One Piece to Become Late-Night Anime Next Month, Changes Time Slot for First Time in 18 Years
For many fans of the One Piece anime, Sunday mornings have been synonymous with an early wake-up call.
Since October 2006, Fuji TV has been the home for new episodes of this beloved series, airing them at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.
This routine has become a part of the weekly ritual for dedicated viewers, who eagerly await the next installment of Luffy’s adventures.
Starting April 6, 2025, a significant shift will occur as One Piece transitions to a late-night time slot, specifically 11:15 p.m. on Sundays.
This marks the first time in the show’s history that it will air at such a late hour, coinciding with the commencement of the Egghead Arc.
This change means that hardcore followers of the series can now enjoy a more leisurely Sunday morning, though it may lead to groggy Mondays for younger viewers who have school the next day.
The implications of this time change are multifaceted.
One Piece has maintained its popularity, particularly among children in Japan, despite its long run since 1999.
The series has stuck to a format that remains accessible for younger audiences, similar to other enduring franchises like Pokémon.
While the narrative has developed more intricate plots and raised stakes over the years, it still resonates with its initial target demographic.
Historically, One Piece has shifted through various time slots, initially airing on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and later moving to Sunday evenings at 7 and 7:30 p.m.
These earlier times catered to a younger audience, ensuring that children could watch it at home without conflicting with bedtimes.
The new 11:15 p.m. time could push many young fans past their regular sleep schedules, presenting challenges for those who need to rise early for school on Mondays.
Fuji TV is not completely abandoning its traditional Sunday morning anime lineup.
The new series, To Be Hero X, will take over the 9:30 a.m. slot left vacant by One Piece.
This new show embodies the characteristics typically associated with late-night anime, highlighting an interesting turn in scheduling strategies.
Although Fuji TV has yet to provide a detailed explanation for this scheduling change, the timing coincides with the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine release, which follows on Monday mornings.
The strategic placement of One Piece in the late-night slot could be an effort to create a night-time viewing experience that leaves fans eager to engage with the manga the following day.
| Time Slot | Show |
|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. | To Be Hero X |
| 11:15 p.m. | One Piece |
With its evolution, One Piece continues to adapt, reflecting the shifting needs and preferences of its audience while maintaining its core identity.
This transition represents a new chapter not just for the anime but also for fans who have journeyed with Luffy and his crew for years.
Whether they will embrace this change or find it a challenge remains to be seen, but it certainly indicates an exciting phase for the series.
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