One Piece: Heroines airs July 5 with a Nami focused story, new scenes, and a theme song by AiNA THE END. See cast, staff, and novel details.
On July 5, Japanese audiences will see something rare in One Piece’s usual broadcast slot: a standalone special titled One Piece: Heroines, an animated adaptation of Jun Esaka’s novel series illustrated by Sayaka Sawa. The special is not part of the ongoing Elbaph arc and instead spotlights one of the Straw Hat Pirates’ most beloved characters, Nami, in a grounded, character driven story far removed from battles and grand adventures.
Table of Contents
- What Is One Piece: Heroines
- When Is One Piece: Heroines Airing
- What Story Does the Nami Episode Adapt
- What New Scenes Were Added for the Anime
- Who Is Making the One Piece: Heroines Special
- Who Is in the One Piece: Heroines Cast
- What Is the Blue Shining Star Theme Song
- What Is the One Piece: Heroines Novel
What Is One Piece: Heroines
One Piece: Heroines is an anthology of short stories originally published in One Piece Magazine, later compiled into two volumes. Each chapter focuses on a different heroine from the One Piece world, giving them spotlight moments rarely seen in the main manga.
The anime special adapts the first chapter, centered on Nami, and airs in the series’ regular timeslot.
When Is One Piece: Heroines Airing
The special airs in Japan on:
- July 5, 2026
It occupies the standard One Piece broadcast slot, replacing the weekly episode for one week.
What Story Does the Nami Episode Adapt
The episode adapts NAMI, the opening chapter of the Heroines novel. The story follows Nami in a slice of life scenario:
- She buys a pair of shoes that hurt her feet
- She returns to the store to complain
- She meets Lebno, the designer of the shoes
- Lebno proposes to remake the shoes if Nami agrees to model for him
- Nami discovers that the true artisan behind the footwear is Miucha, who works quietly behind the scenes
The chapter highlights themes of craftsmanship, confidence, and the hidden labor behind fashion.
What New Scenes Were Added for the Anime
Toei Animation expanded the story with new scenes, including:
- A special appearance by Nico Robin, who does not appear in the original chapter
- Additional interactions between Nami, Lebno, and Miucha
- Extra comedic and emotional beats tailored for animation
These additions help the episode feel more connected to the broader Straw Hat crew.
Who Is Making the One Piece: Heroines Special
The production team includes several creators already familiar with the One Piece universe:
- Director: Haruka Kamatani, known for One Piece in Love
- Character Design: Takashi Kojima, known for Flip Flappers
- Script: Momoka Toyoda, author of One Piece Fan Letter
The staff lineup suggests a focus on expressive animation and character driven storytelling.
Who Is in the One Piece: Heroines Cast
The special features:
- Maaya Sakamoto as Miucha
- Takehito Koyasu as Lebno
Nami and Robin appear with their regular voice actors.
What Is the Blue Shining Star Theme Song
The trailer highlights the special’s opening song:
- Title: Blue Shining Star
- Artist: AiNA THE END
- Release Date: July 1 on digital platforms
AiNA THE END described the song as a celebration of women’s strength and resilience, with a rhythmic sound meant to evoke movement and joy. She previously performed “Luminous”, the opening theme for the Elbaph arc earlier this year.
What Is the One Piece: Heroines Novel
The Heroines novel series gives individual focus to female characters across the One Piece world.
Volume 1 includes stories about:
- Nami
- Robin
- Vivi
- Perona
Volume 2 features:
- Hancock
- Tashigi
- Reiju
- Uta
Only the Nami chapter has been officially confirmed for animation, but Toei’s approach leaves room for future episodes centered on other heroines.