MUMBAI: FUNimation Entertainment and Japanese powerhouse consortium of producer Toei Animation Co., Ltd., publisher Shueisha, Inc. and broadcaster Fuji Television Network, Inc, have entered into an agreement that gives the American anime leader exclusive rights to the U.S. and Canadian online simulcast of the studio‘s signature animated series One Piece.Starting 30 May at 9 pm (CDT), just an hour after airing in Japan, FUNimation and the consortium will stream the first, free, professionally-produced, accurately English-subtitled One Piece series episode beginning with episode 403 via the official One Piece website www.onepieceofficial.com, followed soon thereafter by FUNimation partner sites. In addition, beginning 14 May, FUNimation has been streaming episodes from the Sabaody Archipelago saga story arc starting with episode 391. FUNimation will also offer both its produced uncut, English-tracked and English-subtitled adaptations of the hugely successful series beginning with the first episode.

This decision was taken by the production consortium for the North American, English-language One Piece DVDs, which comprises of Toei Animation Co. Ltd, Shueisha, and Fuji Television Network, Inc., with the goal of maximizing the business potential of package media and merchandising in North America, among other things, in consideration of the growing online viewer market in the United States in recent years.