Fans of Eiichiro Oda’s globally acclaimed One Piece franchise have a new reason to celebrate as the beloved reindeer doctor, Tony Tony Chopper, is set to receive his own dedicated mini-anime series titled “CHOPPER’s.” The heartwarming slice-of-life project is scheduled to begin its broadcast on January 5, 2025, in Japan.
The new series promises to offer a unique perspective on the Straw Hat Pirates’ resident physician, taking him out of the high-seas adventures and placing him in an everyday world setting.
“CHOPPER’s” Brings a Fresh Slice-of-Life Perspective
“CHOPPER’s” is described as a gentle and heartwarming expansion of the One Piece universe, moving away from the usual battles and grand adventures. The mini-anime will portray Chopper enjoying slow-paced moments, going on small trips, and experiencing a relaxed daily life. Initial glimpses shared for the project have shown Chopper engaging in mundane activities like riding a train and using a smartphone, offering a humorous and charming contrast to his typical pirate escapades. This new direction aims to highlight Chopper’s inherent charm and warmth, appealing to both long-time fans and potentially new audiences.
The project is not solely an anime, but a multimedia experience that will also feature content rolled out across various social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, alongside daily comics on a dedicated official website. This strategic approach seeks to expand the One Piece brand through character-focused storytelling, creating easily shareable content and deepening fans’ connection with the character.
Japanese Broadcast Details
The “CHOPPER’s” mini-anime will air every Monday at 7:36 a.m. Japan time, as part of the Japanese TV information program Mezamashi TV. As of now, specific details regarding international distribution or streaming outside of Japan have not been announced.
Tony Tony Chopper: The Lovable Doctor of the Straw Hats
Tony Tony Chopper is a central and fan-favorite character in the One Piece series. Introduced in Chapter 134 of the manga and Episode 81 of the anime, he is the sixth member of the Straw Hat Pirates and serves as their doctor. Originally a reindeer from Drum Island, Chopper gained human-like intelligence and the ability to transform after eating the Hito Hito no Mi (Human-Human Fruit), a Zoan-type Devil Fruit.
Chopper’s backstory is one of the most poignant in the series, detailing his ostracization by both his reindeer herd (due to his blue nose and Devil Fruit abilities) and humans (who mistook him for a monster). He was eventually taken in by the eccentric doctor Hiriluk, who became his surrogate father and instilled in him a passion for medicine and a belief that all diseases could be cured. After Hiriluk’s death, Chopper continued his medical training under Dr. Kureha before ultimately joining Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.
Despite his medical prowess, Chopper is known for his naive and often timid personality, easily flustered by compliments, and frequently mistaken for a tanuki by other characters. His endearing qualities and iconic design have made him a mascot-like figure for the franchise, appearing in numerous merchandise and spin-off materials. This new mini-anime further solidifies his status as a beloved character within the One Piece universe.
