Kenjiro Tsuda Joins One Piece as Figarland Shamrock: Elbaf Arc Details Unveiled

Get ready, Straw Hat fans! The iconic Kenjiro Tsuda is stepping into the world of One Piece again, this time as the enigmatic Figarland Shamrock, Shanks' twin brother, just in time for the highly anticipated Elbaf Arc.

TL;DR

• Legendary voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda is confirmed to voice Figarland Shamrock, Shanks' mysterious twin brother and a major antagonist for the upcoming Elbaf Arc.
• The One Piece anime's Elbaf Arc is set to kick off in April 2026 after a three-month hiatus, adopting a new seasonal schedule of 26 episodes per year for improved quality.
• This isn't Tsuda's first rodeo in One Piece; he previously voiced Vinsmoke Yonji and Gordon, making fans incredibly hyped for his expanded, pivotal role.

Alright, One Piece fans, clear your schedules because we've got some massive news that's set the Grand Line ablaze! You know that moment when a voice actor just fits a character perfectly? Well, get ready for that feeling because the legendary Kenjiro Tsuda is officially lending his incredible voice to Figarland Shamrock, the super intriguing, villainous twin brother of our beloved Red-Haired Shanks!

This bombshell dropped via a promotional video for the release of One Piece manga Volume 113, posted to the official One Piece YouTube channel on November 2nd. The video even explicitly stated, "This man is not Shanks," which is just chef's kiss for building hype around this new antagonist. With the anime's Elbaf Arc just around the corner in April 2026, this casting couldn't be more perfect, and frankly, we're already counting down the days.

The Legendary Voice Behind Figarland Shamrock: Kenjiro Tsuda Takes the Stage

If you're an anime connoisseur, Kenjiro Tsuda is a name you definitely recognize. He's one of the biggest names in voice acting today, with a career spanning decades and hundreds of roles. His distinctive deep, often menacing, yet always captivating voice has made him a fan favorite for complex and powerful characters. Think about it: from the calculating Seto Kaiba in Yu-Gi-Oh! to the stoic Kento Nanami in Jujutsu Kaisen, the chilling Kai Chisaki in My Hero Academia, and the unforgettable Kishibe from Chainsaw Man, Tsuda brings an unparalleled intensity to every role.

Born on June 11, 1971, in Osaka, Japan, Tsuda's journey into voice acting is quite the story itself. He actually lived in Jakarta until he was seven before moving back to Japan. He initially dreamed of becoming a film director and studied theater at Meiji University. His twenties were incredibly tough, marked by poverty-level struggles where he'd literally hesitate to buy bread and had to read scripts by candlelight. This hardship, he says, fueled his hunger for success.

His breakthrough arrived in 1995 with his first voice acting gig in the anime H2. Then, at 29, he landed the iconic role of Seto Kaiba. Fast forward to today, and he's not just a voice actor; he's also delved into live-action TV and even made his directorial debut in 2019. In 2021, he rightfully won Best Actor at the 15th Annual Seiyu Awards. So, when we say Figarland Shamrock is in good hands, we absolutely mean it. Tsuda's ability to infuse characters with authority, menace, and subtle depth makes him the ideal choice for this pivotal One Piece villain.

Exploring the Enigmatic Villain: Who is Figarland Shamrock and Why He Matters

For anime-only fans, the name Figarland Shamrock might be new, but trust us, he's a game-changer. Shamrock is introduced in the manga as the older twin brother of Shanks, and they were separated during the mysterious God Valley Incident. He's not just any villain; he's the Commander of the Holy Knights and a major antagonist in the Elbaf Arc and the broader Final Saga of One Piece. His arrival on Elbaf, accompanied by Gunko, is with the sole purpose of bringing the Land of Giants to its knees, reflecting the World Government's long-standing desire to subjugate the strongest race.

Shamrock is depicted as immensely powerful, capable of using the same teleportation circle as the Five Elders, and possibly possessing similar regenerative powers. He's also a formidable swordsman, much like his father Figarland Garling and his brother Shanks, but with a terrifying twist: his sword holds the power of a Devil Fruit. While the concept of an object consuming a Devil Fruit isn't entirely new in the One Piece world, Shamrock's weapon is said to wield one of the most powerful, making him exceptionally dangerous. He commands other Holy Knights to kidnap children and force the Giants to surrender, highlighting his ruthless nature.

Shamrock's connection to Shanks, his role as a Holy Knight, and his potential impact on the World Government and Celestial Dragons are poised to unravel massive revelations in the Elbaf Arc. Fans are buzzing about how Tsuda's voice will differentiate Shamrock from Shanks, especially given their striking physical resemblance but opposing moral compasses. The promotional video explicitly stating "This man is not Shanks" further emphasizes the distinct, sinister nature Tsuda will bring to the character.

Charting the Course for Elbaf: What to Expect from the Highly Anticipated Arc in 2026

The journey to Elbaf is one that fans have eagerly awaited for a long time, and it's finally setting sail in April 2026! Before that, the One Piece anime will conclude the Egghead Arc in 2025 and then take a three-month production hiatus from January to March 2026. This break and the subsequent Elbaf Arc will usher in a significant change for the anime's production schedule: it will become seasonal, releasing a maximum of 26 episodes per year in two parts.

This shift to a seasonal model, as announced by Toei Animation and One Piece anime producer Ryōta Koike, is a strategic move to boost the animation quality and pacing. Historically, the anime has aired almost weekly since 1999, which, while consistent, often led to a slower pace (about one manga chapter per episode) and the risk of catching up to the manga. The new schedule aims to:

• Incorporate more content and better pacing from the manga.
• Leverage unique storytelling only possible with animation.
• Provide animators with much-needed breathing room to maintain high-level quality.

