Anime Japan 2025’s Red Stage revealed that a new One Piece spin-off anime, titled One Piece In Love, will begin streaming on April 1, 2025. The announcement came during a panel hosted by the series’ main voice cast, including Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro), Kappei Yamaguchi (Usopp), and Subaru Kimura (Franky). The spin-off will consist of short episodes lasting 5–10 minutes, with 4–5 episodes released daily on the series’ official YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram channels.
Alongside the spin-off announcement, a collaboration with the German football club Borussia Dortmund was revealed. The event, scheduled for March 30, 2025, will feature a walk with Chopper and Borussia Dortmund’s mascot, EMMA. The main voice cast for the spin-off anime also made an appearance, further heightening fan excitement for the upcoming release.
One Piece In Love details and production updates
One Piece Spin-off
The spin-off anime One Piece In Love is written and illustrated by Daiki Ihara. It follows three high school students named Luffy, Nami, and Usopp, whose names are inspired by Eiichiro Oda’s original characters. In this romantic comedy, Luffy and Nami are a couple, while Usopp serves as the comedic third wheel. The story revolves around their everyday lives and their shared love for a manga series named One Piece.
The spin-off’s voice cast includes Yuuichi Nakamura as Usopp Nakatsugawa (known for his role as Umemiya in Wind Breaker), Sakura Ayane as Nami Koyama (Aira in Dandadan), and Ryousuke Kanemoto as Luffy Yamamoto (Simon in Seven Deadly Sins). The playful dynamic between the three characters is expected to create humorous and heartwarming moments.
【AnimeJapan速報③】 スピンオフ界のパシフィスタ 奇才 伊原大貴が描く『 #恋するワンピース 』が 縦型ショートアニメ化決定🎬 4.1(火)より5日連続で YouTube、TikTok、Instagramにて配信！ 毎日20時に4~5本ほど公開していきます！ 👇生配信をみる👇 https://t.co/VmzveqlH7J #ONEPIECE #AnimeJapan pic.twitter.com/1BtH2xX1H3 — ONE PIECE スタッフ【公式】/ Official (@Eiichiro_Staff) March 22, 2025
The series will adopt a relaxed tone, blending romance and comedy with references to the original One Piece universe. The production team confirmed that the episodes will be released regularly on social media platforms, making it easily accessible for fans worldwide. The series’ official X account shared that the spin-off aims to offer a lighthearted take on the One Piece franchise while introducing a fresh storyline.
Fans are also looking forward to the Borussia Dortmund collaboration. The event will see Chopper and Borussia Dortmund’s mascot, EMMA, walking together, symbolizing the growing cultural connection between anime and global sports. More details about this event are expected to be released closer to the date.
Plot and expectations
Official One Piece spinoff “One Piece in love” (romance about irl kids falling in love with the manga) is getting an anime adaptation pic.twitter.com/OnoFkeGDXx — Artur – Library of Ohara (@newworldartur) March 22, 2025
One Piece In Love presents a refreshing shift from the action-heavy tone of the main series. The spin-off centers on the romantic and comedic interactions between Luffy, Nami, and Usopp as they navigate high school life.
Luffy and Nami’s relationship forms the heart of the story, while Usopp’s role as the third wheel adds a humorous layer. Usopp is portrayed as a passionate fan of the One Piece manga, leading to several meta-references and inside jokes that longtime fans will appreciate. Their shared interest in the manga serves as the foundation for their friendship, creating light and heartfelt moments.
The high school setting introduces new challenges and situations for the trio, blending school life with romantic tension and comedic misunderstandings. Luffy’s laid-back nature contrasts with Nami’s sharper personality, while Usopp’s comic relief ties the group together. The spin-off’s format of short episodes allows for quick, engaging storytelling that complements the playful atmosphere.
The mix of romance, humor, and nostalgic references to the original series is expected to resonate with both longtime fans and new viewers. The Borussia Dortmund collaboration also broadens the series’ global reach, reinforcing One Piece’s status as a cultural phenomenon.
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity anime is scheduled to premiere in July 2025. The announcement was made during a special stage event at Anime Japan 2025 on Saturday, March 22, 2025. A new trailer and key visual were revealed during the event, introducing the main characters and the voice cast. Although the exact release date remains undisclosed, the anime will air as part of the Summer 2025 season. The event also confirmed the details about the production team working on the series.
The anime is an adaptation of the manga series written and illustrated by Saka Mikami. It has been serialized on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket manga website and app since October 2021. Currently, the manga has released 15 tankobon volumes. The new trailer showcases the animation style and character designs, raising anticipation for the anime’s debut.
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity anime details and production updates
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
The trailer introduces the main characters and their respective voice actors. Yoshinori Nakayama will voice Rintaro Tsumugi, while Honoka Inoue will portray Kaoruko Waguri. The supporting cast includes Kikunosuke Toya as Shohei Usami, Hiiro Ishibashi as Ayato Yorita, Koki Uchiyama as Saku Natsusawa, and Aya Yamane as Subaru Hoshina. The trailer features emotional background music and clean animation, reflecting the romantic tone of the series.
Miyuki Kuroki, known for her work on Her Blue Sky, will direct the series at CloverWorks. Satoshi Yamaguchi will assist as the assistant director, while Rino Yamazaki will handle the series composition. Kohei Tokuoka is responsible for character design and serves as the chief animation director. Haruka Tsuzuki will work as the technical director, with Moeki Harada composing the music.
The production team’s involvement has raised expectations for the anime’s quality, given CloverWorks’ strong track record with romance and drama series. The promotional material suggests a focus on detailed character animation and emotionally charged storytelling.
Plot and expectations
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity follows Rintaro Tsumugi, a high school student who helps at his family’s patisserie. One day, he meets Kaoruko Waguri, a student from Kikyo Girls, a prestigious all-girls school. Despite their different backgrounds, they form an immediate bond.
However, their growing relationship faces complications when Rintaro learns about Kaoruko’s school and the expectations tied to her status. The story explores how they navigate their feelings while facing external pressures and societal norms.
Rintaro and Kaoruko’s interactions are characterized by their contrasting personalities. Rintaro’s straightforward and relaxed nature complements Kaoruko’s reserved and composed demeanor. Their evolving relationship forms the emotional core of the series, with the story exploring themes of love, personal growth, and societal expectations.
Fans are eager to see how the anime adapts the manga’s key moments and whether it expands upon the source material. The trailer’s tone and animation style suggest a blend of romantic tension and heartfelt moments. The involvement of experienced staff and the strong reception of the manga have heightened anticipation for the series’ release.
