The “One Piece” live-action series has taken the world by storm, earning high praise from both fans and critics alike. Even skeptics who doubted the show’s potential have been won over.
With ratings that surpass any Hollywood attempt at adapting anime to live-action, it’s safe to say that the “One Piece” live-action adaptation has shattered the curse of mediocre adaptations like “Dragon Ball Evolution,” “Death Note,” and even the recent “Cowboy Bebop.“
The show’s success isn’t limited to just ratings; it’s also the number one trending show on Netflix in nearly 60 countries. However, much of this acclaim comes from outside Japan (the birthplace of the original “One Piece” manga.)
Written by Eiichiro Oda for over 23 years, the manga was initially targeted at a Japanese audience. So, one would assume that a live-action series closely following the source material would also be highly praised in Japan. Surprisingly, that’s not necessarily the case.
One Piece Live Action Ratings In Japan
In Japan, Filmarks serves as the go-to platform for rating movies, TV shows, and anime, much like Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb in the West. On Filmarks, the “One Piece” live-action series holds a rating of 3.9 out of 5.
While this might seem below average compared to other ongoing American series—such as “Star Wars: Ahsoka” at 4.3/5 and “Wednesday” at 4.2/5—it’s worth noting that the “One Piece” anime itself has a rating of 4.1/5, which is impressive given its long run.
However, comparing the live-action adaptation to the anime or other TV series might not be entirely fair, as they are different mediums. When stacked against other anime-to-live-action adaptations, “One Piece” fares exceptionally well.
For instance, “Dragon Ball Evolution” languishes at a dismal 1.6/5, while Netflix’s “Death Note” adaptation sits at 2.5/5. Clearly, the “One Piece” live-action series has found success not just internationally but also in Japan.
Related: Top 10 Most Disliked One Piece Characters According to Japan
What Japanese Fans Are Saying
One reviewer praised the series, stating, “In a world where bad live actions are commonplace, ‘One Piece’ stands out as extremely well-made, thanks in part to Eiichiro Oda’s involvement. However, it can’t fully capture the charm of the original manga.”
Another fan appreciated Netflix’s approach: “I had no expectations but ended up binge-watching the series. They didn’t overreach in adapting the challenging parts, focusing instead on getting the important elements right.”
Calls for a second season are also emerging. One fan noted, “The characters fit well within the manga’s universe and exceeded my expectations. I’m eager for a continuation.”
However, not everyone is thrilled. One critic argued that Oda’s involvement in the live-action series is affecting his manga work, stating, “If you’ve watched up to episode 8, you’d be better off watching ‘Dragon Ball’s’ live-action adaptation four times. I wish Oda would focus on the original work.”
The reception of the “One Piece” live-action series in Japan is largely positive. With a budget surpassing even that of “Game of Thrones,” high production quality was expected, and the series has delivered on that front.
Source: Filmarks
