What if I told you that every Marine Admiral in One Piece is modeled after a real Japanese actor—and not just any actors, but legends from post-war yakuza and samurai cinema?
In this article, we’ll break down the real-world inspirations behind Akainu, Aokiji, Kizaru, Fujitora, and Ryokugyu, and explore what their origins might tell us about their roles in the story.
Akainu – Inspired by Bunta Sugawara
Character: Akainu (Sakazuki)
Actor: Bunta Sugawara
Notable Work: Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973)
Set in post-war Hiroshima, this gritty yakuza film showcases violent gang conflict, including swordplay and shootouts at funerals. Sugawara’s intense screen presence and merciless aura perfectly align with Akainu’s “Absolute Justice” and brutal leadership.
Fun fact: The 2012 film Outrage Beyond by Takeshi Kitano paid homage to this yakuza classic in its finale.
Aokiji – Inspired by Yusaku Matsuda
Character: Aokiji (Kuzan)
Actor: Yusaku Matsuda
Notable Work: The Resurrection of the Golden Wolf (1979)
Matsuda plays a double-faced salaryman who climbs the corporate ladder while committing criminal acts behind the scenes — a portrayal that reflects Aokiji’s mysterious shift from admiral to Blackbeard ally.
Matsuda also starred in the cult detective series Tantei Monogatari, where he drank TIO PEPE sherry — a drink later referenced in One Piece Chapter 1081 as Aokiji’s favorite.
Aokiji also enjoyed drinking “TIO PEPE,” the same brand that Yusaku Matsuda’s character in the drama series “Tantei Monogatari” (Detective Story) was seen drinking.
Kizaru – Inspired by Kunie Tanaka
Character: Kizaru (Borsalino)
Actor: Kunie Tanaka
Notable Work: Truck Yaro: Blazing Western Stars (1975)
Tanaka played Borsalino 2, a flashy, comical rival truck driver. His laid-back demeanor, odd timing, and humorous style match Kizaru’s unpredictable, slow-speaking personality in One Piece.
Fujitora – Inspired by Shintaro Katsu
Character: Fujitora (Issho)
Actor: Shintaro Katsu
Notable Work: Zatoichi and the Yojimbo (1970)
In this legendary crossover, Katsu (Zatoichi) starred alongside Toshiro Mifune (Yojimbo). Fujitora’s blind swordsman style and stoic wisdom clearly nod to Katsu’s most iconic role.
Ryokugyu – Inspired by Yoshio Harada
Character: Ryokugyu (Aramaki)
Actor: Yoshio Harada
Notable Work: The Assassination of Ryoma (1974)
Harada was close friends with Yusaku Matsuda and often co-starred with him, suggesting a symbolic connection between Ryokugyu and Aokiji. His intense screen presence and rebellious energy parallel Ryokugyu’s mysterious and unconventional behavior.
The term “Akainu” (Red Dog) is even said to have originated from a Harada film — showing how deeply these actors shaped the One Piece admiral mythos.
Final Thoughts
Eiichiro Oda’s decision to base each admiral on a cinematic legend is more than an homage — it’s a clever layer of character design and narrative foreshadowing.
The complex roles these actors played mirror the inner struggles, philosophies, and loyalties of their One Piece counterparts. As the story unfolds, we might uncover even deeper meanings behind their inspirations.
Stay tuned for more character deep dives — there’s always more hiding beneath the surface!