Countries and Cultures Behind the Islands
Eiichiro Oda didn’t just write a pirate adventure — he built a world that feels alive. For over two decades, the creator of One Piece has taken readers across deserts, snowy mountains, sky islands, and even under the sea. What makes these places unforgettable is how Oda ties them to our own history and culture.
Oda’s genius is in blending myth, geography, and tradition into every setting. The Grand Line isn’t random; it’s a mirror of our world, reshaped through fantasy. That’s why fans from across the globe connect so deeply with his story.
Why Oda Uses Real-World References
Oda has explained that he wants his manga to feel like a living planet, not just a stage for the Straw Hats. By pulling from real civilisations, he creates:
- Distinct identities for each island.
- Familiar cultural echoes that let readers see their heritage reflected.
- Layered themes around freedom, justice, politics, and tradition.
This approach makes One Piece one of the most globally relatable anime series of all time.
One Piece Locations and Their Real-World Roots
Here’s how Oda connected his islands to real places and myths.
Alabasta → Ancient Egypt
Alabasta draws on Ancient Egypt, with its pyramids, hieroglyphic motifs, and desert struggles for water. Even Crocodile’s name recalls the Nile crocodile. For more context on this villain, see our One Piece villains guide.
Wano → Feudal Japan
Oda’s homeland shines in Wano, which mirrors Feudal Japan. From Sakoku’s isolationist policy to samurai, kimonos, and castles, Wano is Oda’s homage to Edo-period Japan. Dive deeper into our Wano Country analysis.
Impel Down → Alcatraz
The dreaded Impel Down recalls Alcatraz. Both are infamous island prisons designed to be escape-proof. Oda added mythological flair by making it multi-levelled, like a layered underworld.
Drum Island → Canada
Oda modelled Drum Island on Canada’s northern regions. Its snowbound landscapes and isolated villages highlight resilience in harsh climates. Read more in our Drum Island feature.
Skypiea → Mesoamerica
The floating land of Skypiea reflects Mayan and Aztec civilisations. Its pyramids, ruins, and sun motifs draw from Mesoamerican temples. Oda also paralleled the Shandorians’ struggle with indigenous resistance. Learn more in our anime mythology spotlight.
Amazon Lily → Imperial China
Amazon Lily shows Oda’s nod to Imperial China, with palace-style architecture, snake symbols, and Boa Hancock’s empress role echoing dynastic rule.
Fish-Man Island → Atlantis
Fish-Man Island channels the legend of Atlantis — a hidden, advanced society beneath the ocean, cut off from the surface world.
Dressrosa → Spain
Oda painted Dressrosa with Spanish colours: flamenco dances, bull motifs, and colosseum battles. Politics and passion fuel its arc. For details, see our Dressrosa review.
Water 7 → Venice
Water 7 reflects Venice. Gondola-like Yagara boats and waterways as streets show Oda’s eye for cultural detail.
Marijoa → France
Marijoa echoes the Palace of Versailles, symbolising aristocratic excess and centralised power — fitting for the Celestial Dragons.
Enies Lobby → Roman Law
Oda modeled Enies Lobby on Roman authority. Its fortress gates and focus on justice recall the might of the Roman Empire.
Punk Hazard → Iceland
Split between fire and ice, Punk Hazard mirrors Iceland, known for its volcanoes and glaciers coexisting side by side.
Whole Cake Island → Victorian England
Oda infused Whole Cake Island with Victorian England’s tea culture and whimsical Alice in Wonderland vibes. Big Mom reigns like a tyrannical queen in a world of sweets — see more in our Big Mom spotlight.
Zou → The World Elephant
The Mink tribe’s home atop a giant elephant draws from the myth of a World Elephant, seen in Hindu and other traditions. Oda reimagines it as a walking, ancient civilisation.
FAQs
Does Eiichiro Oda incorporate other historical or mythological references besides the ones mentioned?
Yes, Eiichiro Oda incorporates a variety of historical and mythological references throughout One Piece, including influences from European aristocracy, ancient myths, and legends to enrich the world-building and characters.
What themes are reflected through the cultural inspirations in One Piece?
The cultural inspirations in One Piece reflect themes of isolation, loyalty, change, power, tradition, and the enduring human spirit, helping to deepen the story’s emotional impact and relatability.
Are the islands in One Piece directly modelled after real locations?
Many islands in One Piece are directly modelled after real locations, such as Alabasta’s Ancient Egypt inspiration, Wano’s Feudal Japan setting, Skypiea’s Mesoamerican influence, Drum Island’s Canadian resemblance, and Water 7’s Venice inspiration.
How does Eiichiro Oda create such a realistic and detailed world in One Piece?
Eiichiro Oda creates a detailed world in One Piece by weaving in real-world history, geography, and culture into the fictional islands, giving each location a unique identity and layers of meaning that resonate with universal themes like politics, heritage, and the search for freedom.
What real-world civilisations inspired the settings in One Piece?
The settings in One Piece are inspired by diverse real-world civilisations, such as Ancient Egypt for Alabasta, Feudal Japan for Wano, Mesoamerican cultures for Skypiea, Chinese history for Amazon Lily, the Atlantis legend for Fish-Man Island, Spanish culture for Dressrosa, Venice for Water 7, French monarchy for Marijoa, Roman law for Enies Lobby, Iceland for Punk Hazard, Victorian England for Whole Cake Island, and Hindu myths for Zou.
Why Oda’s World Feels So Real
Oda fuses history, culture, and legend into a manga world that never stops surprising readers. By grounding fantasy in reality, he makes One Piece a global story that resonates across generations. That’s why Oda’s world isn’t just about pirates — it’s about humanity itself.
👉 Keep exploring Oda’s genius in our One Piece hub with character spotlights, arc reviews, and cultural deep dives.
