On June 23, Toei Animation unveiled the first trailer for One Piece: Heroines, a new anime special based on the 2021 spin-off novel written by Jun Esaka and Sayaka Suwa.

While Luffy has remained the central protagonist since One Piece debuted in 1997, this special shifts the spotlight to Nami, making her the lead character for the project’s first episode. The special aims to explore Nami beyond her role as the Straw Hat Pirates’ navigator, highlighting her determination, compassion, and personal growth qualities that are often overshadowed by her reputation as someone obsessed with money.

Unlike the main anime, which currently focuses on the intense battles of the Elbaf arc, One Piece: Heroines tells a more character-driven story. The first episode follows Nami as she searches for a special pair of shoes. What begins as a simple quest develops into a heartfelt story about her friendship with a shoemaker named Miucha and a conflict with renowned designer Lebno Listchaque.

The trailer also reveals the appearance of Nico Robin, whose involvement is said to be original to the anime and not featured in the novel. Her inclusion further emphasizes the close bond between the Straw Hat crew’s two female members.

The special features a distinctive artistic direction under director Haruka Kamatani, with acclaimed animator and character designer Takashi Kojima overseeing the visuals. Known for his expressive animation work at Toei, Kojima brings a softer, more cinematic style that sets One Piece: Heroines apart from the weekly television series. The anime’s theme song, “Blue Shining Star,” is performed by singer Aina The End.

The Nami-focused special is scheduled to premiere on July 5, 2026, occupying the regular One Piece broadcast slot following Episode 1186 of the main anime. Although One Piece: Heroines is currently planned as a special rather than a full-length series, many fans believe it could pave the way for future episodes centered on other beloved female characters.

The original novel also includes stories featuring Nefertari Vivi, Boa Hancock, Vinsmoke Reiju, and other prominent women from the One Piece universe, giving Toei Animation plenty of material for future adaptations.

Sources: GameK