There was a visual pleasure within the air at Mumbai Comedian Con 2025 as Crunchyroll introduced two legendary seiyus of the anime world to India: Kappei Yamaguchi, the enduring voice behind Usopp in ONE PIECE, and Hiroaki Hirata, the suave and complicated Sanji.
Earlier than they took the stage for a a lot anticipated dwell dubbing efficiency, each voice actors engaged the media in a spherical desk assembly, as soon as once more facilitated by Crunchyroll.
Regardless of their standing as iconic stars themselves, they patiently answered a barrage of questions from keen journalists.
Throughout a promotion for ONE PIECE FILM: GOLD years prior, Yamaguchi had expressed admiration for Admiral Fujitora and Sabo, revealing that he felt a longing to play such cool aspect characters after watching them in motion.
This sentiment stood in stark distinction to the character he has so brilliantly dropped at life for 25 years: Usopp.
The Straw Hat Crews’ sniper is thought for his tall tales, his inherent worry within the face of hazard, and his reliance on wit and ingenuity reasonably than brute power. This positioned him a tier under the formidable “Monster Trio” of Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji.
So, throughout our unique interplay with the voice actors, we seized the chance to revisit this previous assertion. Did Yamaguchi nonetheless harbor a need to play a cooler character? Extra importantly, did he ever want that Usopp was a personality reduce from a distinct material? Maybe a extra stoic fighter or perhaps a shock addition to the Straw Hats’ powerhouse trio?
Yamaguchi’s reply, although easy, displayed his dedication to the integrity of Usopp’s character.
The voice actor firmly believed that as a substitute of constructing Usopp cooler or part of the monster trio, his journey ought to be one among natural progress and growth.
“I personally really feel that Usopp is loads cool sufficient as he’s proper now. I hope he continues to dwell true to himself in future works, and I consider I’ll all the time be capable of really feel the enjoyment of attending to painting him that method,” Yamaguchi added.
Curiously, when Yamaguchi had first auditioned for the anime adaptation, his sights have been set on a really totally different Straw Hat – Monkey D. Luffy. He was rejected and the function, after all, went on to the legendary Mayumi Tanaka.
Nonetheless, after taking part in Usopp for 25 years, Yamaguchi feels that he’s the proper individual for the function and closest character to who he was now.
“After taking part in Usopp for 25 years, I really feel like I’m the proper individual for the function. It’s the closest character to who I’m now.”
This private connection shines by in his portrayal of Usopp, imbuing the character with a vulnerability and realism that’s all too relatable to many.
Whereas the attract of taking part in a historically cool character may need been current previously, Kappei Yamaguchi’s phrases at Mumbai Comedian Con 2025 make it clear: he has discovered his good match within the typically cowardly, usually hilarious, however all the time brave God Usopp, and he wouldn’t have it every other method.
