Renowned voice actor Kenjirō Tsuda has officially been cast as Figarland Shamrock in the One Piece franchise, a pivotal character described as the long-lost twin brother of Red-Haired Shanks. The announcement was made through a new promotional video celebrating the release of One Piece manga Volume 113, which is set to hit shelves on November 4, 2025.
This casting marks Tsuda’s third role within the expansive One Piece universe, having previously lent his distinctive voice to Vinsmoke Yonji and Gordon from One Piece Film Red. The news has ignited significant excitement among fans, who praise the choice as a perfect fit for the formidable new antagonist.
Tsuda’s Illustrious Career and Growing One Piece Presence
Kenjirō Tsuda is celebrated for his deep, commanding voice and an impressive repertoire of iconic anime roles. His notable credits include Nanami Kento in Jujutsu Kaisen, Seto Kaiba in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Kishibe in Chainsaw Man, and Kai Chisaki (Overhaul) in My Hero Academia. His ability to portray complex, often intimidating, characters has made him a fan favorite.
His previous contributions to the One Piece franchise, as the Germa 66 scientist-fighter Vinsmoke Yonji and the musical director Gordon in One Piece Film Red, demonstrated his versatility. The casting of Shamrock, however, elevates his involvement to a far more significant level, indicating the character’s critical importance in the series’ unfolding narrative.
Figarland Shamrock: A Key Figure in the Elbaf Arc
Figarland Shamrock is poised to become a central figure, particularly in the highly anticipated Elbaf arc. He is introduced as a member of the powerful Figarland family and a leader of the Holy Knights, posing a major new threat to the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies. The promotional video for Volume 113 features Shamrock, who bears a striking resemblance to Shanks, speaking in Tsuda’s voice and declaring, “That pirate is my long-lost twin brother,” and “The warriors of Elbaf shall soon be under the command of the World Government!”
This revelation of Shanks having a twin brother from the prestigious Figarland family, a connection to the Celestial Dragons, has been a significant plot development in the manga. Fans are eager to see how this familial conflict will unfold on screen, with the Elbaf arc itself expected to potentially begin airing in April 2026.
Addressing a Potential Plot Point
Tsuda’s casting as Shamrock also brings to light a long-standing fan discussion regarding a mysterious cloaked figure seen meeting with the Five Elders in One Piece Chapter #908 of the manga and Episode #887 of the anime. This figure, resembling Shanks, was initially voiced by Shanks’ voice actor, leading to speculation.
However, the manga later hinted that this shrouded visitor was likely Shamrock, not Shanks. Tsuda’s distinct voice for Shamrock now creates a clear differentiation, potentially resolving this ambiguity or, as some speculate, adding an intriguing layer of intentional confusion from the series creator, Eiichiro Oda. Regardless, the casting solidifies Shamrock’s role and promises a dramatic and intense new chapter for the One Piece anime.
