One Piece, the long-running and beloved anime series, is once again making headlines, this time with a surprising and subtle change to one of its most iconic characters—Gol D. Roger. As the anime prepares to switch to a seasonal format starting in April 2026, the newest episode has revealed a fresh voice actor for the legendary Pirate King, sparking curiosity and discussion among fans worldwide.
Introducing the New Voice of Gol D. Roger in One Piece
In One Piece episode #1153, viewers noticed a distinct change during the flashback scene of Gol D. Roger’s execution at Loguetown. The ending credits confirmed that the role of Roger’s adult voice has officially been recast with Shunsuke Sakuya. This marks the third major voice actor to take on the role after Chikao Ōtsuka and Masane Tsukayama.
The change is noteworthy for several reasons, especially considering the series has spanned over 26 years. Much like other long-lasting franchises such as The Simpsons, voice actors periodically need to be replaced due to age or health reasons. With Masane Tsukayama now 81 years old and Chikao Ōtsuka having passed away in 2015, the recasting of Roger’s voice became a natural progression to maintain the character’s presence in the anime.
Why the New Voice Casting Matters
Gol D. Roger plays an instrumental role in the overarching storyline of One Piece as the legendary former Pirate King. His legacy sets the stage for the entire journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat crew. The new voice actor, Shunsuke Sakuya, brings a weathered yet powerful tone that vividly captures Roger’s final, impactful words. Sakuya, at 60 years old, is notable for his diverse voice work, including roles in the Yakuza video games and Naruto, showcasing his versatile talent that suits Roger’s complex character.
This casting decision potentially signals more flashbacks and recorded lines for Roger, especially with the anime now exploring the Elbaph arc, which promises to deepen the story around Roger’s legacy and the mysteries of the world.
Comparing to Other Voice Actor Changes in One Piece
While fans witnessed an official and heartfelt farewell for Kazuki Yao, the voice behind Franky, this new change for Roger came quietly without a formal announcement. Franky’s transition included a graduation moment that honored the actor’s contributions, but Roger’s role fluctuates, primarily through flashbacks, meaning recasting can sometimes fly under the radar despite the character’s importance.
Notably, Takeshi Kusao portrays a young Gol D. Roger, showing that different voice actors work together to bring the character’s history to life. The diversity in voice casting ensures that every stage of Roger’s life is authentically represented, appealing to both longstanding fans and newcomers.
What This Means for One Piece’s Future
The transition of voice actors is just one of many evolutions One Piece is undergoing as it nears its final arcs. The anime is preparing for a big format change with its seasonal release plan starting in 2026, aiming to enhance storytelling and production quality.
Recent voice casting choices, such as the confirmation of Joyboy’s voice and the involvement of Kenjiro Tsuda as Figarland Shamrock, illustrate the meticulous care the studio places on voice roles. This care ensures that impactful characters—past and present—receive the attention and depth they deserve.
Although there hasn’t been a formal announcement yet about the change in Gol D. Roger’s voice, fans are eagerly hoping for updates at upcoming events like Jump Festa 2026, where such significant revelations often occur.
Legacy of Voice Acting in One Piece
One Piece remains one of the most iconic and enduring anime series globally, and its extensive voice cast has played a pivotal role in its success. Voice actors like Mayumi Tanaka (Monkey D. Luffy) and Kazuya Nakai (Roronoa Zoro) have become synonymous with their characters, setting high standards for continuity and character portrayal.
As the series progresses, changes in the cast occur naturally but are always handled with care to preserve the integrity of the story. The new voice for Gol D. Roger is a testament to the evolving nature of the series and the dedication to maintaining the quality that fans expect.
Conclusion
The recent shock of a new voice actor for Gol D. Roger in One Piece highlights the ongoing evolution of this legendary anime. With Shunsuke Sakuya lending his voice to one of the most pivotal characters, fans can look forward to fresh perspectives on Roger’s enduring legacy, especially as the story ventures deeper into new arcs like Elbaph. This change also aligns with the broader shifts within the series, including the upcoming seasonal format in 2026. Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more at keeperfacts.com.
