One Piece and Naruto stand as titans within the Weekly Shonen Jump, boasting legions of fans worldwide and cementing their status as some of the greatest stories ever told.
Authored by Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto respectively, these series have captured the hearts of audiences everywhere and garnered immense admiration for their creators.
Regardless of being rivals in the competitive manga industry, Oda and Kishimoto share a deep friendship in real life. Both One Piece and Naruto are part of “The Big Three,” a prestigious group encompassing the world’s most popular anime series.
This shared status has elevated both creators to prominence, with each expressing genuine appreciation for the other’s work and incorporating nods to their respective series within their own creations.
However, an intriguing anecdote adds a twist to their relationship. During the development of One Piece, Oda nearly made a colossal mistake by naming one of his characters after Naruto, the titular protagonist of Kishimoto’s manga.
The character in question was Vinsmoke Sanji, the skilled cook of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Fortunately, Oda caught the error before it became permanent, averting what could have been an amusing yet potentially confusing crossover moment.
This amusing incident serves as a testament to the camaraderie between Oda and Kishimoto, showcasing their mutual respect and camaraderie despite their professional rivalry.
As fans continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of both One Piece and Naruto, the bond between their creators remains a testament to the power of friendship and collaboration in the manga.
Eiichiro Oda’s Creative Process and Friendship with Masashi Kishimoto
In a revealing interview back in 2015, Eiichiro Oda shared an intriguing tidbit about the character of Sanji in One Piece. Originally, Oda had intended to name Sanji as Naruto.
However, his plans took a swift turn when he became aware of the impending success of Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto manga, which debuted two years after One Piece.
Realizing that naming his character Naruto would inevitably lead to confusion given the popularity of Kishimoto’s series, Oda made the decision to alter Sanji’s name. This preemptive move ensured that there would be no overlap or confusion between the two beloved characters.
Oda further elaborated on the reasoning behind the initial choice of name. He noted that Sanji’s distinctive swirling eyebrows, which resemble the swirls seen in Naruto—a type of white and pink topping commonly used in Japanese ramen or noodles—inspired the original name selection.
By changing Sanji’s name, Oda effectively avoided any potential conflicts and maintained the integrity of both series. This behind-the-scenes insight offers a fascinating glimpse into Oda’s creative process and his meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of One Piece is carefully considered and thoughtfully crafted.
For many years, Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto have maintained a cordial rivalry in the manga and anime.
Regardless of the competition between them to excel in their respective fields, Oda and Kishimoto share a deep friendship that transcends their professional endeavors. In fact, Oda has drawn inspiration from Kishimoto’s work on several occasions, further strengthening their bond.
The serialization of their iconic series in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine around the same period marked the beginning of their journey as creators. While Naruto debuted in 1999, One Piece premiered two years earlier in 1997.
Oda (2015): Sanji's name was originally Naruto. But when Naruto manga started, I knew it was going to be a long-running series, so I quickly changed his name. Do you see Sanji's eyebrows swirling? (Naruto is the white and pink *swirling* toppings on Japanese noodles.) pic.twitter.com/C2BLozGKMj
— sandman (@sandman_AP) March 11, 2024
As their manga progressed, so did their friendship, reaching its peak as they continued to develop their respective stories. Although a sense of rivalry existed between One Piece and Naruto, it remained confined to their work, ultimately fostering a new friendship between the two mangaka.
Their close relationship has always been apparent, and it’s heartwarming to witness fellow mangaka appreciating and valuing each other’s artistic creations while also forging genuine connections in real life.
As Kishimoto delves into the sequel spin-off series of Naruto with Boruto, and Oda embarks on the final saga of One Piece, fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of their remarkable storytelling journeys.
