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One Piece followers have detected something disturbing. One of the most famous directors of the anime, Megumi Ishitani, hasn’t directed a full episode for some time. And people are becoming restless.
The special One Piece Fan Letter was her most recent major project, which was broadcast in 2024. Prior to that, she helmed episode 1072. That’s quite the span for someone who has redefined how the anime episodes can look and feel. Now, fans on social media are joking (and also half-seriously panicking) that One Piece might go an entire year without a Megumi Ishitani episode. That would be a first for her since joining the series.
Megumi Ishitani's Episodes for One Piece
The buzz around Megumi Ishitani isn't just hype. She genuinely changed the game. Episode 957 introduced fans to her distinctive style back in 2020. Then came episode 982, which raised the bar even higher. But episode 1015? That became legendary. It's still considered one of the greatest animated episodes in anime history by many fans.
There’s a lot more than just the art behind One Piece's Megumi Ishitani episodes. It’s in the structure of all she does. Her storyboards have this insane amount of detail in them, and they’re so beautiful. She uses movie-type cinematic techniques, not those that you use in weekly anime. The lighting, the framing, the cutting between scenes. Everything flows seamlessly. The anime has never seemed more theatrical than when she is in charge.
Her episodes take about six to eight months to produce. That's why fans typically only get two Megumi Ishitani episodes per year at most. The level of detail she puts into her storyboards is insane. Every shot is carefully planned. Nothing stays still. Everything moves dynamically.
The Reality Check
But here's the thing. Megumi Ishitani recently addressed some criticism from international fans on X (formerly Twitter). People were theorizing that she avoids action scenes because she can't direct them. She cleared that up pretty directly.
She said she tries not to work on episodes that are only fighting because it’s too much work. It takes a lot of effort to plan all the action sequences. She likes action, sure. But as a part of the story. Not as the main course.
This matters because One Piece is entering some seriously action-heavy territory. The manga has been packed with fights recently. If Megumi Ishitani is selective about avoiding action-focused episodes, that naturally limits which chapters she can adapt. And that might explain the gap.
What she's working on is the subject of intense fan speculation. The next opening, which is scheduled to open in March 2026, is reportedly being directed by her. Others believe she's cooking up something for a potential movie. A few are betting on emotional moments like Bonney's transformation sequence or chapters from Kuma's backstory.
Up Next for One Piece and Megumi Ishitani
The good news? The anime isn't lacking talented directors. The anime has been very pretty throughout the Wano and Egghead arcs. Yasunori Koyama, Tatsuya Nagamine, and Henry Thurlow are among the directors giving us fantastic episodes all over the place.
But there's something different about a Megumi Ishitani episode. It's an event. Fans mark their calendars. The anticipation builds for months. When the anime gets one of her episodes, it feels special. Almost like a mini-movie dropped in the middle of the series.
She's also been branching out. Megumi Ishitani recently worked on the opening for Witch Watch, proving her talent extends beyond One Piece. That's exciting for her career. But it also means her time is divided.
Conclusion
Trending
The question now is simple. How can 2025 conclude without a complete Megumi Ishitani episode of One Piece? If it is, it will mark the first year fans have gone without her signature style since she joined the show. That would definitely be a record. Just not the kind anyone was hoping for.
For now, all fans can do is wait. And hope that whatever she's working on is worth it.
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