The female characters of One Piece have always been a subject of discussion among One Piece fans. While not always for good reasons, the One Piece female characters have a habit of being in the news, and along with them, Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece has also been a part of it.
Irrespective of the controversies, the numerous female characters in One Piece can compete with their male counterparts. Though there are many of them portrayed throughout the series, One Piece’s female cast is exceptionally properly constructed, and they have all significantly influenced the plot, one way or the other.
When asked about his vision for creating or writing a female character for his magnum opus, Oda revealed that he hated the stereotypical women figures that were shown in other series and that is why wanted to create a bunch of female characters who are entirely different from them and have a presence that matters to the story.
Eiichiro Oda Describes the Women Characters of One Piece
In a rare interview with the New York Times, One Piece’s creator was asked about the women characters that are shown in the story and how it separates One Piece from other adventure manga. Oda explained that the One Piece world has a lot of strong and attractive women who help in improving the storyline.
Oda stated:
“There are many strong women in the world of “One Piece” — women with intelligence like Robin, or with abilities like Nami. There are even attractive and strong women among the enemy pirates. In the manga I read as a kid, there was always a point where the heroine existed just to be rescued. That didn’t sit well with me.”
Oda explained that ever since he was a kid, he used to read about women who are always stuck in a problem and are waiting to be rescued which was not how Oda wanted to picture a female persona in a manga. Which is why he decided to change it.
Eiichiro Oda’s Vision for One Piece’s Female Character
Eiichiro Oda also explained his thought process while writing or creating the female characters of One Piece. According to him, he created women who know how to handle themselves in a tough situation and can deal with their enemies on their own. They are capable enough to help their crewmates and when they are in a tough situation they do not hesitate to ask for help from their friends.
Oda explained:
“I didn’t want to create a story about women being kidnapped and saved. I depict women who know how to fight for themselves and don’t need to be saved. If a moment comes where they’re overpowered, their shipmates will help them out, and vice versa.”
Although Oda has been in a lot of controversies because of his depiction of the female characters in One Piece, it doesn’t change the fact that the series has indeed featured some of the strongest women characters in all of anime, be it Big Mom, Boa Hancock or Bonney and the upcoming arcs of the final saga are also bound to do the same.
You can watch One Piece on Crunchyroll.
