This article contains spoilers for the One Piece manga.
When it comes to the most dominant manga of the past few decades, there's one manga that comes to mind, and that's it One PieceEiichiro Oda's masterpiece. One Piece has been going strong since its debut all the way back in 1997. However, due to a host of issues, the manga's pace has obviously slowed down greatly. Since 2024, Oda, the creator, has been taking breaks more often.
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Now, in January 2026, this has become even more apparent. As One Piece returns with chapter 1171 this week, a new hiatus will begin right after. One Piece chapter 1172 is delayed and will be released two weeks later, in early February. In that sense, January has definitely been an underwhelming month, but that's nothing new for fans as it's usually the case with every winter season every year.
One Piece goes on hiatus after One Piece Chapter 1171
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New break for one piece starts January 18, 2026
One Piece has experienced a lot of hiatus latelybut the manga will return on January 18, 2026. In fact, after a long delay, One Piece Chapter 1171 is finally released, and fans are excited about it. But to the disappointment of many, it has been revealed that right after the manga's return with Chapter 1171, the manga will immediately go on hiatus again. This has definitely surprised a few, as the manga has been on a series of interminable hiatuses for a while over the past two months, and fans were hoping that chapter 1171 would be the end of it.
Unfortunately, the next hiatus starts as soon as the next chapter is released, which means fans should say goodbye to their favorite manga for a while on January 18, 2026pending its eventual return next month.
One Piece returns with chapter 1172 on February 1, 2026
The number of breaks has definitely been on the higher side in recent weeksand while it's unfortunate, fans already know when their favorite manga is coming back. With the hiatus starting on January 18, 2026, the manga will return exactly two weeks later. In other wordsOne Piece will not have any more new chapters in the month of Januaryand One Piece 1171 will mark the end of it. Instead, One Piece Chapter 1172 will be released on February 1, 2026.
One Piece only had two official releases in January 2026
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Breaks were due to Oda and weekly Shonen Jump
Both December 2025 and January 2026 have been pretty tough months for fans of One Piece. After all, the series experienced quite a few hiatuses during those two months. Although it is nothing new, it is definitely difficult to deal with every year. Most of the breaks come around the holidays and New Years and they have nothing to do with Eiichiro Oda. Instead, the magazine that One Piece is serialized in, Weekly Shonen Jump, is going on some hiatus due to vacation in Japan. Of course, these breaks are beyond Oda's control. The latest delay for One Piece 1171 was also due to the magazine.
However, it is important to note the upcoming delay for One Piece chapter 1172 is due to Oda's own schedule. Oda takes breaks about every three weeks, and this is simply one of them. Oda does not change his schedule to accommodate Weekly Shonen Jump's breaks. So for the fans, it will definitely feel very far. Considering that Oda has technically delivered 3 chapters without any breaks of his own, it's time for him to rest.
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With that, One Piece will end its January run with only two official chapters being released. Of these two, one even leaked early. So for those following the scans, In January 2026, technically only one chapter was released.
While Oda's breaks come quickly and often, fans must of course remember that he needs these breaks for his own health and well-being. The job of a mangaka is definitely not easy, and it takes a toll on them. Eiichiro Oda is getting older, and he needs more rest than ever before.
While a few years ago Oda could get away with taking little or no breaks for a year, now that's no longer possible.
Oda also wants to spend more time with his family. Earlier, Oda had described how little free time he had, hardly having time to sleep or even eat. Fans should wait patiently for his grand return and remember that the New Year and holidays are an exception when it comes to the number of breaks. Fans should expect the schedule to return to normal in February. At least the breaks will extend One Piece's lifespan, so it's not too bad.
What's next in One Piece Manga?
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The Elbaf arc continues, and the flashback will soon end
One Piece hiatuses have always been difficult for fans, but they are especially difficult to go through when the action is as exciting as it has been in Elbaf. Really, Elbaf is One Piece's newest arc, and ever since its inception, it's been pretty heateddelivering top content every week. Eiichiro Oda went on to reveal tons of exciting world stories with the Harley mural, the Holy Knights, Imu, and even the entire events of the God Valley Incident in this arc.
Now, in 2026, the story looks set to get even hotter. Recently, fans saw Loki's full backstory and how it all ties into his father, Harald wanting Elbaf to make a deal with the World Government.
Now, the flashback is almost overand fans will soon be turning back to see how Luffy and the others fare. While the flashback was exciting, a huge battle awaits in Elbaf, with Imu, the Holy Knights and the Domi Reversi'd Giants waiting to be dealt with. Fans are especially ready to see big moments for Loki, the cursed prince of Elbaf, and Oda is sure to give fans a showcase of his abilities soon.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they sail the seas to claim the great treasure known as One Piece. The manga is currently in its Final Saga. One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date for One Piece Chapter 1171 is January 18, 2026. In Japan, One Piece is released at 12pm JST on Monday, which is 11am EST, or 8am PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps. If you do that, the fans will always support the writer.
Source: X
