One Piece: Eiichiro Oda Admits Whitebeard Came From an Unexpected Real-Life Model

One Piece is the gold standard when it comes to the strongest anime pirates, introducing legendary characters who are a force of nature on the battlefield and shape the high seas with their overwhelming strength, influence, and ambitions. Edward Newgate, otherwise known as Whitebeard, is one of the legends, someone who held the title of the Strongest Man in the World, capable of splitting the heavens and seas with his power.

While Whitebeard has inspired a new wave of pirates in One Piece, series creator Eiichiro Oda was inspired by the real-life figure behind Whitebeard. It’s not unusual for Oda to draw inspiration from real-world individuals, whether they be actors, musicians, athletes, or more. However, in Whitebeard’s case, Oda revealed that he personally knew Whitebeard’s real-life model, making him extra special.

Eiichiro Oda Built Whitebeard Differently

Whitebeard Is an Absolute Force of Nature

• First Manga Appearance: Chapter 159
• First Anime Appearance: Episode 95

Whitebeard is one of the most influential pirates in One Piece, known for being the greatest rival of none other than the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Unlike other powerful pirates with the ambition of finding the One Piece treasure and becoming King of the World, he only wanted to find a family where he would feel a sense of belonging, comfort, and peace. However, if he had the same ambition as Rocks D. Xebec, Whitebeard could have easily claimed the title of King of the World during his time.

One Piece fans love Whitebeard not only for his overwhelming strength but also for his personality. He was a compassionate and thoughtful captain, someone who had a paternal-like attitude toward his crew members, whom he treated as his own children. He also had high moral standards, refusing to chase wealth or power for selfish reasons. Instead, he chose to prioritize the safety of his family, cherishing their loyalty above all else.

However, a legendary man like Whitebeard did not have a happy ending in One Piece. Fans know that he met a tragic end in Marineford at the hands of Blackbeard and his crew after he was weakened by Akainu and the rest of the Marines. Even so, he died a heroic death, as he remained standing without a scratch on his back. His death is one of the greatest and most unforgettable character exits in One Piece, leaving behind a legacy that still echoes throughout the seas to this day.

Eiichiro Oda Modeled Whitebeard After a Real Tavern Owner

Whitebeard’s Real-Life Inspiration

• Whitebeard’s real-life model is a tavern owner.

It’s no secret that Eiichiro Oda draws inspiration from real-life figures, and Whitebeard was no exception. The legendary pirate was just one of the many One Piece characters whom Oda modeled after a real-life figure. However, he was based not on a popular actor, musician, singer, or athlete, but on a simple yet charming man. Who would have thought that a legendary pirate like Whitebeard was based on such a simple man?

Well, according to Eiichiro Oda’s comment contained in the One Piece Yellow: Grand Elements data book and shared by a popular One Piece fan page on X (formerly Twitter), Whitebeard was modeled after the owner of a tavern he used to frequent with his editor. Unfortunately, this tavern owner passed away, but Oda described him as someone charming and cool at the same time.

Here is Eiichiro Oda’s message about the tavern owner’s passing:

The owner of a bar I used to visit several times with my editor passed away. He was a charming man, and he became the model for Whitebeard. The line Whitebeard says when he first appears:

“I ain’t talkin’ to no snot-nosed brat, you damn fool” is exactly what the old man once said to a customer. He would sit in the middle of the bar with medical equipment connected to his nose, claiming alcohol was his medicine, and told us stories about WWII. When I told him I had drawn him into my manga, he was delighted.

-Eiichiro Oda

In One Piece, Whitebeard, who fans often call “Sickbeard,” also had medical equipment attached to his nose due to his declining health. He was over 70 years old, but he would drink sake even when he was already sick. Clearly, Oda drew heavily from the owner’s personality and lifestyle to shape Whitebeard. Without this man, Oda might have drawn Whitebeard differently.

Whitebeard Also Shares Similar Traits With a Japanese Warrior Monk

Whitebeard and Musashibo Benkei’s Parallels

While Eiichiro Oda has revealed the real-life model of Whitebeard, fans know that Whitebeard was also inspired by the Japanese warrior monk Musashibo Benkei, as they both share similarities.

According to Japanese folklore, Musashibo Benkei was five times bigger than an ordinary man, not to mention, he also had monstrous power.

On top of that, Benkei also wielded a weapon called a naginata, whereas Whitebeard wielded the massive Tomoe-type naginata called Murakumogiri. Most interestingly, Benkei also died in a standing position, with his body pierced by arrows and spears, reminiscent of Whitebeard, who died standing still, with his body severely injured in One Piece.