Hiroaki Hirata Interview: Insights from Animazement 2025

In an engaging interview at Animazement 2025, Hiroaki Hirata shared his insights on a career that has spanned over two decades, focusing on his iconic role as Sanji in the beloved anime series One Piece. Hirata recounted the transformative journey he experienced after being cast as Sanji, transitioning from an obscure voice actor to a household name in Japan. This milestone not only changed his life but also forged an enduring connection with the fandom, which has continued to grow as the series progresses. With warmth and gratitude, he reflected on how Sanji has shaped not only his career but also his interactions with fans who grew up watching the show, many of whom now collaborate with him professionally in the industry.

Hirata’s reflections on his influence stretched beyond professional accolades; he also touched on the emotional impact of his characters during trying times, notably during the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. He mentioned how he drew strength from Eiichiro Oda’s advice to be genuine and embody Sanji’s spirit in his messages of comfort. The heartfelt connection he maintains with the character allows him to engage meaningfully with fans, reminding us that voice actors often play a vital role in real-life healing and support. As the conversation flowed into his experiences with the live-action adaptation of One Piece, he expressed his admiration for Taz Skylar’s portrayal of Sanji, noting that capturing the character’s essence amidst drastic format changes was both a challenge and a rewarding experience.

The discussion also veered into Hirata’s broader work, including his role in the Tiger & Bunny series, where he showcased his ability to navigate diverse characters. His journey from voice acting to live performances reflects his versatility and dedication to the industry. As excitement builds for future projects such as Tiger & Bunny 2, Hirata’s enthusiasm is palpable, underscoring the importance of fan support in fueling the ongoing storytelling dynamic in anime. Through all his reflections, Hiroaki Hirata remained humble and grateful, highlighting the collective journey he shares with fans and fellow creators in bringing beloved characters to life.

Summary

In an engaging interview at Animazement 2025, veteran voice actor Hiroaki Hirata reflects on his illustrious career spanning over 25 years, most notably as Sanji in One Piece and Kotetsu T. Kaburagi in Tiger & Bunny. Hirata shares how landing the role of Sanji transformed him from an unknown actor to a respected voice in the industry, with the character significantly influencing his life and career trajectory. He candidly discusses the challenges of adapting his well-established portrayal of Sanji to the rapid dialogue of the live-action series and expresses admiration for Taz Skylar’s performance as the character. Moreover, Hirata reminisces about his involvement in uplifting spirits following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and acknowledges the bond he has formed with fans over the years. His journey showcases not only his growth as an actor alongside Hollywood stars like Noah Wyle but also the endurance of characters like Sanji and Kotetsu, which continue to resonate with audiences globally.