“Please Don’t Say This to Me”: One Piece Director Responds to Backlash From Fans

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After taking a six-month break, the anime version of One Piece came back, but not everyone was happy with the Spring episodes it presented. On two successive days, Episodes 1123 and 1124 were released before reverting to a weekly release schedule. However, what should have been an exciting time for fans quickly turned into disappointment for some when they watched the scenes, particularly those involving Sanji. Criticism towards the studio has been frequent in the past due to concerns about the accuracy of its manga adaptation, over-elongating comedic scenes, and other issues. While an anime may not always be a direct reflection of the manga, fans often voice their frustration with the show.

Episode 1123 featured a scene showing Sanji with affectionate glances towards Bonney, though in the manga, he was clearly smitten with Stussy. However, Bonney’s age will be unveiled through Kuma’s backstory later on. Yet, some fans were disappointed by this shift in character development. Moreover, a well-known panel from the Straw Hats capturing York had Sanji positioned centrally, but this scene was omitted from the manga and left an empty space instead. Even Episode 1124 included a non-canonical scene depicting Nami rescuing Sanji from S-Shark, which caused displeasure among fans. Since Toei Animation has not provided any explanation for these alterations, some fans have turned to the staff members, such as Megumi Ishitani, a respected animation director who did not work on these specific episodes, for answers regarding the changes made.

無関係な私に言わないでください
もちろん他のスタッフにもです
作品全体の不満を個人にぶつけるような行為は今後やめてください

— 䂖谷牛乳 (@ishigyunyu) April 6, 2025

Megumi Ishitani Responds to One Piece Fans’ Backlash About Sanji’s Anime Depiction

Ishitani stands out as a highly acclaimed animator for the “One Piece” series, having directed episodes 957, 982, and the widely adored episode 1015. She’s also responsible for the opening themes 25 and 26. Additionally, she directed the special 25th Anniversary episode, “One Piece Fan Letter,” which garnered immense praise from fans globally. Her X account is publicly accessible, and interactions with her are common among fans.

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Regrettably, this encounter didn’t go as smoothly as expected, with some individuals criticizing her for perceived bias in Toei’s portrayal of Sanji. However, it should be noted that Ishitani had no involvement in the recent two episodes, as she was engaged in creating the opening theme for the anime series Witch Watch.

サンジの笑顔は、当時流行中の手配書に似顔をしていたものから、彼の強さが一切伝わりませんでした。このような顔だったら、強者と言うことはありませんね？

In other words, the people who didn’t know the truth were portraying the foolishness that rumors can grow into as Sanji’s smile did not convey his strength at all.

— 䂖谷牛乳 (@ishigyunyu) April 6, 2025

In response to a fan quoting Ishitani and criticizing Toei, she politely asked them to avoid directing their criticism towards her or any other team members, as they are not personally responsible for the entire project. She also kindly requested that fans express their dissatisfaction in a more constructive manner in the future.

Some began questioning Ishitani regarding the lack of focus on Sanji in the Fan Letter, as other Straw Hat members garnered fan support while Sanji was ridiculed by others. However, it’s important to note that the scene was intended for humor, but it’s evident that many still harbor resentment towards this treatment. In response, Ishitani explained, “The reason Sanji was made fun of was due to the initial wanted posters of him not showcasing his true strength at all. The sentiment was, ‘There’s no way someone with a face like that can be strong.’ This illustrates the ignorance of those who aren’t privy to the truth and are swayed by rumors.

As a dedicated anime fan, I can’t help but be thrilled by the ongoing conversation on social media that’s shining a spotlight on Ishitani’s exceptional work. The passion for her direction is clearly palpable, with many of us praising her skills and even declaring her as the top pick for the best director of One Piece, all thanks to the groundbreaking Episode 1015 and the heartwarming Fan Letter episode.

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2025-04-07 22:10