The One piece anime from Toei Animation is one of the longest running anime series that started on Fuji TV in 1999. While the series is incredible, it is definitely not perfect and suffers from several production issues when it comes to adapting Oda's magnum opus manga. Being as busy as he is, Oda is rarely involved in anime production.
However, immediately after release One piece Chapter 1182, an exceptional piece of information was revealed by Kohei Tanaka, the music composer of One Piece, regarding the author's involvement regarding the Elbaph arc.
May 12, 2026 it was officially confirmed by music composer Kohei Tanaka that he was directly contacted by Oda for one essential requirement: to make Rain God Zaza as terrifying yet cool as possible. Oda's intervention is a major highlight for this new character, but the reveal of the new OST may take some time to reach fans.
Eiichiro Oda's message to Kohei Tanaka confirms the terrifying and cold personality of the rain god Zaza
The One piece anime from Toei Animation has been releasing consistent episodes since 1999. At this point, the anime has accumulated 1161 episodes with no signs of stopping anytime soon. The anime has switched to a semi-seasonal format and will release an average batch of episodes per year from now on. Even with a One Piece remake on the way, fans still tune in every week to see the manga's main events finally come to life in Toei's anime. The final return of the One Piece anime in April 2026 finally marked the beginning of the Elbaph arc, and with it comes some of the most anticipated reveals, such as the introduction of the Rain God Zaza.
As for the manga, the latest development in the story saw the introduction of a divine entity known as Rain God Zaza. The Rain God was mentioned all the way back in Skypiea and in the latest chapter 1182 he was finally brought to life as the MMA manifested Kirin Devil Fruit of Killingham. Interestingly, Eiichiro Oda himself is particularly excited about the reveal of Rain God Zaza in the anime, going so far as to message the music composer to be careful with the character's adaptation. Oda got in direct contact with Kohei Tanaka via LINE and made a simple request — that Zaza's theme music sound creepy but cool at the same time.
“Zaza. What is this rain rhythm prayer”…? I received a LINE message from Mr. Oda
'Please make it a scary and cool one'” — Kohei Tanaka (One Piece Music Composer)
How the message of Eiichiro Oda shows the personality of the rain god Zaza
The Gods of the One Piece world was already hinted at in Skypiea, with the Sun God, Forest God, Earth God, and Rain God revealed in chapter 287. It wasn't until Wano that one of these deities finally made an official appearance in the manga. Chapter 1044 of the story saw the official appearance of the sun god Nika, with Luffy finally showing the true nature of his Gomu Gomu no Mi or Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. With his divine white form and Gear 5, Luffy's Drums of Liberation are also activated. The Drums of Liberation had a very specific OST created especially for the One Piece anime that debuted in Episode 1070. The music for Luffy's Gear 5 is upbeat and brings excitement by making others want to dance and celebrate with Luffy, showing a key personality trait of Sun God Nik. Oda's intention with Drums of Liberation was to bring hope to the hearts of many and make them dance and laugh. Needless to say, the anime definitely nailed the first symphony revealed for God.
However, Rain God Zaza will have a completely different symphony that highlights its specific character. The rain god Zaza does not inspire hope and instead inspires terror. These fine details point to the personality of the deity. While Nika inspires hope, Zaza brings terror, meaning that this God is deadly scary and cold, unlike Luffy's goofy form of Nika. Fans can expect lower-scale music with clashing notes and haunting melodies that convey the anguish and stress this deity brings to the celestial dragons. The Sky Dragons are extremely afraid of Zaza due to their innate fear of rain as they live above the clouds in Marijoa.
Of course, there is one more deity that OST and music symphony fans look forward to in the anime, and that is Saint Imu Nerona. Imu is the Devil of the world and acts as the secret sovereign who rules it all. It has already been revealed that the One Piece anime is working on a specific OST for Imu, dubbed “Imu's Descent”. This OST will also undoubtedly be scary, but in a different way than Zaza. As Imu imbues everything around him with demonic energy, his musical symphony will reflect this as well.
The Rain God Zaza will have its anime form in 2028
Oda has already expressed what he wants to see in the One Piece anime in terms of Rain God Zaza's music composition. However, the anime adaptation of Zaza could still be a long way off. Zaza first appeared in One Piece Chapter 1182 of the manga, which was released on May 10, 2026. Currently, the anime has slowed down significantly as Toei has switched to only 26 episodes per year, compared to the 40+ they produced previously.
At the current pace of the anime, Zaza won't appear in the anime until 2028. Of course, it all depends on the pace of the anime. At the moment, according to Toei Animation, they're aiming for one chapter per episode, which slows things down significantly. At least it gives Kohei Tanaka enough time to come up with the perfect symphony.
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One Piece's Elbaph Arc will be filled with new music
The Elbaf Arc is shaping up to be a musical masterpiece, especially since it's already confirmed to feature two massive OSTs for Zaz and Ima. Along with them comes the much more talented Kohei Tanaka, who has been working on One Piece since the very beginning of the anime.
Many big events in Elbaph will have a special OST made just for them. First, Harley Text will have its own rhythm that will make the reveal even more captivating. The Holy Knights are also getting their own theme, which could be revealed by Shamrock's entrance. Imu Descent is expected and Domi Reversi will also have his own tune, labeled “Black Turn Dominance”. In addition, the Giants themselves will be highlighted with new music along with Roger's left wing, Scopper Gaban.
Source: Kohei Tanaka, One Piece music composer
