Summary
In both the original One Piece and Netflix's adaptation, Nami's initial tattoo symbolizes her affiliation with Arlong's pirate crew. However, the significance of her new tattoo undergoes a slight alteration in the live-action version.
Nami's new tattoo in the original story depicts a pinwheel and orange, serving as a representation of her village leader, Genzo, as well as her deceased adoptive mother. It serves as a constant reminder of joyful relationships and her deep-rooted connection to her childhood.
However, in Netflix's One Piece adaptation, Nami's tattoo takes on a different meaning. It now symbolizes her tumultuous past with Arlong, highlighting the power and control he once held over her. As she transitions to the pinwheel and orange tattoo, it signifies her liberation from Arlong's crew and serves as a poignant tribute to her mother's memory. Notably, this rendition omits the influence that Genzo had in the original anime.
In Netflix's One Piece, the significance of Nami's tattoo, both in relation to the source material and its true meaning, is emphasized. Initially hidden on her left arm, the tattoo is later unveiled during a surprising twist regarding her allegiances. In episode 6, Nami's tattoo is revealed to be a representation of a sawfish, symbolizing her affiliation with Arlong's pirate crew.
This parallel holds true in the original One Piece as well, where Nami's tattoo serves as a mark identifying her as one of Arlong's followers, despite her desire to break free from his control. However, towards the conclusion of the Arlong Park Arc in the original anime, Nami acquires a new tattoo on her arm. Although similar changes occur in Netflix's adaptation, they slightly alter the meaning of Nami's new tattoo, prompting speculation about its origins across the various mediums of One Piece.
Nami's New Tattoo In A Pinwheel & Orange
Regardless of the narrative differences between the manga, anime, and Netflix adaptation of One Piece, Nami's new tattoo remains consistent in its physical appearance. The tattoo itself is composed of a graceful swirling line, with an orange displayed prominently at its apex. In addition, a second black line intersects the original, forming a pinwheel-like design. This distinctive appearance is closely tied to Nami's character; however, the live-action interpretation of Netflix's One Piece introduces some ambiguity regarding the true meaning and symbolism behind the new tattoo of the pinwheel and orange.
Nami's Tattoo Is Explained Properly In The Original Story
Nami's new tattoo in the original One Piece story has a deliberate and clear meaning. The pinwheel featured in her tattoo represents Genzo, the leader of her village, who holds a special place in her heart. When Nami was younger, Genzo used to bring joy to her by using the pinwheel on his hat. This fond memory is the reason why her new tattoo includes the pinwheel, serving as a reminder of the happy bond they shared. Additionally, the orange incorporated into the tattoo pays tribute to her late adoptive mother.
When Nami was young and living with her sister and adoptive mother, oranges were a significant part of her life. Her mother owned an orange plantation, which helped provide food for their village. Tragically, Nami's mother was killed by Arlong, which led Nami to join his crew in an effort to free the town from his control. After successfully achieving this, Nami replaces her sawfish tattoo with a pinwheel to honor Genzo and an orange to honor her mother and her connection to the fruit.
In the Netflix adaptation of One Piece, the meaning of Nami's tattoo is left open to interpretation although it is fairly straightforward. However, there are some changes in the live-action version. In the Netflix adaptation, the pinwheel is something Nami's mother made for her as a comforting gesture, using a stick and orange peel as the propellers. Therefore, in the Netflix adaptation, the pinwheel and orange tattoo only symbolize Nami's mother, instead of both her mother and Genzo as explained in the anime.
What Nami's Tattoo Represents In Netflix's One Piece
In Netflix's One Piece, Nami's tattoo symbolizes her past with Arlong and her longing to break free from her pirate crew. The sawfish tattoo serves as a constant reminder of her agreement with Arlong, where she was forced to serve him and earn berries to liberate her hometown from his control.
In the finale of Netflix's One Piece, Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji come to Nami's aid when Arlong and his pirates betray her. Prior to this, Nami vents her frustration by repeatedly stabbing her tattoo with a knife. However, after defeating Arlong, Nami's arm heals and her tattoo is replaced by a pinwheel and orange. This change represents her liberation from Arlong's influence. With the defeat of the pirates responsible for her mother's death and her village's enslavement, Nami has not only freed her hometown but also honored her mother's memory.
By adorning herself with a pinwheel and orange tattoo, Nami triumphantly sheds the weight of Arlong and his crew. The haunting memories of her tragic past embodied by the sawfish are now replaced with a tattoo that embraces the joyous aspects of her childhood, leaving behind any remorseful remnants of her past. Honoring her departed mother alongside, Nami's pinwheel and orange tattoo stands as a symbolic testament to her town's liberation, her resolute departure from Arlong's crew, and the cherished elements of her upbringing, all depicted in Netflix's One Piece.
