Shock Fans! Anime 'ONE PIECE' Will Go on Hiatus for 3 Months and Release Only 26 Episodes Each Year

Kapanlagi.com - Surprising news comes from the ONE PIECE universe. The legendary anime that has been around since 1999 has just announced a drastic schedule change that is sure to shock and worry the Nakama (the term for ONE PIECE fans).

The official announcement states that the ONE PIECE anime will undergo a long hiatus of three months. Additionally, even more astonishing, the series will limit its airing to a maximum of 26 episodes per year starting in 2026.

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1. Three-Month Hiatus Leading to Elbaph Arc

This long hiatus is scheduled to begin in January 2026. The hiatus will occur right after the airing of the Egghead Arc, which will reach its peak and conclude in December 2025. Fans will be able to witness the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat crew again in April 2026.

The return of this anime will also mark the start of the highly anticipated Elbaph Arc, a new chapter promising even more exciting adventures.

2. 26-Episode Limitation for Quality

One Piece (credit: pinterest.com/@Jann)

Another major change is the adoption of a completely revised production schedule. Starting in 2026, the ONE PIECE anime will be divided into two airing parts each year, with a maximum total of only 26 episodes per year. This radical decision, according to the official statement released, aims primarily to provide a more faithful adaptation of the manga by the maestro, Eiichiro Oda.

This decision was made after 26 years of the ONE PIECE TV series airing continuously, reaffirming Toei Animation's commitment to maintaining the quality of this masterpiece. Although the announcement of the hiatus and episode limitation has caused shock among fans, the hope for a much better adaptation quality leading up to the Elbaph Arc serves as the main consolation. Three months may feel long, but this is the price to pay for a more 'substantial' adventure of Luffy that stays true to the original work. Look forward to the return of ONE PIECE in April 2026.

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