‘One Piece’ Anime Is Switching to a Seasonal Format After 25 Years
After more than two decades of weekly episodes, One Piece is getting a big change. Toei Animation has confirmed that the long-running anime will switch to a seasonal format starting in 2026.
The news was shared through the official One Piece YouTube channel and later confirmed in an English press release.
According to Toei, the anime will now release “a maximum of 26 episodes per year starting in 2026.” This means fans will no longer get weekly episodes all year round.
Before the new format begins, the anime will take a short break. Production will pause from January to March 2026, and the show will return in April with the long-awaited Elbaph arc. The arc will be split into two parts, following the new two-cour (seasonal) release structure.
Toei Animation also shared a new teaser image for the Elbaph storyline, giving fans a small glimpse of what’s to come. This move officially turns One Piece into a seasonal anime, something fans of modern shows are more familiar with.
The anime’s shift marks the end of an era. Since 1999, One Piece has aired nearly every week without major breaks, often filling time with recap or filler episodes to stay close to Eiichiro Oda’s manga. While this kept the anime consistent, it also put pressure on the production team and affected pacing at times.
📢 Breaking News from ONE PIECE NEWS
— Toei Animation (@ToeiAnimation) October 28, 2025
ONE PIECE will go on a three-month break starting this January, returning in April 2026 with the start of the Elbaph Arc!
Beginning in 2026, the anime series will also kick-off its new production schedule, dividing into two parts for a… pic.twitter.com/EQQI6mv4tB
Toei says the decision to go seasonal will allow for better quality and storytelling. Producer Ryūta Koike explained that the change was made as “a strategic decision to support the advancement and evolution of the anime series.”
The studio further explained that, in the past, around 11 or 12 episodes covered four to five manga volumes. Under the new system, each batch of episodes will include more story content while improving the pacing and overall flow. Toei said this approach will help the team “dive even deeper into the heart of the ONE PIECE world.”
On social media, Toei reassured fans that this isn’t the end of the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey. “Don’t worry, Nakama — you’ll have a chance to gear up for the next adventure,” the studio said. “Stay tuned for exciting surprises during the series’ break!”
It’s a huge shift for an anime that’s been a weekly part of fans’ lives for over 25 years. But giving the series more breathing room could mean higher-quality episodes and a smoother adaptation of Oda’s story.
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