For fans of the One Piece anime, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. With decades of adventures shared across countless episodes, many beloved characters have seen their stories unfold through the voices of talented actors. Yet, one of the challenges that comes with such a long-running series is the inevitable departure of key voice actors as time takes its toll. Recently, the beloved voice of Franky, Kazuki Yao, stepped away after an impressive 25-year run. Now, there’s another shift: the epic Gol D. Roger, once voiced by Masane Tsukayama for a decade, is getting a new voice for the third time.
Shunsuke Sakuya Takes on the Role of Gol D. Roger

In the world of voice acting, changes can be felt just like waves in the ocean. The talented Chikao Otsuka originally lent his voice to Gol D. Roger until he passed away in 2015. Masane Tsukayama then bravely took on the mantel, delivering unforgettable performances until he stepped down at the age of 81. Now, the responsibility has passed to Shunsuke Sakuya, who previously portrayed characters like Scotch and Charlotte Daifuku. This development was confirmed in the credits of episode 1153.
Shunsuke Sakuya is not new to the game. At 60, he brings a wealth of experience from roles like Kenjirou Shibazaki in Terror in Resonance and Ryuuichi Kazama in Ping Pong the Animation, to name a few. His voice has become a familiar comfort for fans, ensuring a smooth transition during this shift.
Sakuya brought his talent to the table during Gol D. Roger’s dramatic execution in episode 1153, proving he can capture the spirit of the Pirate King. As the One Piece enters the exciting Elbaf arc, where the God Valley incident will be explored, fans can look forward to witnessing more of Sakuya’s performances that keep the essence of Roger alive.
Who is the new voice actor of Gol D. Roger in One Piece?
Shunsuke Sakuya is the latest voice actor for Gol D. Roger, taking over from Masane Tsukayama, who stepped down after a decade.
Why did Masane Tsukayama retire from voicing Gol D. Roger?
Masane Tsukayama retired upon reaching the age of 81, making way for the new voice actor, Shunsuke Sakuya.
What can we expect from Shunsuke Sakuya’s performance?
Shunsuke Sakuya is expected to maintain the iconic essence of Gol D. Roger, particularly during significant arcs like the upcoming Elbaf arc.
Has Gol D. Roger been voiced by other actors before?
Yes, Gol D. Roger was originally voiced by Chikao Otsuka before Masane Tsukayama took over, making Sakuya the third actor to play the character.
So, what do you think about this new direction for Gol D. Roger’s character? We’re eager to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below! The waves of One Piece continue to ripple, and your voice matters in this vibrant community.