One Piece’s creator, Eiichiro Oda, is probably the biggest name within the manga industry who has fame and recognition on a global level. His masterpiece has been shaping the anime and manga community for more than two decades, but the mangaka prefers to keep his face and identity a secret. He has been covering his face for a long time.
There are many interviews of the One Piece creator where he hides his face with a fish-shaped avatar, and no one really knows the reason behind his maximum secrecy. However, considering the level of fame he has achieved and the toxicity that comes with it, it is understandable for him to live a private life and hide his identity from others.
Why Eiichiro Oda Feels the Need To Protect His Privacy?
Oda has many reasons for keeping his face hidden and protecting his privacy. One of the most discussed explanations is that Oda reportedly stated the true stars of One Piece are Luffy and his crew. For this reason, he feels no need to put himself in the spotlight or seek fame for his work. Also, manga fans must have noticed that Oda is not the only manga creator to hide his identity from the world.
Other creators like Gege Akutami also prefer to keep their identity a secret, and it is mainly because they wish to live a private life, away from the toxicity that follows their work. Sometimes, the contentious developments in the story lead to fans debating and criticizing the creator. Thus, to avoid public slander and other forms of harassment, many mangaka choose anonymity as a way to protect both their personal lives.
One Piece has one of the biggest fanbase and naturally, not everyone agrees with the developments that Oda showcases in the series in terms of characters and the story. Thus, to avoid getting dragged into the debates and maintain his creative freedom, he most likely keeps his identity a secret. Fans have speculated that he might reveal his identity once One Piece is over.
The Mystery Behind Oda’s Fish-Shaped Avatar, Explained
Eiichiro Oda’s way of hiding his identity in interviews and other interactions is by placing a mysterious fish-shaped avatar on his face. It depicts a casually dressed man with a fish for a head, with a black and white background, and has been used by him for years. It has been seen across the manga’s SBS question-and-answer pages, author notes, and even in media appearances where Oda avoids showing his face.
Over time, this unique fish avatar drawing has become more than just a placeholder. It works like a visual signature that fans immediately connect with Oda. The main reason behind this fish avatar is both practical and playful. By hiding behind the avatar, he ensures the focus is always on the story rather than himself. As mentioned above, privacy and safety also play a role.
Plus, it gives him a humorous identity that parallels the main themes that he has portrayed in One Piece for years. Over the years, the fish has become so iconic that it has even inspired official merchandise for the series and for the creator. It will be a part of his identity for a very long time. Do you think the One Piece manga creator will ever show his face in public? Let us know below!
One Piece is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
