When I first came to Japan, I couldn’t understand Japanese at all, and it was very challenging. I asked my friends to introduce me to ways to improve my Japanese listening skills, and that’s when I started watching an anime called “One Piece.”

“One Piece” has been running since 1999 and is still ongoing. It’s a story about a pirate captain named Luffy and his crew. Luffy wants to become the Pirate King, so he has to fight various rivals along with his friends to achieve his goal. The author of this popular anime, Eiichiro Oda, teaches us many valuable lessons. Here’s what I learned from watching “One Piece.”

First, “Never give up on your dreams.” Everyone has dreams, but only a few can make them come true. However, if we really want to make them a reality, we should keep trying, no matter how tough it gets. Let’s strive like Luffy and his crew.

Second, it’s about the meaning of family. In “One Piece,” a character once said that with friends by your side, you can do anything, even if you have nothing else. Luffy and his crew truly resemble a family.

Third, it’s about keeping promises. In “One Piece,” Luffy made a promise to his friend Shanks with red hair that he would become the Pirate King. To fulfill that promise, Luffy becomes stronger with each challenge. So, even when life gets busy, try not to forget your promises from time to time.

I have grown up with “One Piece.” When I was a child, I used to watch it and laugh.
But now, I sometimes shed tears. “One Piece” has taught me valuable lessons, just like family and school do.

Thank you very much to the author, Eiichiro Oda, and the characters of “One Piece.”