The official One Piece website revealed which Japanese voice actor would be playing role of One Piece character Sabo who will be appearing in this week’s upcoming new episode airing on September 28.

Together with the announcement for the new voice actor, Tôru Furuya also gave a few comments regarding his new role. Fuji TV and Tôei Producers Yûta Kano and Hiroyuki Sakurada respectively also gave a short comment regarding Furuya’s appointment as Sabo.

Q: Please tell us how you felt when they decided that you’d be the one to voice the role of Sabo, a character that, at the moment, is the focus of a lot of attention? A: I was extremely happy to hear that I would play the role of the very popular character Sabo,

but I also felt the responsibility that came with the role.

To be honest, I’ve only ever appeared as a One Piece anime original character in one episode [before] but it’s a great honor to have been given the opportunity to participate again on this series that, not only in Japan but it is extremely popular worldwide, and what’s more with a character that’s most likely going to be as important to the development of the story as the Straw Hats are. I’m plan on putting my life as a voice actor on the line and do my utmost playing this part so I can live up to the fans’s expectations as one of the crew that support this series that is looked up to all over the world.

Q: How is the atmosphere in the workplace? A: I think I was able to perform well, as I expected, thanks to everyone’s warm reception at the recording studio.

Having run for now 15 years, the atmosphere is overflowing and there is this family-like feeling, and I was able to approach the voice recording feeling welcomed by all the Strawhats.

Q: Was there something you became aware of while playing Sabo? A: I think, first of all, it was important to think of how to portray the warm feelings (Sabo has) towards Luffy and Ace. Basically I want to portray him bearing in mind the balance between his cool side coming from the self-confidence he holds from his overwhelming fighting abilities, and his slightly warm side coming from the cute and deep emotions he sometimes shows. I’ll do my best to convey Sabo’s charm, having become an adult now, to more people. Please look forward to the the intense story development that’s going to keep on gaining steam from now on!

Comment from Producer Yûta Kano (Fuji TV)

Actually when we were deciding the role for Sabo we organized auditions in utmost secrecy, and only by listening to the voices, in the end, Oda-sensei decided “Let’s go with Furuya-san for Sabo’s voice actor.” Also Furuya-san himself is actually somewhat of a “big brother” figure in the Voice Actors’ ranks and I believe without a doubt that he’ll be able to put even more pep into One Piece. Please look forward to the voice Furuya-san will be performing for the role of Sabo who’s most likely going to become very important in the upcoming story!

Comment from Producer Hiroyuki Sakurada (Tôei Animation)

The character fans have been waiting for has finally arrived! The character that’s got a very strong relationship with Luffy and Ace and is of the utmost importance to the story. The mystery man that for now is still known as “Lucy.” The very important One Piece character that all One Piece fans know. The one who’ll be portraying him is the big name voice actor that shines the brightest in: Dragon Ball, Saint Seiya, Star of the Giants, Gundam etc.,: Tôru Furuya! When Furuya-san appeared at the recording studio, Mayumi Tanaka and the others got all pumped up at once and the current atmostphere in the recording studio is amazing! As you’d expect from a legendary Voice Actor’s aura, it’s affecting everyone!

Be sure to watch the One Piece anime with Furuya-san appearance!

Furthermore, Tôru Furuya is also present at Anime Weekend Atlanta (taking place this weekend in Atlanta, GE), so if you’re anywhere near there, be sure to go!

Source: One Piece Official Website