Veteran Actor Steps Down as Toei Animation Casts New Voice for One Piece’s Pirate King

The legendary pirate Gol D. Roger has a new voice in the One Piece anime. Veteran voice actor Masane Tsukayama has retired from the role he held for a decade. The character’s iconic final speech has now been performed by a new actor. This marks the third voice for the Pirate King in the long-running series’ history.

Toei Animation confirmed the recasting in the credits of the latest episode. The move was necessitated by Tsukayama’s retirement due to age and health considerations. The studio has moved swiftly to ensure the character’s continuity for future story arcs.

Shunsuke Sakuya Takes Up the Mantle of the Pirate King

The new voice of Gol D. Roger is Shunsuke Sakuya. Sakuya is a seasoned actor with decades of experience. He is 60 years old and has voiced numerous anime characters. His previous One Piece roles include Scotch and Charlotte Daifuku.

He officially debuted in the role in Episode 1153. This episode featured Roger’s famous execution scene in Loguetown. According to reports from anime news outlets, Sakuya delivered a powerful performance. He successfully captured the gravitas and charisma of the character.

The role was first held by the late Chikao Otsuka. After Otsuka’s passing in 2015, Masane Tsukayama assumed the part. Tsukayama recently retired at the age of 81. Toei Animation’s casting ensures Roger’s presence remains consistent.

What This Means for the One Piece Anime’s Future

This recasting is crucial for the anime’s upcoming narrative. The Elbaf arc is expected to delve deeper into the God Valley incident. Gol D. Roger is a central figure in that pivotal flashback. Fans will hear Sakuya’s portrayal frequently in these future episodes.

The change reflects a broader trend in long-running series. Senior voice actors sometimes step down for health reasons. Studios must find suitable successors to preserve character integrity. Toei’s choice of an established actor like Sakuya aims to maintain quality.

It also highlights the dedication behind the scenes. Ensuring a seamless transition respects both the original actor and the audience. The goal is to honor the character’s legacy without disruption. Early fan reactions have been cautiously optimistic about the new voice.

The new era for Gol D. Roger’s voice has begun with Shunsuke Sakuya. His performance will define the Pirate King for a new generation of fans. This careful recasting ensures the legend continues without missing a beat.

Info at your fingertips

Who is the new voice actor for Gol D. Roger?

The new voice actor is Shunsuke Sakuya. He is a 60-year-old veteran who has voiced characters in Naruto and Terror in Resonance. He officially took over the role in One Piece Episode 1153.

Why was the voice actor recast?

The previous actor, Masane Tsukayama, retired. He was 81 years old. Toei Animation recast the role to ensure the character’s continued presence in the story.

Has Gol D. Roger been voiced by others before?

Yes. The original voice was provided by Chikao Otsuka until his death in 2015. Masane Tsukayama then voiced the character for nearly ten years before this latest change.

Will we hear the new voice actor again soon?

Yes. Gol D. Roger is set to appear in the upcoming Elbaf arc. The story will explore the God Valley incident, where Roger is a key figure.

How have fans reacted to the change?

Initial reactions have been mixed but largely understanding. Many fans respect Tsukayama’s retirement and trust Sakuya’s proven experience. The execution scene was generally well-received.