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When 'One Piece' Pirates Usopp and Sanji Docked at Mumbai Comic-Con
We caught up with 'One Piece' voice actors Kappei Yamaguchi (Usopp) and Hiroaki Hirata (Sanji) ahead of their Comic-Con India debut. The duo opened up about loyalty, laughter, and the tearjerking arc that still resonates: Water 7.
For over two decades, voice actors Kappei Yamaguchi (Usopp) and Hiroaki Hirata (Sanji) have brought the Straw Hat Pirates to life. With more than 1,100 episodes and emotional gut-punches like clockwork, One Piece has cemented its place as anime royalty.
As the beloved episodic anime series celebrates its 25th anniversary, the legendary duo made their long-awaited maiden voyage to India — brought in by Crunchyroll for Mumbai Comic Con 2025. From geeking out over Usopp’s wildest gadgets and Sanji’s signature dishes to revealing the origins of iconic catchphrases and their real-life camaraderie, they brought infectious energy. Even after 25 years, One Piece remains full of heart, humour, and brotherhood.
Excerpts from the interview were translated from Japanese and edited for clarity:
Q. Usopp is known for his wild and creative lies. Do you have a personal favourite
Yamaguchi-san: One of my all-time favourites has to be the lie Usopp told early on — that he has 8,000 subordinates. It’s such a bold, ridiculous claim, but he says it with so much confidence you almost believe him. I love that about Usopp — his ability to fully commit to a story, no matter how absurd. That kind of conviction? I really admire it.
Q. What do you think are Usopp’s greatest strengths? Are there any underrated aspects of his character that fans should appreciate?
Yamaguchi-san: In a world full of monsters and warriors like Zoro, Usopp stands out for a different reason — his courage. He’s not the strongest, but that never stops him from stepping up. He always wants to grow, to be braver, to be better. And that desire, that bravery in the face of fear — that’s his true strength. It’s what makes him so human, and so special.
Q. Usopp has an arsenal of unique weapons. Do you have a favourite one?
Yamaguchi-san: (laughs) It’s tough to choose, but I’d say the Impact Dial is my favourite. Usopp doesn’t have a huge range of weapons, but the Impact Dial really stands out. It’s clever, compact, and totally fits his vibe. It feels like something only he would use in battle.
Q. Usopp’s departure from the crew during the Water 7 arc was one of the most emotional moments in One Piece. What was it like voicing that arc, and how do you view it in Usopp’s journey?
Yamaguchi-san: That arc still hits hard. For me, it was one of the most powerful parts of the series. Usopp was the first to sense that the Going Merry had reached her limit. Even before the others realised, he knew — but he just couldn’t let her go. That emotional struggle felt very real while recording. I still get emotional thinking about it. But I also believe it was a turning point — a painful one, but necessary. That heartbreak made Usopp grow. It made him stronger.
Q. How did the iconic “Nami-swaaaan, Robin-chwaaaan!” come to life? Was it improvised or written that way?
Hirata-san: It was written in the script as “Nami-swan,” but when I read it out loud, it just felt natural to draw it out — “Nami-swaaaan.” And since we usually say “chan” for girls, “Robin-chan” became “Robin-chwaaaan.” It just came out that way during the performance. Oda-sensei had written it in a playful, lighthearted way, and I ran with it. It stuck.
Q. What qualities of Sanji do you admire?
Hirata-san: Sanji’s pride. That’s what I admire most. He has this strict code of ethics that he never breaks — not even when his life’s on the line. That kind of self-discipline, that sense of honour — I deeply respect it. It really resonates with a lot of Japanese values too, this idea of sticking to your principles no matter what. Sanji embodies that.
Q. You and Nakai-san (Zoro’s voice actor) seem to have a great dynamic, much like Sanji and Zoro. Can you share some behind-the-scenes moments?
Hirata-san: Our bond is pretty strong — strong enough that we can have full conversations just with eye contact. (laughs) Fans expect us to carry that Sanji-Zoro rivalry into real life, and we have fun with that on stage. But honestly? We’re very close friends. I always say I don’t want to compliment him too much, but the truth is we’ve worked together for so long, and there’s a lot of mutual respect. We joke around, but the friendship is real.
Q. Of all the dishes Sanji has cooked in the series, which one is your favourite? Have you tried making any of them?
Hirata-san: I’d say the fried rice. It’s simple, easy to make, and it’s something I’ve actually tried recreating. Sanji’s made so many elaborate dishes, but that one stuck with me — probably because it’s so comforting and easy to enjoy in real life.
Q. After all these years, what’s the most memorable One Piece episode for you?
Yamaguchi-san: For me, it’s still the Water 7 arc. So many episodes in One Piece are packed with emotion, but from Usopp’s perspective, that arc was a turning point. It’s unforgettable.
Hirata-san: I really love the episodes that dive into Sanji’s backstory with Zeff — those moments are so raw and emotional. And I also really enjoyed the arc where Chopper joins the crew. There’s something about that storyline that hits everyone in the heart. It’s a fan-favourite for a reason.
Q. If you could consume any Devil Fruit, which one would it be?
Hirata-san: I’d go with the Suke Suke no Mi — the invisibility fruit. Same as Sanji! He’s dreamed about it forever, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to be invisible?
Yamaguchi-san: For me, I’m more interested in seeing how far I can go without eating a Devil Fruit. That journey of growing on your own — that’s what excites me the most.
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