The “One Piece” universe, created by Eiichiro Oda, is full of iconic characters that have captivated fans around the world. With the recent inclusion in the Netflix catalog, the fascination for the characters and the world of “One Piece” has grown even more. And speaking of characters, many of them have amazing traits and unique personalities, but few know that some of them were inspired by real people.
Oda, known for his creative references, drew inspiration from celebrities, fighters, and historical figures to create some of the most memorable figures in anime and manga. In this list we have selected 10 “One Piece” characters who were inspired, both in personality and appearance, by people from the real world.
10 people who inspired One Piece characters
God Enel – Eminem
God Enel, the self-proclaimed god of Skypiea, is one of the most memorable characters in “One Piece.” His appearance is remarkably similar to that of rapper Eminem, with facial features, short hair, and a confident attitude that reflects the artist’s personality.
Furthermore, Enel’s haughty attitude and provocative tone are reminiscent of Eminem’s stage presence, especially in the 2000s, when the rapper was at the height of his fame. This reference was confirmed by Oda himself, who cited Eminem as one of the inspirations for the character.
Whitebeard – Hulk Hogan
Edward Newgate, better known as Whitebeard, is a legend of the seas and a father figure to many pirates. His rugged physique, flamboyant mustache and imposing presence were inspired by professional wrestler Hulk Hogan.
Like Hogan, Whitebeard is a true titan, with an aura of invincibility and a sense of honor that makes even his enemies respect him. The connection with Hogan is also reflected in Whitebeard’s theatrical character, which does not go unnoticed in any scene.
Capone Beige – Al Capone
Capone Bege, one of the pirates of the worst generation, is a clear reference to the famous mobster Al Capone. His appearance, his behavior and even his name are a direct homage to the gangster who ruled Chicago in the 1920s. Bege leads his gang like a true mafia boss, with a cold and calculating approach to dealing with his enemies.
Furthermore, the ability of his Devil Fruit, the “Shiro Shiro no Mi”, which allows him to transform his body into a fortress, is an allusion to Al Capone’s ability to create an insurmountable network of protection.
Spandam – Humanity
Spandam, the cowardly boss of CP9, is a controversial character both in the “One Piece” anime and among fans. His inspiration came from the wrestler Mankind, known for his eccentric style and erratic behavior in the ring.
Like Mankind, Spandam features a mix of comedic and scary moments, as well as a penchant for chaos. While he’s not as skilled a fighter as Mankind, his theatrical, larger-than-life personality certainly lives up to the inspiration.
Akainu-Bunta Sugawara
Akainu, also known as Sakazuki, is one of the most feared admirals in the Navy. His appearance and personality were inspired by Japanese actor Bunta Sugawara, known for his roles in yakuza films.
Akainu’s serious posture, dedication to absolute justice, and severity reflect Sugawara’s image in his performances. Furthermore, the character’s striking appearance, with a white hat and an unshakable expression, is a direct homage to the actor.
Kizaru – Kunie Tanaka
Kizaru, or Borsalino, another Navy admiral, is an intriguing figure with his laid-back demeanor and drawl. He was inspired by Japanese actor Kunie Tanaka, who played laid-back and seemingly carefree yet highly competent characters.
Oda used Tanaka’s expressiveness to create a contrast between Kizaru’s calm personality and his immense power, making him one of the most unpredictable characters in the “One Piece” universe.
Aokiji-Yusaku Matsuda
Aokiji, whose real name is Kuzan, was inspired by Japanese actor Yusaku Matsuda, known for roles in crime and drama films. Aokiji’s relaxed style, sunglasses, and calm demeanor are a direct homage to Matsuda.
Furthermore, the moderate justice advocated by Aokiji reflects the complexity of the characters played by Matsuda, who were often morally ambiguous and profound.
Fujitora-Shintaro Katsu
Fujitora, the blind Navy admiral, was inspired by Zatoichi, the legendary blind swordsman of Japanese cinema played by Shintaro Katsu.
Like Zatoichi, Fujitora is driven by a strong sense of justice and possesses extraordinary fighting skills. His blindness is more of an advantage than a limitation and his presence is as commanding as that of the iconic film character. The bond between the two characters is evident both in their appearance and in their philosophy of life.
Aramaki – Yoshio Harada
Aramaki, also known as Ryokugyu, is another admiral who clearly draws inspiration from a Japanese actor, in this case Yoshio Harada.
Harada was known for playing rebellious and indomitable characters, qualities that also define Aramaki. His scruffy appearance and no-nonsense approach to the rules reflect the essence of the roles Harada plays, creating a character that stands out even among the powerful admirals of “One Piece.”
Franky – Jim Carrey
Franky, the eccentric Straw Hat carpenter, is a combination of impressive skills and quirky personality. His inspiration came from Jim Carrey, one of the most charismatic and energetic actors in Hollywood.
Like Carrey, Franky is known for his exaggerated facial expressions, dramatic gestures and comedic moments that captivate audiences. Jim Carrey’s infectious energy is reflected in Franky’s every interaction, making him one of the series’ most beloved characters.
The post One Piece: 10 Netflix anime characters inspired by real people appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