Anime director Wataru Matsumi, speaking at New York Comic-Con, emphasized the creative freedom given to animators, even those from outside Japan. He noted, "So basically, as a rule of thumb, you know, we want for animators and every staff member to feel like they can do what they want to do. And we don't want to limit their abilities and imagination... We are able to create a much more interesting picture than before, but we try not to go overboard -- you know, we do need to rein it in. I need to see the balance, but it's been very exciting." This sentiment suggests that the Elbaf Arc could feature some of the most visually stunning and creatively dynamic animation yet, benefiting immensely from the improved schedule.

"So basically, as a rule of thumb, you know, we want for animators and every staff member to feel like they can do what they want to do. And we don't want to limit their abilities and imagination."

— Wataru Matsumi, One Piece Anime Director

Kenjiro Tsuda's One Piece History: A Familiar Voice in New (and Old) Roles

Here's a fun fact that might surprise some fans: this isn't Kenjiro Tsuda's first venture into the world of One Piece! He's actually a returning veteran. He previously voiced Vinsmoke Yonji, one of Sanji's younger brothers from the Whole Cake Island Arc, and also provided the voice for Gordon in One Piece Film: Red (2022). While these were significant roles, his casting as Figarland Shamrock elevates his presence to a whole new level, making him a central antagonist in one of the most anticipated arcs.

It's pretty common in One Piece for voice actors to take on multiple roles. For example, Kazuki Yao, famously the voice of Franky, also voiced Django and Bon Clay. Hiroaki Hirata, who voices Sanji, was also the voice of Karoo. Even Hiroshi Kamiya, now known for Trafalgar Law, once voiced a minor pirate in Episode 1! So, Tsuda joining the cast again in such a pivotal role is a testament to his incredible talent and the series' trust in his ability to bring diverse characters to life.

The Curious Case of the Cloaked Figure: Addressing a Potential Plot Point

Now, let's talk about something that might be on some manga readers' minds. In One Piece Chapter #908 (and anime Episode #887), a cloaked figure resembling Shanks was seen meeting with the Five Elders to discuss a "certain pirate." At the time, this figure was voiced by Shanks' voice actor. In retrospect, many now believe this was likely Shamrock, cleverly concealing Shanks' iconic scar and missing arm. If this is true, Tsuda's official casting for Shamrock could lead to a retcon in the anime, or at least a clearer distinction when Shamrock makes his full, uncloaked debut.

The promotional video for Volume 113, explicitly stating "This man is not Shanks" as Shamrock's introduction, strongly supports the idea that the anime will now definitively portray Shamrock with Tsuda's unique voice, thereby resolving any past ambiguity around that cloaked figure. This move ensures Shamrock has his own distinct vocal identity, reinforcing his importance as a new, formidable force in the story.

Setting Sail for Elbaf: Why This Arc is a Must-Watch

The Elbaf Arc has been built up for years, teased as the land of giants and a place of immense historical and personal significance for characters like Usopp. With Figarland Shamrock at its core, the arc promises to dive deep into some of the series' biggest mysteries, including the true nature of the World Government, the Celestial Dragons, and the full extent of Shanks' own past and connections. Tsuda's casting means this arc will not only be visually stunning but also audibly captivating, delivering performances that will surely resonate with fans.

As One Piece Volume 113 goes on sale November 4th, and the anime gears up for its new seasonal schedule and the Elbaf Arc in April 2026, the excitement is palpable. Make sure you're caught up on the Egghead Arc before then, because with Kenjiro Tsuda on board as Figarland Shamrock, the stakes have just gotten infinitely higher. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Piece's Elbaf Arc & Kenjiro Tsuda When will the One Piece Elbaf Arc anime premiere? The One Piece anime's Elbaf Arc is scheduled to premiere in April 2026, following a three-month hiatus from January to March 2026. Where can I watch the One Piece anime? You can stream the One Piece anime on Crunchyroll. It's available in various regions including the United States, Canada, LATAM, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, with new English dub episodes also releasing on Crunchyroll. Who is Figarland Shamrock? Figarland Shamrock is the older twin brother of Shanks, separated during the God Valley Incident. He is the Commander of the Holy Knights and will serve as a major antagonist in the Elbaf Arc, holding significant power and connections to the World Government. Is Kenjiro Tsuda new to the One Piece cast? No, Kenjiro Tsuda has previously voiced Vinsmoke Yonji (Sanji's younger brother) in the anime and Gordon in One Piece Film: Red. His role as Figarland Shamrock marks his most significant and central character in the series so far. Sources

• CBR: Fans Finally Get to Hear the Voice of One Piece's Twisted Figarland Shamrock
• ComicBook.com: One Piece's Elbaph Arc Takes Major Step Forward with Figarland Shamrock's Debut
• FandomWire: Kenjiro Tsuda, The Voice of Jujutsu Kaisen's Nanami, is 54 Years Old: All About The Actor Who Will Now Play Shanks' Twin Brother in One Piece
• Game Rant: One Piece: Figarland Shamrock's Voice Actor Has Been Confirmed
• ScreenRant: One Piece Casts Kenjiro Tsuda As Shanks' Evil Twin, But It Could Create A Huge Plot Hole
• Anime News Network: One Piece Franchise Casts Kenjirō Tsuda
• Japan Anime News: Voice Actor Kenjiro Tsuda Takes on Three Roles in ONE PIECE: Fans Stunned by His Expanding Presence in the Series
• Final Weapon: One Piece Anime Casts Kenjiro Tsuda as Shamrock