This article contains spoilers for One Piece.
Overview of the Controversy
- Toei Animation has received criticism for including superfluous scenes featuring Sanji, negatively impacting his character perception.
- Earlier, the studio faced backlash for how Eustass Kid’s confrontation with Shanks was portrayed, due to extended fight sequences.
- Recent episodes have notably altered Sanji’s role, detracting from his development within the story.
In recent weeks, Toei Animation has been in hot water for its portrayal of Sanji in the One Piece anime, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among fans. The addition of new and often redundant scenes starring the Straw Hat Pirates has sparked frustration and debate, with some fans resorting to directing their harsh sentiments towards the studio’s staff on X (formerly Twitter).
This situation escalated further when renowned director Megumi Ishitani was also on the receiving end of unwarranted attacks by some members of the fan base. As of now, there has been no official statement from Toei Animation regarding these incidents, and an acknowledgment of these issues seems unlikely. Unfortunately, Sanji is not the only beloved character to be adversely affected by the studio’s controversial choices.
Eustass Kid’s Mishandling by Toei Animation
Prior to the criticism directed at Sanji, Toei Animation was scrutinized for its depiction of Eustass Kid’s epic clash with Shanks. While the overall animation quality received praise, the protracted battle scenes were met with discontent from fans.
In the original manga, Kid’s defeat was instantaneous, marking a decisive victory for Shanks in one movement. In contrast, Toei took creative liberties by inserting an extended dream sequence that portrayed Kid in a trance—a narrative device highlighting Shanks’ overwhelming power. Such alterations did not exist in the source material, leading to polarized reactions from the audience. Fans contended that the changes were excessive and undermined Kid’s character, although not as extensively debated as Sanji’s modifications.
Given Kid’s recent loss, it appears unlikely that Toei Animation will further develop his storyline, leaving fans to wonder when or if they will see more of the Supernova in the future.
The Sanji Controversy Might Intensify
As the second half of the Egghead arc unfolds, there is considerable anticipation for action-packed episodes featuring the entire Straw Hat crew, including Sanji. However, fans are increasingly anxious about whether Toei Animation will continue on its current trajectory of diminishing his role within critical scenes.
In Episode 1105, for example, a significant moment was marred when a Seraphim’s laser attack appeared to hit Edison, only for Sanji to swoop in moments later with Edison in his grasp. While the intent was to build excitement, it resulted in diminishing Sanji’s impressive speed, which left fans disappointed. In the manga, his intervention occurred seamlessly, showcasing his swift agility, a moment that Toei Animation’s alterations ultimately reduced.
Despite efforts to reign in changes in subsequent episodes, these attempts did not last long, as evidenced in Episode 1124.
Significant Changes in Episode 1124
In this episode, Toei Animation made several notable adjustments:
- Sanji was excluded from vital scenes showcasing the Straw Hats standing over a defeated York.
- A superfluous flashback depicted Nami rescuing Sanji, while Zoro effortlessly took on two Seraphim, none of which was present in the manga.
- Sanji displayed unnecessary flirtation towards Bonney.
- His behavior resembled that of a dog in front of Stussy.
“And Nami-san saved me too.” —Sanji
While it’s clear that Toei Animation does not hold any bias against specific characters, the cumulative effect of these alterations has tarnished Sanji’s reputation. Viewers unfamiliar with the manga are often unaware of these discrepancies, relying on community discussions for context. It is hoped that Toei Animation will recalibrate its approach and refrain from making excessive changes that detrimentally impact beloved characters.