Our buddy Rob over at Topless Robot is like me and finds One Piece to be a source of many manly tears. But it wasn’t just us who have this condition. According to What Japan Thinks, One Piece was chosen as the number one manga that has made the reader cry in the past. But what’s really surprising is that One Piece was the top pick for both males and females.

Why is One Piece more emotional then Naruto or Bleach, or any other standard shonen show? Please let me indulge you with my theory. Unlike Naruto and Bleach, comedy plays a very important role in One Piece; which is also highlighted by moments of fun and adventure. Sharing these moments with the Straw Hat pirates makes you feel as if you are an actual member of the crew. Laughing with the Straw Hats unconsciously connects you to them emotionally. So when something bad happens, or when something really good happens, you will feel it as well.

Now I’m not saying this is exclusive to One Piece, just that it’s easier to spot. Though possibly the biggest factor to this is One Piece’s enormous length; nothing builds emotion better than time. Check out What Japan Thinks for the other spots in this interesting poll.