The popular anime series One Piece has captivated fans since the start of 2024 with its latest Egghead Arc storyline. Each new episode has introduced intriguing new characters, fueling anticipation among devoted One Piece followers eager to see how the arc unfolds.
However, close observers have noticed a concerning change regarding one of the voice actors. Kazuki Yao, the talented performer behind the voice of the Straw Hat pirate Franky, has struggled with speech clarity since the Egghead episodes commenced.
Fans have speculated this stems from the toll of advanced age on Yao’s vocal capacities. Such vocal difficulties cropped up before during the previous Wano arc, signaling the original One Piece voice cast may be reaching a point where retirement nears.
Still, Yao perseveres in his portrayal despite what must be a fatiguing effort.
The developments have tugged at fans’ heartstrings. While eager to enjoy new Egghead content, they also worry for a beloved performer now battling the constraints of time.
It marks the bittersweet, reflective turn that comes as a long-running series progresses across decades and generations.
Mysteries and Intrigues in the Final Saga
The widely beloved anime One Piece has started a new storyline arc called Egghead Island Arc, kicking off the final saga of the long-running series. Egghead Island is the home of Dr. Vegapunk, touted as the most intelligent person in the One Piece world. Fans are intrigued by the mysteries surrounding his identity.
In episode 1086, when the Straw Hat pirate crew sailed near Wano country, their ship the Sunny was attacked by a giant shark, separating Luffy, Chopper, and Jinbe from the rest.
Later a huge robot appeared before the Sunny, with a young girl emerging who claimed to be the famous Dr. Vegapunk.
This has confused fans since Vegapunk was previously referred to as male. Soon after, another girl also asserted she was Vegapunk.
So uncertainty abounds on who the real Vegapunk is, sparking lots of theorizing and anticipation among devoted fans as the arc promises to reveal more in upcoming episodes.
The new storyline and mysteries introduced have excited fans, eager to learn more secrets and see the Straw Hats explore Egghead Island and its strange inhabitants. With the final saga underway, the long-beloved series aims to go out in epic style.
Concerns Arise Over Franky’s Voice Actor
When the girl claiming to be Vegapunk appeared before Franky, he initially reacted with confusion since he expected Vegapunk to be male. However, Franky then enthusiastically professed himself as a huge fan of the scientist Vega punk’s work.
Is it just me or Franky's voice actor is kind of let down since Wano….. Is he unwell or something…. I hope not😥
— rain & only rain (@ibn_arzuang) July 28, 2019
In this dialogue scene, devoted fans noticed Franky’s voice actor, Kazuki Yao, sounding very strained when delivering Franky’s longer sentences. This has sparked concern amongst fans for the veteran voice actor.
Interestingly, close observers point out a similar vocal strain from Yao’s performance as Franky since the previous Wano storyline arc.
During the interim Zou arc, Franky and some other Straw Hats took a storyline hiatus while Luffy’s group went to Whole Cake Island.
Fans speculate it was around then that Yao’s advancing age began impacting his ability to maintain Franky’s boisterous vocal style.
The resulting strain has become increasingly evident since Franky rejoined during the demanding Wano arc voice work.
While fans rejoice at the Egghead Arc advancing the final saga’s storyline, they also worry about a beloved voice performer struggling with time constraints to deliver his iconic character’s voice.
It’s a bittersweet turn as the long-running series progresses across eras.
Aging Voice Actors in One Piece and the Journey to the Series Finale
While fans worry about Kazuki Yao’s vocal strain as the 64-year-old Franky voice actor, he is not actually the oldest voice cast member on One Piece. That distinction belongs to Megumi Tanaka, the 69-year-old actress behind the voice of the lead character Monkey D. Luffy.
In a radio show a few years back, Tanaka had playfully stated she would love the legendary 87-year-old voice actress Masako Nozawa, famous for embodying Goku in Dragon Ball, to replace her as Luffy if Tanaka were to pass before One Piece reaches its climax.
Of course, this comment came more as an acknowledgment of Nozawa’s incredible professional longevity, still masterfully voice-acting well into her 90s with no retirement plans.
Compared to Nozawa who shows zero signs of slowing down despite far exceeding Tanaka’s age, Tanaka’s own voice work remains as stable as ever.
Still, the lighthearted radio discussion underscores a poignant reality facing longtime voice actors. As the anime progresses across decades, the question looms of how long its beloved stars can actively stay to see the story conclude.
For now, fans savor each week’s stellar voice performances while dearly hoping that icons like Tanaka and Yao can witness their characters reach their journey’s end.
