How voice actor Hiroaki Hirata found 'Sanji'

The celebrated actor talks about his legacy as the One Piece character

- Husain Rizvi

Hiroaki Hirata, the celebrated Japanese voice actor behind iconic characters like Sanji from One Piece, Leomon from Digimon Adventure, and even Johnny Depp's Japanese dub voice, recently marked his maiden Dubai visit where he headlined the Speedy Swap & Pop-Up Con.

The two-day extravaganza at the Times Square Center was a vibrant celebration of anime, collectibles, and pop culture. There, City Times sat down with Hirata for an interview in which he spoke about his journey and insights.

Known for his versatility and nuanced performances, Hirata has spent decades mastering the art of bringing diverse characters to life, captivating audiences across the globe. When asked how he approaches such varied roles, Hirata explained the importance of adaptability. "It's hard to change the way we think about things," he shared, referencing the challenge of shifting between anime characters, like Sanji, and live-action dubbing, such as his work for Depp.