“The Dragon Ball editor isn’t trying to tear down One Piece—he’s urging us to remember what made it unforgettable in the first place.”
Dragon Ball editor Kazuhiko Torishima isn’t known for sugar-coating his opinions and his latest take on One Piece has sent shockwaves through the anime community. In a recent discussion, the iconic Shonen Jump figure claimed that One Piece has “gotten worse” over time.
Coming from the man who shaped Dragon Ball and once nearly canceled One Piece, this criticism hits hard.
Here are the 3 key reasons why the Dragon Ball editor thinks One Piece has declined in quality.
1️⃣ It Lost the Simplicity That Made It Great
Torishima believes One Piece’s earlier arcs—like East Blue and Arlong Park—thrived on emotional clarity, tight pacing, and simple, powerful storytelling. According to him, the series started losing that balance as it introduced massive world-building elements in arcs like Dressrosa, Whole Cake Island, and Wano.
“When a story becomes too big, it can lose its emotional focus,” is a principle Torishima has long followed.
While fans praise Oda’s world-building, Torishima feels it now overshadows the heart of the series.
2️⃣ Character Growth Has Stalled
As the former Dragon Ball editor, Torishima values character evolution—he helped craft Goku’s journey from naïve fighter to savior of Earth and beyond. In contrast, he argues that Luffy’s personality and growth have stagnated.
Supporting characters like Zoro, Nami, and Sanji also haven’t seen much emotional depth or new layers in recent arcs, according to him.
This perceived plateau, Torishima believes, weakens long-term engagement.
3️⃣ Lore Now Overshadows Emotion
The third reason the Dragon Ball editor thinks One Piece has worsened? The increasing reliance on dense lore and historical mystery—Joy Boy, the Void Century, and ancient weapons—has replaced the raw emotion that once defined the series.
While lore enriches the world, Torishima believes it’s the emotional core—family, friendship, sacrifice—that makes a shonen story unforgettable.
A Divisive Statement from a Legendary Voice
Torishima isn’t just any critic—he helped build Dragon Ball, influenced One Piece, and shaped the Shonen Jump era of the ‘80s and ‘90s. His words carry weight, even if controversial.
But fans are split:
- Some agree that One Piece has grown too complex and lost its heart.
- Others argue it has evolved and matured—just like its readers.
What the Dragon Ball Editor’s Critique Really Means
Kazuhiko Torishima isn’t just some outside voice; he’s a cornerstone of shonen history. His words offer a treasure trove of knowledge, born from decades of experience in crafting iconic narratives that have shaped the world of manga and anime. His claim that One Piece has “gotten worse” may sound harsh to devoted fans, but it’s rooted in a deep understanding of narrative structure, emotional pacing, and character growth.
His critique sparks valuable introspection, inviting fans and creators to reevaluate the trajectory of One Piece and the evolving landscape of manga storytelling. What makes a long-running series stay great? Is it evolution? Simplicity? Emotional resonance?
For many, One Piece continues to shine. For others, it has shifted too far from its roots. Either way, Torishima’s comments remind us that even legends like Oda are not beyond scrutiny—and that’s what keeps the anime world passionate, alive, and always evolving.
Trivia: Did You Know?
- Kazuhiko Torishima inspired the creation of Dr. Slump’s Senbei Norimaki—Akira Toriyama based the character’s look on him.
- He nearly canceled One Piece before it even began; it took passionate convincing from a junior editor to give Oda a shot.
- Torishima once suggested changing Dragon Ball from a comedy to an action-adventure series—leading to the iconic martial arts tournaments.
FAQ
Q1. Who is Kazuhiko Torishima?
A: He’s the former Shonen Jump editor best known for shaping Dragon Ball and influencing early decisions around One Piece. His editorial prowess helped shape Dragon Ball into a global phenomenon, cementing its place in manga history.
Q2. Did Torishima ever work directly with Eiichiro Oda?
A: While he didn’t edit One Piece directly, he was in a senior position at Shueisha and had the authority to approve or reject new series—including One Piece, which he almost did.
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