Kenjiro Tsuda, best known for voicing Kento Nanami in Jujutsu Kaisen, has officially been cast as Figarland Shamrock in the upcoming Elbaf arc of the One Piece anime. The announcement was confirmed on Thursday, November 6, by Toei Animation. Shamrock, the older twin brother of Shanks, is expected to play a pivotal role in the arc’s storyline. Tsuda’s casting marks his second appearance in One Piece, having previously voiced Vinsmoke Yonji during the Whole Cake Island arc. The One Piece franchise continues to expand its voice talent roster with one of Japan’s most acclaimed actors.
Kenjiro Tsuda will voice Figarland Shamrock in the One Piece Elbaf arc, set to air in 2026. The announcement was made on November 6, 2025, by Toei Animation. Shamrock is the son of Figarland Garling and a powerful enforcer for the Celestial Dragons and Five Elders. Unlike Shanks, who was adopted by Roger at God Valley, Shamrock remained aligned with the World Government. Tsuda’s casting reflects Toei’s intent to elevate the arc’s dramatic weight with a seasoned performer.
Character Role and Voice Actor Background
- Character: Figarland Shamrock
- Relation: Twin brother of Shanks
- Affiliation: Celestial Dragons, Five Elders
- Voice Actor: Kenjiro Tsuda
- Previous Role: Vinsmoke Yonji (Whole Cake Island arc)
- Notable Credits: Nanami (Jujutsu Kaisen), Seto Kaiba (Yu-Gi-Oh!), Overhaul (My Hero Academia)
Tsuda’s performance is expected to contrast sharply with his previous One Piece role, showcasing his vocal range.
Industry Commentary and Fan Response
Anime analyst Yuki Nakamura told Anime News Network,
“Tsuda’s casting as Shamrock is a strategic move. His voice carries gravitas and nuance—perfect for a morally complex character.”
Fans online praised the decision, citing Tsuda’s emotional depth and popularity. Social media buzz spiked following the announcement, with hashtags #ShamrockReveal and #TsudaInOnePiece trending in Japan.
Narrative Stakes and Franchise Expansion
The addition of Figarland Shamrock deepens the lore surrounding Shanks and the Celestial Dragons. Tsuda’s portrayal is expected to add intensity to the Elbaf arc, which already promises major revelations. His presence may also attract new viewers familiar with his work in other franchises. For One Piece, this casting reinforces its shift toward high-stakes, character-driven storytelling.
What’s Next: Arc Timeline and Production Notes
- Arc Start: Elbaf arc begins April 2026
- Episode Count: TBD (expected multi-season run)
- Production Format: Seasonal anime model
- Additional Cast: Announcements expected in December
- Promotional Events: Teaser trailer and cast panel at Jump Festa 2025
Toei Animation is expected to release a character preview featuring Tsuda’s voice in early Q1 2026.
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