One Piece: Eiichiro Oda Admits Whitebeard Came From an Unexpected Real-Life Model

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In simpler terms, One Piece stands out among anime pirate series for featuring iconic characters who wield immense power on the battlefield, leaving an indelible mark on the high seas through their strength, impact, and grand ambitions. Edward Newgate, often referred to as Whitebeard, is one such legendary figure, once recognized as the Strongest Man in the World, possessing a force so great it’s said he could split both heaven and sea.

In the world of One Piece, Whitebeard has ignited a fresh pirate movement. Interestingly, the series’ creator, Eiichiro Oda, was influenced by the actual person who served as Whitebeard’s inspiration. It’s common for Oda to draw inspiration from various real-life figures, such as actors, musicians, athletes, and others. However, when it comes to Whitebeard, Oda shared that he had a personal acquaintance with the individual who modeled for the character, making him all the more extraordinary.

Eiichiro Oda Built Whitebeard Differently

Whitebeard Is an Absolute Force of Nature

  • First Manga Appearance: Chapter 159
  • First Anime Appearance: Episode 95

In the popular series One Piece, Whitebeard stands out among pirates for his significant influence. Notably, he was a formidable adversary to the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Unlike many powerful pirates who pursue the treasure known as One Piece with the aim of becoming the World’s Ruler, Whitebeard sought something different: a place where he could experience a sense of belonging, tranquility, and acceptance. If Whitebeard had been driven by the same ambition as Rocks D. Xebec, it is possible that he could have earned the title of King of the World during his lifetime.

Fans of One Piece admire Whitebeard not just for his immense power but equally for his character. He was a caring and considerate captain, showing a nurturing attitude towards his crew as if they were his own kids. Moreover, he maintained a strong moral compass, rejecting the pursuit of wealth or power out of self-interest. Rather, he valued the well-being of his ‘family’, treasuring their loyalty above personal gain.

One Piece is real.—Whitebeard

Although Whitebeard, a renowned figure in One Piece, didn’t have a joyful conclusion to his story, it was a heroic one instead. Fans remember how he met a tragic fate at Marineford, at the hands of Blackbeard and his crew, after being weakened by Akainu and other Marines. Despite this, his last moments were marked by an absence of injuries on his back, a testament to his indomitable spirit. His departure is considered one of the most powerful and poignant character exits in One Piece, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to resonate across the seas even today.

Eiichiro Oda Modeled Whitebeard After a Real Tavern Owner

Whitebeard’s Real-Life Inspiration

It’s well-known that Eiichiro Oda often draws inspiration from real people, and Whitebeard is no different. Among the various One Piece characters, Whitebeard was one that Oda patterned after a real person. Interestingly enough, this real person wasn’t a famous actor, musician, or athlete, but rather a humble, appealing individual. It might surprise you to learn that such a legendary pirate as Whitebeard was inspired by someone so simple!

According to a comment made by Eiichiro Oda in the One Piece Yellow: Grand Elements data book, which was shared on a well-known One Piece fan page (previously Twitter), Whitebeard was inspired by a tavern owner who frequently socialized with him and his editor. Tragically, this tavern owner has since passed away. Oda portrayed him as both charismatic and laid-back in his description.

Here is Eiichiro Oda’s message about the tavern owner’s passing:

The bar owner who I frequently visited with my editor has unfortunately passed away. He was an incredibly charming man, serving as the inspiration for the character Whitebeard. The first line spoken by Whitebeard upon his introduction is attributed to him.

This version aims to maintain the original meaning while using more common phrases and a conversational tone.

The old man, while seated at the bar with medical apparatus attached to his nose, once declared to a customer in a less polite manner that he would not converse with a disrespectful youngster. He often spoke of his experiences during World War II and seemed to believe alcohol was his medication. Upon learning that I had included him in my comic book, he expressed great joy.

-Eiichiro Oda

In the world of One Piece, a character named Whitebeard, frequently referred to as “Sickbeard,” sported medical devices on his nose due to his deteriorating health. Despite reaching over 70 years of age and being unwell, he still enjoyed sake. It’s clear that Oda, the creator, took heavy inspiration from this man’s persona and way of life when designing Whitebeard. Without this individual, it’s likely that Oda would have envisioned Whitebeard differently.

Whitebeard Also Shares Similar Traits With a Japanese Warrior Monk

Whitebeard and Musashibo Benkei’s Parallels

Eiichiro Oda, the creator, has unveiled the real-world counterpart of Whitebeard. However, it’s well-known among fans that Whitebeard was also influenced by the historical figure, Musashibo Benkei, a Japanese warrior monk. They share many similar characteristics.

As per traditional Japanese tales, Musashibo Benkei towered over average men, standing at a staggering five times their height, and possessed immense, beast-like strength.

In addition to this, Benkei used a weapon called a naginata, while Whitebeard employed the large Tomoe-type naginata known as Murakumogiri. What’s particularly intriguing is that, like Whitebeard, Benkei met his end in an upright stance, having been struck by numerous arrows and spears. This mirrors the death of Whitebeard, who stood resolute despite severe injuries, in the world of One Piece.

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2025-08-31 14:34