Chansard clarified that AI is not currently used in the production of the One Piece anime itself and that much of the studio’s AI work remains experimental or promotional.
As AI continues to reshape creative industries worldwide, One Piece stands at an intriguing crossroads — balancing technological innovation with the preservation of its unique artistic spirit. Fans eagerly watch how this legendary pirate saga will evolve in the AI era.
