This article contains spoilers for the One Piece manga.
When it comes to the most dominant comics of the past few decades, there is one that comes to mind: one pieceEiichiro Oda's masterpiece. one piece has been going strong ever since its debut in 1997. However, the pace of the comic definitely slowed down significantly due to numerous issues. In fact, starting in 2024 Creator Oda has increased the number of breaks he takes..
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Now, in January 2026, this fact has become even clearer. A new break is set to begin right away as One Piece returns with episode 1171 this week. The release of One Piece Episode 1172 has been delayed and is scheduled to be released two weeks later, in early February.. In that sense, January was certainly a disappointing month, but as it is every winter season, this is nothing new for fans.
One Piece is on a break after episode 1171.
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The new One Piece Break begins on January 18, 2026
One Piece has been going through quite a hiatus recently.but The manga is scheduled to resume on January 18, 2026.. In fact, after a long delay, One Piece episode 1171 has finally been released, and fans' expectations are growing. But what disappointed many people was Shortly after the manga's return with Chapter 1171, it was revealed that the manga was scheduled to be put on hiatus again immediately.. This has definitely surprised some, as the manga has been on an endless break for some time over the past two months and fans were hoping Chapter 1171 would be the end of it.
Unfortunately, the next break starts as soon as the next chapter is released. Fans will have to briefly say goodbye to their favorite comics on January 18, 2026.While waiting for the final return next month.
One Piece will return with episode 1172 on February 1, 2026.
The number of breaks has definitely hit an all-time high over the past few weeks.Unfortunately, fans already know when their favorite comics will return. The serialization will begin on January 18, 2026, and the manga will return exactly two weeks later. In other wordsOne Piece has no more new chapters in JanuaryAnd One Piece 1171 will mark the end of that. Instead, One Piece Episode 1172 will be released on February 1, 2026.
One Piece has only been officially released twice, in January 2026.
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The break was caused by Oda and Weekly Shonen Jump
December 2025 and January 2026 were quite difficult months for One Piece fans.. After all, the series took quite the break during these two months. It's nothing new, but it's definitely difficult to deal with every year. Most of the breaks occur around holidays and New Years and have nothing to do with Eiichiro Oda. Instead, Weekly Shonen Jump, the magazine where One Piece is serialized, will be taking a break due to the Japanese holidays. Naturally, these breaks are beyond Oda's control. One Piece 1171's recent delay was also due to the magazine.
However, some important points to note are: The scheduled postponement of One Piece Episode 1172 is due to Oda's own schedule.. Oda takes a break once every three weeks, and this is one of them. Oda does not change his schedule to accommodate Weekly Shonen Jump's break. So, from the fans’ perspective, it will definitely feel like a very long time. Considering Oda technically delivered three chapters without any breaks of his own, it's time to take a break.
A new Straw Hat will appear and will finally take down Zoro in one piece.
When this character joins the Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece, Zoro will no longer be the second strongest character.
With that, One Piece will end its serialization in January with only two official chapters released.. One of these two was also leaked early. So for those following the scan, Technically only one copy was released in January 2026..
Of course, Oda's breaks come quickly and often, but fans should remember that he needs them for his own health and well-being. A mangaka's job is certainly not easy, and it takes a toll on them. Eiichiro Oda is getting older and needs more rest than ever.
Just a few years ago, Oda could work almost non-stop for a year, but now this is no longer possible.
Oda also wants to spend more time with his family. Oda previously explained how little free time he has, barely time to sleep or even eat. Fans should be patient and wait for his spectacular return, and remember that Lunar New Year and other holidays are exceptions to the number of breaks. Fans should expect the schedule to return to normal starting in February. At least resting will prolong the life of your one-piece, so it's not too bad.
What's next for the One Piece manga?
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Elbaf Arc continues and Flashback ends soon
one piece Breaks have always been difficult for fans, but they have been especially difficult during exciting events like the one in Elbaf. of course, Elbaf is the latest work of One Piece, and it has been receiving quite a warm response from the start.We deliver top-notch content every week. Eiichiro Oda went on to reveal a ton of exciting world lore through the Harley mural, Holy Knights, Imu, and even the entire events of this issue's God Valley incident.
Now, it looks like the story will heat up even more in 2026. Recently, fans saw Loki's full backstory and how it all connects to his father Harald, who wanted Elbaf to make a deal with the world government.
now, The flashback is almost over.Fans will soon return to see how things are going for Luffy and the others. The flashbacks were interesting, but a huge battle awaits in Elbaf with Imu, Holy Knights, and Domi Reversi'd Giants. Fans are especially ready to see a big moment for Loki, the cursed prince of Elbaf, and Oda will soon show fans his abilities.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they sail the seas to claim the great treasure known as One Piece. The comic is currently in Final Saga. One Piece appears in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump issue. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1171 is January 18, 2026. In Japan, One Piece releases on Monday at 12am JST, i.e. 11am EST or 8am PT. Fans can read the chapters for free on the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps. That way, fans will always be able to support the author.
Source: X
