Anime fans were in for a disappointment when it was announced that One Piece Episode 1137 and Gachiakuta Episode 3 would not be airing as scheduled. Just when both series had built strong momentum, the sudden delay left audiences wondering what happened. The answer, however, has nothing to do with production or quality issues.
Why did One Piece and Gachiakuta get postponed this week?
Both episodes were originally slated for release on July 20, 2025. However, due to Japan’s national elections for the House of Councillors taking place on the same day, broadcasters made the decision to prioritize election coverage. This move is standard during major national events in Japan, but it still caught many fans off guard.
One Piece, which just returned after a six-month hiatus, had fans emotionally shaken with Episode 1136 that highlighted Kuma’s tragic backstory. The episode was widely praised, and expectations for the follow-up were sky-high. Now, fans will have to wait until July 27 to see what happens next.
How will this delay affect the shows moving forward?
For Gachiakuta, the delay comes at a critical time. The series has only aired two episodes, and while the animation and soundtrack have been well received, some fans felt the story needed a stronger punch. Episode 3 was expected to introduce ‘The Cleaners’—a key part of the plot. Delays early in a show’s run can cause drop-off, especially if the momentum hasn’t fully kicked in.
On the other hand, One Piece has a loyal fanbase that’s unlikely to walk away over a single week’s delay. But that doesn’t mean the timing didn’t sting. With the arc reaching some of its most emotional moments, many fans were hoping for back-to-back impact.
Despite the setback, both shows will return on July 27. In the meantime, viewers can revisit past episodes or catch up if they’re behind. This delay might be inconvenient, but it doesn’t take away from the power of the stories waiting to be told.
