The Evolution of Nami’s Backstory in “One Piece: Strong World”

In the film “One Piece: Strong World,” the initial plan was to delve deeper into Nami’s backstory. However, the production team ultimately found that this idea was too heavy and could lead to a somber tone for the audience. As a result, author Eiichiro Oda had to make several changes to the storyline.

Oda himself acknowledged this in a 2016 discussion, revealing that the original story was too intense and he had to adjust it to make it more suitable for viewers. Despite the many emotional arcs within the One Piece universe, how could the narrative regarding Nami be made more poignant?

The film “Strong World” also features several heart-wrenching moments, particularly involving Nami and the Straw Hat Pirates. In the film, Nami even sacrifices herself to protect her companions, culminating in Luffy’s emotional confrontation with the antagonist Shiki. The entirety of Nami’s story arc in this anime is filled with deep emotional resonance.

Could Oda Ever Reveal Nami’s Backstory?

It appears that Oda is reluctant to share this backstory, especially considering the numerous significant events that need to be addressed in the Final Saga of One Piece. We have learned a lot about the past of the Straw Hat Pirates, but detailed information about Nami’s history is still lacking. It has taken considerable time to uncover this storyline, with hints being reminiscent of Zoro’s case; a bit of information about his parents was mentioned in one of the SBS chapters.

What we do know about Nami is that she was born approximately 20 years ago during a turbulent period in the war in the Oykot region. Nojiko discovered her when she was still a child, and shortly thereafter, Bell-mère, a marine who had been searching for them, found both girls. Even with all the emotional turmoil, Nami remained hopeful.

Bell-mère brought both girls to Cocoyasi Village and raised them. This became the starting point of Nami’s journey. Oda seemingly felt a deep sense of loss when delving into Nami’s intricate details in the storyline.