‘One Piece’ fans ask about a classic anime trope, and Oda’s answer is pure brilliance
A timeless shonen tradition gets a heartwarming twist from the creator himself.
In the world of shonen manga, few things are as iconic as characters shouting the names of their attacks. From Goku’s legendary Kamehameha to Naruto’s Rasengan and Luffy’s Gomu Gomu no Pistol, these battle cries have become part of anime culture across generations. But why do they do it? What’s the reason behind this long-standing tradition?
Fans recently posed this very question to Eiichiro Oda, the creator of 'One Piece‘, and his answer—shared in the SBS section of Volume 108—is as clever as it is nostalgic.
Why do anime characters name their attacks?
According to Oda, the reason is simple: so kids can play along.
“It’s really so children can imitate them,” Oda explained. “For example, one kid might shout ‘Gomu Gomu no Pistol!’ while swinging their arm, and even if it doesn’t stretch, the other kid knows exactly what’s happening and pretends to get hit. That’s the magic of naming attacks.”
It’s a brilliant way to make the action more accessible and interactive, especially for younger fans. By giving each move a name, Oda ensures that kids (and let’s be honest, plenty of adults too) can easily understand and reenact the action, even without flashy visuals or special effects.
A tradition that never goes out of style
This small but thoughtful detail highlights Oda’s deep understanding of his audience. It’s not just about flashy fights—it’s about creating shared experiences that transcend the page or screen. And it’s a reminder that even the most over-the-top anime tropes often have a very human, very intentional purpose behind them.
So next time you hear someone yell “Kamehameha!” in the office or at the park, just smile and know: they’re part of a tradition that’s been bringing fans together for decades.
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