The main work of Eiichiro Oda is his own manga, One Piece. However, in his free time, he plays a mobile game that he has even recommended to his colleagues.
What kind of game is it? Eiichiro Oda has been playing the mobile game Pokémon GO for several years. Players must venture into the real world to catch Pokémon or battle. Augmented reality technology is used in the process.
Additionally, there are events that players can participate in. In August 2025, some raids will be included, but also spotlight hours, in which a Pokémon appears more frequently for a short time, keep the trainers entertained.
Oda is one of those trainers who still plays regularly today. According to X user sandman_AP, the mangaka reportedly plays two rounds a week, to improve his health. The author has recently faced health issues, which led him to take a break.
Pokémon GO has become an integral part of his daily life. The game is so important to him that he even asks his employees how much time they invest in the mobile game.
Oda asks his employees about their level
How does he check them? In an interview in the One Piece magazine from 2022, it was revealed that Oda checks his employees on their level in Pokémon GO (via Dunia Games). In 2020, Oda met his new editor Yuuji Iwasaki, who helped oversee the Wano Country and Egghead arcs.
Oda wanted to know right away what level Iwasaki was at in Pokémon GO. When he responded that he was only level 19, Oda reportedly said:
Only 19? Then you are not qualified as my editor.
However, he is said to have said it in such a humorous tone that it was clear it was just a joke. Iwasaki was indeed allowed to accompany the manga for three years.
Has he convinced others? Oda has even managed to convince his colleagues to play the mobile game with his passion for Pokémon GO. Kohei Horikoshi, the mangaka of My Hero Academia, revealed in a post on X that he reactivated PoGO after Oda sent him a friend request.
Prior to the request, his legs were reportedly weak, causing issues when climbing stairs due to his knees. With PoGO, his condition has improved and he can now dash down stairs without shaky knees.
Horikoshi ended his manga My Hero Academia last year. In a farewell note, Oda asked if Horikoshi could now play Pokémon GO forever (via X).
Pokémon GO not only connects authors of manga but also couples in love. A couple couldn’t resist diving into the mobile game on their most important day. Because Raiden always goes: Couple doesn’t want to miss the most important event in Pokémon GO, plays on a day that only happens once in a lifetime
