One Piece: Oda’s Big Naruto Mistake Explained!

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece.

Summary

  • Oda had to change Sanji’s name from Naruto due to the popularity of another manga.
  • Sanji was supposed to be named Naruto, but fans can see why the change was necessary.
  • Fans can catch up with One Piece through Manga Plus and Crunchyroll, with the anime returning soon.

The classic manga series “One Piece” holds the title of being the best-selling comic of all time, and it’s no surprise why. For nearly three decades, its intriguing narrative has kept readers engaged, and a significant factor contributing to this is the exceptional cast of characters that grace its pages.

In the world-renowned series, it’s interesting to note that Sanji, a cherished character introduced during the East Blue arc, might have turned out quite differently than he is today. The transformation of this Straw Hat pirate was necessitated by a significant adjustment in the storyline due to another extremely popular manga.

Oda Reveals That He Had To Change Sanji’s Name

Sanji Was Supposed to Be Named Naruto

Sanji consistently ranks among the most beloved characters from the anime series “One Piece,” often appearing in the top 5 in popularity surveys. Given his status as one of the Straw Hat Pirates’ strongest fighters and the depth given to his character through various arcs, such as his recent battles against Queen the Plague in Wano, it’s no wonder he is highly regarded. It could be argued that Sanji is among the best-crafted characters in “One Piece.

One Piece enthusiasts may be unaware that Sanji wasn’t initially meant to bear his current name; Oda had a different plan for him at the series’ onset. Oda had actually intended to call Sanji “Naruto,” but it’s easy to see why he changed his mind. Given that another highly influential manga, also featuring a character named Naruto, was gaining immense popularity around the same time, having two main characters with the same name would have been less than perfect.

In a different phrasing, one could say: There’s a resemblance between Sanji and the character Naruto, which might not be immediately apparent to some. Interestingly, Naruto is also a term used for a Japanese dish called fish cake, characterized by its distinctive pink spiral pattern. This design remarkably mirrors Sanji’s unique eyebrow shape, making the name Naruto quite fitting for him if he were to bear it instead.

Culinary arts, my dear friend, feel more like divine blessings bestowed upon us mortals. And oh, the allure of spices! It’s as if they were crafted by some mischievous, flavorful imp. But alas, it seems that particular dish packed quite a punch, didn’t it?

Another possibility is that the creator intended for Naruto to serve as an alias for Sanji, given that Sanji ran away from his family as a child and his name, Sanji, might have been a link to them. It’s plausible that his real identity could have been unveiled during the Whole Cake Island arc, as suggested by Oda himself in this regard:

Eiichiro Oda originally named his character Naruto, but when he began working on the manga, he realized it would be a long-lasting series, so he swiftly changed his name to Sanji. Does Sanji’s eyebrows seem to be spinning? (Eiichiro Oda)

Where To Read and Watch One Piece

Available on Manga Plus and Crunchyroll

At present, the captivating tale of “One Piece” manga unfolds in the Elbaf arc, and the action is heating up significantly! As the renowned creator Oda introduces a host of intriguing characters ready to leap into action, readers can immerse themselves by reading ahead on Manga Plus or Viz Media.

Concerning the anime, it’s currently taking a break. But, get ready because One Piece is coming back in a matter of days! You can catch up with the show on Crunchyroll for streaming.

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2025-04-03 15:25