Did Oda Just Canonize a One Piece Ship?
Oda’s message sparks a debate surrounding one of the oldest romantic ships in One Piece.
In his message on April 1, 2025, Eiichiro Oda delivered a message for the release of the One Piece romance spin-off anime, “One Piece in Love”, saying that the spinoff is “official”.
Since the story involves characters named after the Straw Hats and the main pair are named Yamamoto Luffy and Koyama Nami, some, such as the Twitter user Sandman, ask if Oda has canonized the original series ship, Luffy and Nami, in some fashion?
Luffy and Nami are a popular ship due to their close bond, as shown when Nami was the only Straw Hat to wear Luffy’s Straw Hat, his personal treasure, not just once in Arlong Park, but again in the Skypiea Arc.
While other Straw Hats, like Robin and Usopp, have worn it once, and Tama was given the Straw Hat, Nami was the first and most constant person Luffy entrusts his most cherished possession to, having her wear it for comfort or for her to take care of it while he is in battle.
Although the statement is made to indicate the status of the vertical anime as an official property acknowledged by the original author, others see this as a hope that Oda at least recognizes the popularity of the ship.
One Piece in Love is currently airing, ending on April 5, 2025 and will be available on Tiktok and Youtube shorts.
Source: Twitter
Oda confirmed in yesterday’s message that “Loving One Piece,” featuring student characters named Luffy and Nami in love, is an “official” spin-off anime/manga. Does this mean LuNami ship is canon?🥰 pic.twitter.com/Ae8yrvYBmI
— sandman (@sandman_AP) April 2, 2025
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