Real-life locations in One Piece

Wano – Japan

Wano is one of the most important arcs of One Piece. It not only possesses an attractive plot, but the context is inspired by Japan. The scenery is beautiful and the cherry blossoms in the city are charming. In terms of architecture, it almost resembles Japan's Edo period, where the architecture mainly consists of thatched roofs and wooden floors.

The land of cherry blossoms in One Piece also has many similarities with the development of Japan, from a purely agricultural country that has been industrialized. Since then, Wano is heavily polluted, people fall into poverty, often lack of food.

Amazon Lily – China

This island is the domain of the KuJa Pirates, whose members are all female. In it, Boa Hancock is both the leader and queen of the people here. During the Sabaody Arc, Kuma sent the Straw Hats everywhere to train, in which Luffy went to Amazon Lily.

Oda has confirmed that Amazon Lily is inspired and modeled after China. The architecture and decoration of the island resembles ancient China, while Kuja castle resembles the Hanging Temple (Hengshan, China).

Dressrosa – Spain

Dressrosa is a charming island in the New World, with the king being Doflamingo. However, deep beneath the kingdom's splendor lies a dark truth.

Doflamingo allows his supporters to live freely, while those who oppose are punished. Dressrosa has many similarities with the architecture of Spain, especially the Park Güell in Barcelona. Not only the architecture but also the costumes of the people and the Dressrosa dancers are boldly Spanish.

The architecture of both Dressrosa and Park Güell has modernist features. Furthermore, the Corrida Coliseum in Dressrosa is somewhat similar to Rome's Colosseum.

Mariejois – France

Mariejois Sanctuary is the seat of the World Government. Mariejois is the residence of the Five Elders, Thien Long Nhan and Commander-in-Chief Kong, who rule the world. It is a sacred place that not everyone is allowed to enter. Notably, this place was inspired by a French castle called Château de Chambord.

Although Oda has never confirmed it, one can easily notice the similarities after looking at both buildings.

Alabasta – Egypt

The final location that is said to be inspired by the real world is Alabasta. Viewers can feel the similarities between Alabasta and India through its architecture and culture. However, it also shares many similarities with ancient Egypt and the modern Middle East. The spiers, domes and some details all resemble traditional Middle Eastern architecture.

The Kingdom's name may be derived from 'Arabaster', a mineral commonly found in ancient Egyptian objects.

David Pac

Update 27 February 2023