Inspiration does not ask before striking, it just does. Anything and everything can become an inspiration if an artist has the perception for it. One Piece is one such work. Inspiration asks not what it can give you but what you can make of it. In a similar way, Eiichiro Oda has set a path for many to follow. He took the road not taken and made the grass greener as he walked.
There were many to follow in his path. Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball inspired many, enabling a chain effect of the creation of One Piece, and then those who took inspiration from it. There were many who found themselves taking notes from the Straw Hat Pirates. Out of the many names, the most prominent of them all happens to be Haruichi Furudate, the creator of Haikyuu!!
One Piece of Inspiration
One Piece has always been a beacon of hope for fans. As a manga that has lasted for many decades and is still ongoing, its fame is truly unique and unlike any other. One of the greatest sports manga writers, Haruichi Furudate also found himself taking inspiration from Eiichiro Oda’s magnum opus. The impression he had on the Haikyuu!! creator led to a Volleyball masterpiece. Speaking in the Haikyuu!! Complete Guidebook, he explained exactly how.
I sincerely admit that I was just amazed at how fascinating the One Piece manga turned out to be, so I was definitely impressed by Oda Eiichiro Sensei. Alas, I can’t immediately remember the other mangaka, but I was also very influenced by the work of Hayao Miyazaki. I’ve probably watched Ghibli movies over a hundred times. Since then, for me, their best work has always been the Heavenly Castle of Laputa.
When discussing sports anime or manga, the conversation avoid the topic of Haikyuu!! So much so that for as long as the United States of America streamed the anime on Netflix, it was ruling the top lists. It tells a story not just of sports but of sportsmanship. It takes up everything that is at the heart of a shonen manga and brings it out through some of the most gripping matches.
To no one’s surprise, one of the biggest inspirations for him was One Piece. However, that was not all. Hayao Miyazaki, now a two-time Oscar winner and the only anime filmmaker to do so, was also one to have inspired Furudate.
“The Things That Last, Even When Memories Don’t”
What does it mean to leave one’s mark on the world? Does it physically mean a mark or one of the mind? What is a mark on the world when you cannot make one yourself? Memories often come and go, and with them, ideas manifest. Mangakas such as Eiichiro Oda, Akira Toriyama, Haruichi Furudate, Gege Akutami, and many others find themselves with a mark on the world.
Dreamers are believers, believers are creators. Creativity strikes from inspiration and that is the mark many leave behind. Eiichiro Oda has inspired many with his works and there is no question about how many more he will go on to inspire. His words, his art, and his story all combine to make a masterpiece. From breaking records to the very many accolades in his name, people may not be able to know what the One Piece is for a long time but they certainly would know the journey it took to get there.
Loving your craft helps in making a mark on the world. It is more than evident that Oda loves his masterpiece. The thought and care put into it created something that impacts the world in many ways. Slowly a story was crafted to bring all kinds of emotions into the world with endless possibilities.
Haikyuu!! is available to watch on Crunchyroll and One Piece is available to watch on Hulu.
