The recent episode of One Piece, titled “Episode 1090,” has sparked a heated debate surrounding the character design of Jewelry Bonney, a young girl canonically confirmed to be 12 years old. Viewers have raised concerns about the animation’s emphasis on certain physical attributes, such as a pronounced bust and a slim waist, arguing that it contributes to an unnecessary and overly sexualized portrayal of a young character.

One Piece's Jewelry Bonney: Character Design Sparks Controversy

Mamoru Yokota, the animation director for both One Piece and Naruto, has defended the studio (MAPPA) from blanket criticism, acknowledging that individual animators may be responsible for some of the controversial design choices. However, the debate extends beyond the animation itself, delving into the complexities surrounding Bonney’s age and her Devil Fruit power, which allows her to alter the age and appearance of herself and others at will.

While some fans express discomfort over the perceived objectification of the character, others defend the artistic choices as consistent with the series’ overall style and Bonney’s unique abilities. This has brought renewed attention to creator Eiichiro Oda‘s past comments on female character design, particularly his 2015 statement about “three circles, one X” as the ideal proportions for a “sexy female character.” While some fans point out that One Piece features diverse female characters beyond this specific design, others have used the opportunity to discuss the broader issue of sexualized portrayals of young characters in anime and Western animation alike.

Jewelry Bonney One Piece