As the beloved anime character Monkey D. Luffy approaches his 25th birthday, “One Piece” enthusiasts across Europe are gearing up for a grand celebration. Marking the 25th anniversary of the acclaimed series, festivities are planned in five major cities, promising an engaging experience for fans. Toei Animation Europe recently unveiled plans to kick off these celebrations on May 5, 2024.
The events will feature giant inflatables depicting various stages of Luffy’s journey throughout the anime, offering fans a unique photo opportunity with the iconic character. Moreover, fans are encouraged to immerse themselves in the experience by taking selfies at the events and sharing them on the official website or via Instagram using the hashtag #LuffyBirthday2024. This interactive element allows participants to see their photos displayed alongside those of other fans from around the world.
Each location will be vibrantly decorated in the characteristic “One Piece” colors, enhancing the atmosphere with themed giant inflatables to truly embody the spirit of the series. For fans unable to attend in person, the celebrations will be accessible online on the official website, where they can join the festivities virtually and keep up with simultaneous events across different countries.
Since its debut in 1997, “One Piece” has captured the hearts of fans globally, selling over 510 million copies and publishing 107 volumes to date. The series transitioned from manga to a successful anime series, which first aired on October 20, 1999, and has since released 1,102 episodes. “One Piece” has not only been a fan favorite but has also earned accolades, including two awards from Crunchyroll’s “Best Continuing Series” category in 2022 and 2023.
Produced by Toei Animation, known for other hit titles such as “Sailor Moon” and “Dragon Ball,” the series has expanded into 15 movies linked to the anime. The franchise’s reach has also extended into live-action, with the first season premiering on Netflix on August 31, 2023, and a second season confirmed for 2025.
“One Piece” has forged partnerships with globally recognized brands including Puma, Lush, Burger King, and Vans. The series has attracted fans of all ages worldwide, including celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson, who has publicly praised the anime’s intricate storytelling. Inaki Godoy, the Mexican-born actor who portrays Luffy in the Netflix live-action series, has also received acclaim for his portrayal of the character, contributing to the series’ ongoing popularity.
The story follows Luffy, a young boy with aspirations to become the king of the pirates. To achieve his dream, Luffy must assemble a crew and embark on a perilous journey to find the legendary treasure known as “One Piece,” believed to crown whoever discovers it as the king of the pirates. However, the seas are treacherous, and Luffy is not the only pirate in search of this prized treasure.
As “One Piece” continues to inspire and entertain new generations, the upcoming 25th-anniversary celebrations promise to honor the beloved series and its enduring legacy, making it a monumental event for fans across Europe and around the world.