In an exciting new revelation for anime fans, fresh footage of the highly-anticipated "Egghead Arc" from the beloved series ONE PIECE was unveiled on March 24, 2025, on YouTube. This arc, based on Eiichiro Oda's manga, is set to take center stage as the show transitions to a new time slot, broadcasting weekly every Sunday at 11:15 PM JST beginning April 6, 2025. The preview featured a snippet of an emotional new opening theme, titled "Tenshi to Akuma," performed by the male vocal group GRe4N BOYZ.
GRe4N BOYZ, a male quartet formed in 2024 after changing their name from GreeeeN, has gained recognition for hits such as "Aiuta" and "Kiseki." The group, known for its engaging performances, was not only influenced by the anime but also collaborated with Eiichiro Oda, who provided the character designs for the band members during their 2022 national tour. They expressed their excitement about their involvement in ONE PIECE, commenting on how honored they felt to contribute to such a significant moment in the show's history.
"Everybody! Have you seen it? Have you spotted it? The continuation of that story is about to restart! We are excited yet aware of the pressure that comes with this moment. However, we want to spread joy—to make you all happy—and ensure that the thrill of adventures continues! We hope this song reaches every life that desires happiness! Let's go witness the next phase of the story together!" stated GRe4N BOYZ, capturing the undeniable energy and enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming episodes.
The ONE PIECE anime, which originally premiered in October 1999, has been a staple of Japanese television, airing every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM JST on Fuji TV since 2006. However, the series is currently in a "recharge period," which began on October 20, 2024, allowing the production team time to enhance the show's quality. During this period, a special edited version dubbed "SPECIAL EDITED VERSION 'ONE PIECE' Fish-Man Island Arc" is being aired.
To stir up excitement before the official change, a special edited version of the "Egghead Arc" is scheduled to air on April 5, 2025, at 9:00 PM JST. This special will feature the first part of the previously aired segments from the "Egghead Arc" and will lead directly into episode 1123, marking the beginning of the arc's second half.
The storyline of ONE PIECE follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate whose body has the unique ability to stretch like rubber thanks to his consumption of the Gum-Gum Fruit. His journey to become the Pirate King unfolds with numerous adventures alongside his friends in the Grand Line. The manga itself began serialization in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997 and has since become a cultural phenomenon.
In addition to the buzz surrounding ONE PIECE, the anime community is also anticipating the opening theme "Continyou" by the band NEE for the animated adaptation of Motoo Nakanishi's fantasy novel series, Kijin Gentosho. NEE is poised to bring its unique sound to the new series, adding to the overall excitement for fans of anime.
Moreover, anime adaptations continue to thrive, with new titles emerging such as Magu-chan: God of Destruction from the web manga site "Dra Dra Sharp" and the much-awaited character PV for Takuro Hoshina, deputy commander of the Japan Defense Force's 3rd Unit from Kaiju No. 8, based on Naoya Matsumoto's popular mangathat is serialized on Shueisha's "Shonen Jump+".
As the anime industry continues to evolve, traditional shows like ONE PIECE adapt to modern viewing habits while preserving the essence of their stories. The transition to a late-night slot is merely one strategy to attract viewers and ensure fresh experiences for fans. With a new theme song, a promising storyline, and high expectations for animation quality, the "Egghead Arc" serves as a promising new chapter in the series' storied history.
Fans around the globe eagerly await this next phase, anticipating not just a change in time but a revitalization of a classic that has been enjoyed for nearly three decades. As the community prepares for April 6, all eyes will indeed be on ONE PIECE and GRe4N BOYZ’s melodic contribution, making it a moment to savor and celebrate in the ever-expanding world of anime.