The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the One Piece franchise announced on Sunday that veteran voice actor Kenjirō Tsuda will voice Figarland Shamrock, the commander of the Knights of Gods, in a new commemorative promotional video celebrating the release of the manga’s 113th compiled volume on Tuesday.
The announcement did not confirm whether Tsuda will also voice the character in the anime’s upcoming Elbaph arc, which is set to begin next year.
Kenjirō Tsuda’s Connection to One Piece
Tsuda is no stranger to the One Piece universe. He previously voiced Vinsmoke Yonji, a member of the Germa 66 family, and Gordon, a character introduced in One Piece Film: Red. Known for his deep and commanding voice, Tsuda’s addition as Figarland Shamrock has already sparked excitement among fans, given the growing mystery surrounding the Figarland family in the manga’s latest chapters.
Toei Animation Confirms Major Production Changes
In a related update, Toei Animation and One Piece anime producer Ryūta Koike announced on October 28 that the anime will reduce its annual episode output to a maximum of 26 episodes starting in 2026.
Following the conclusion of the current Egghead arc, the anime will take a three-month production hiatus from January to March 2026, before returning in April 2026 with the launch of the long-awaited Elbaph arc.
A New Approach to Quality and Storytelling
Toei explained that the shift in production schedule aims to enhance animation quality and storytelling depth, ensuring closer alignment with Eiichiro Oda’s manga pacing.
“The new schedule will allow episodes to incorporate more content, tempo, and pacing of the manga while continuing to leverage the unique storytelling that is only possible with animation,” the studio said.
Since its debut in 1999, One Piece has aired almost weekly with few interruptions, making this adjustment one of the most significant changes in its 25-year broadcast history.
Egghead Arc Nears Completion
The Egghead arc first aired in January 2024, marking the beginning of the manga’s Final Saga in the anime. In April 2025, the second half of the arc premiered following a short production break, with episode 1,123 resuming on Fuji TV.
During the anime’s brief hiatus, One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga, a 21-episode abridged version of the Fish-Man Island arc, was broadcast. The re-edited version featured reshoots, improved visuals, and updated animation, serving as a filler bridge between story arcs.
Looking Ahead: The Elbaph Arc
The upcoming Elbaph arc — one of the most anticipated storylines in One Piece history — will reportedly explore new lands, deeper character backstories, and potentially introduce key revelations about the series’ endgame.
Fans are particularly eager to see if Kenjirō Tsuda’s Figarland Shamrock will play a central role in the political and mythological threads connecting the World Government, the Celestial Dragons, and the Figarland family.
Final Words
With Kenjirō Tsuda joining the One Piece legacy and Toei Animation committing to fewer but more refined episodes, the series appears to be entering a new era — one focused on quality storytelling, cinematic animation, and the careful pacing needed to do justice to Eiichiro Oda’s final saga.
