# Commemorating 25 Years of *One Piece*: The *Straw Hat Stories* Television Special

The universe of *One Piece* keeps growing and enchanting viewers, and as the anime marks its 25th anniversary, fans can anticipate a delightful surprise. The cherished series, active for more than twenty years, is preparing to transform short narratives from Tomohito Ohsaki’s *Straw Hat Stories* book into a television special named *ONE PIECE FAN LETTER*. This special promises a new lens on the escapades of the Straw Hat Pirates and is set to premiere on October 20, 2024.

## A Distinct Perspective on the *One Piece* Universe

The *Straw Hat Stories* book is a compilation of short tales that present alternative viewpoints on significant occurrences in the *One Piece* realm. Instead of solely spotlighting the primary characters, these tales investigate the feelings and thoughts of supporting characters who observe the Straw Hats’ journeys. This distinctive approach allows fans a more profound insight into the world that Eiichiro Oda has built and the influence the Straw Hats have on those surrounding them.

One of the most captivating elements of the forthcoming TV special is its emphasis on these different perspectives. The teaser for *ONE PIECE FAN LETTER* hints at a young girl observing a wall filled with wanted posters, featuring not only the Straw Hat crew but also other prominent figures like Trafalgar Law. This imagery suggests a reflective and emotional atmosphere the special may adopt, as it explores how the Straw Hats are viewed by others in the *One Piece* universe.

## The Stories Slated for Adaptation

While the complete roster of stories to be adapted in *ONE PIECE FAN LETTER* remains unconfirmed, the *Straw Hat Stories* book features several unforgettable narratives:

1. **A Marine’s Reflection at Marineford**: One story centers on a Marine who witnesses Luffy’s desperate efforts to rescue his brother Ace during the Marineford War. The Marine contemplates his own bond with his younger sibling, who is also stationed at Marineford, drawing a comparison between their fraternal connection and Luffy’s.

2. **Zoro’s Swordsman Discourse**: Another narrative captures Zoro engaging in a passionate debate about who the superior swordsman is after the events of Dressrosa. This story illustrates Zoro’s relentless dream to become the strongest swordsman globally while also showcasing the friendship and rivalry among swordsmen within the *One Piece* landscape.

3. **Pirating Brook’s Concert**: A lighter tale narrates a child’s adventure of pirating a concert by Brook, the Soul King, on the Sabaody Archipelago. This story injects humor and highlights the worldwide acclaim Brook has attained as a musician, all while he continues his piratical journey.

These tales, although not central to the overarching plot, enrich the understanding of the *One Piece* universe and its multifaceted characters.

## The Creative Crew Behind the Special

The *ONE PIECE FAN LETTER* special features an outstanding creative team. Megumi Ishitani, recognized for directing remarkable episodes such as 957 and 1015, along with openings 25 and 26, will lead the special. Ishitani’s direction of these episodes has received commendation for its emotional resonance and stunning visual presentation, making her an excellent choice for breathing life into these introspective tales.

The screenplay is penned by Momoka Toyoda, who has garnered acclaim for her contributions to *My Happy Marriage*. Toyoda’s proficiency in crafting emotionally powerful stories will likely be showcased in this special, as it explores the inner musings of characters who have encountered the Straw Hats.

Character design and animation direction will be managed by Keisuke Mori, who also worked on opening 26. Mori’s vibrant and expressive art style will undoubtedly elevate the visual narrative of the special, bringing these short tales to life in a complementary manner to the main series.

## A Worldwide Commemoration

While the special is set to debut in Japan on October 20, 2024, it remains uncertain whether international audiences will have access to it on the same day. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the special will be available on streaming services like Crunchyroll shortly after its initial airing. An English dub has yet to be confirmed, but given the widespread appeal of *One Piece*, it’s likely that one will follow.

The teaser for the special showcases a striking black-and-white style, which may serve to distinguish this project from the main series and highlight the reflective essence of the narratives. Fans are eagerly looking forward to more information, with updates expected to be shared on the official *One Piece* Twitter account.

## The Legacy of *One Piece*

The *One Piece* anime and manga have achieved cultural significance for over two decades. In recent times, the series has celebrated a number of important milestones,