One Piece’s protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, is an iconic character and has become the front face of the anime and manga industry. For more than two decades, Luffy has captivated fans with his charm and inspired them to do their best without worrying about the odds, just like the Straw Hat captain. His unwavering reliance on his instincts and gut feelings has left a profound impact on fans worldwide.
Though it is clear that the characterization of Luffy has always been about following his guts, Eiichiro Oda, in a recent interview with theOne PieceLive Action Luffy, Inaki Godoy, has confirmed the true inspiration behind Luffy’s characterization. In answering Inaki’s question about inspiration, Eiichiro Oda revealed a startling connection with humans that is sure to resonate with almost everyone.

The True Inspiration for Luffy Unveils the Boundary Between Childhood and Adulthood
Eiichiro Oda Shares the True Inspiration for Luffy With theOne PieceLive-Action Actor, Inaki Godoy
In preparation forOne PieceLive Action Season 2, Eiichiro Oda visited Cape Town, South Africa’s capital, where a brief interview took place between Oda and Iñaki Godoy, with Godoy taking on the role of interviewer. The most intriguing moment of the interview came when Godoy shared that, while portraying Luffy, he realized the character was far deeper than he initially thought. This insight led Godoy to ask Oda how he conceived the idea forOne Piece’s protagonist.
Luffy is an ideal child for me

When you become an adult and join a company, you can’t always do what you want. Entering Society often means losing freedom. Luffy has a child’s heart, so he does whatever he wants. This aspect is for adults already toiling in society, and to children about to enter society what makes Luffy so appealing.
Eiichiro Oda begins answering Iñaki’s question by explaining that, to him, Luffy represents an ideal child. Expanding on this, Oda notes that when someone becomes an adult and joins a company, they are bound by rules and often cannot do what they truly want. Entering society means losing freedom due to its norms. In contrast, Luffy, who does whatever he wants without caring about anything or worrying about the odds, embodies the essence of an ideal child. While Oda’s words perfectly capture Luffy’s character, Oda also shares insights about why Luffy resonates with viewers.
The Creator ofOne PieceAlso Shares Insights On Why Luffy Resonates With Viewers
Discussing Luffy’s childlike behavior and his tendency to do whatever he wants, Oda explains that this trait is a key reason behind Luffy’s appeal. He shares that Luffy’s carefree nature may resonate with adults who are constrained by societal systems and norms, as well as with those on the cusp of adulthood, confronting the harsh realities of society. A deeper look at Oda’s words reveals his intent to convey that Luffy embodies the freedom that humans inevitably lose, whether due to societal structures or other circumstances.
Luffy’s 20 Best Quotes in One Piece History
Throughout his journey to become the King of the Pirates, Luffy has undergone many trials where he has given fans some of the most memorable quotes.
Luffy, as an ideal child who does whatever he wants, embodies freedom and hope, suggesting that living as freely as one desires might be possible.Eiichiro Oda has been craftingOne Piecefor over two decades, and it’s remarkable that Luffy’s inspiration stems from something deeply human. This connection reflects real-life struggles, showcasing the creator’s mastery and highlighting thatOne Piecetranscends a mere fictional narrative.
One Piece
Created by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is a multimedia franchise that began as a manga series and follows the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as led by Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy, an enthusiastic pirate with a thirst for adventure, is afflicted by a mysterious curse that gives him various powers he uses to protect himself and his friends. The manga eventually gave way to the anime series, with the two being some of history’s longest-running anime and manga series. Along with over fifty video games made over the years, the series entered the live-action world with Netflix’s 2023 adaptation.