The creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, received a rather unique question back in 2016. He received a letter from a fan who admires Nami, especially after the time-skip and was wondering if it was weird that he collects all her merchandise. He also asked if he was bothered by fans lewding his creations.
Fan: Nami after the time-skip, in the New World adventures part of the story is absolutely my type. I just love her. I have so much pleasure buying the Blu-rays she appears in, plus figures and other merchandise of her, and hope for more featuring her in the future. As an author, I wonder if maybe you’re not very happy about this?
Oda: I feel that Nami is getting more popular. So I suppose you feel guilty for looking at one of my characters in an erotic way (Haha)? I don’t mind at all and this goes for all of my characters
My mentor taught me that ‘The World of Manga’ is a product you create, and after people spend money on that product, it isn’t professional for us to complain about it.
I agree with him. Please enjoy my work however you like, with whatever interpretations or fantasies you want. I’m just happy that you read my manga.
Source: Chomangasokuho
