One Pieceis, without a doubt, one of the most imaginative and unique anime in existence. Its creator, the talented Eiichiro Oda, used his vast imagination to create a distinctive and memorable cast of characters, some of them being heavily inspired by real people.
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As with many other creators, Oda drew inspiration from the surrounding elements, which led him to create many characters inspired by real historical figures or famous actors. Below, we will discuss some of the best examples of this phenomenon found in Oda’s masterpiece.
Spoiler Warning: Beware of major plot spoilers for One Piece!
Updated by Stefania Ikeda-Stavridi on January 1st, 2024:We have updated the list to include five new entries based on legendary characters, from princes to mafia bosses. We’ve also added more relevant information and famous quotes from each character.
15Alvida - Awilda
Iron Mace Alvida And Ally Of Buggy
The Iron Mace,Alvidashares intriguing similarities with theScandinavian pirate princess Awilda. While it’s not confirmed by Oda, there are notable parallels between the two. Alvida, initially portrayed as a brutish andimposingfigure, undergoes a significant transformation after losing to Luffy and consuming a Devil Fruit, becoming more attractive andgraceful.
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In Scandinavian folklore, Awilda was also a pirate captain famous for her fierce nature. However, shefell in lovewith a prince, and her demeanor softened, and she quit her pirate ways. Similarly, Alvida came to respect Luffy a lot, but her feelings were not of love, choosing to ally herself with Buggy.
14Laffitte - Jean Laffitte
One Of The Captains Of The Blackbeard Pirates
Lafitte, a captain in theBlackbeard Pirates, draws clear inspiration from thereal-life pirateJean Lafitte. The parallels between the two extend beyond the sharedname. Both Lafitte and Jean Lafitte began their careers asprotectors of the law, with Lafitte serving as a former West Bluepolicemanand Jean Lafitte playing a significant role in theBattle of New Orleans, aiding in ending the war.
But it matters not what you think of me.
However, their shared trait lies in theirgrand ambitions. Both men, driven by aspirations of wealth and freedom, turned to piracy as a means to achieve their goals. Notably, while Lafitte lost his law enforcement role due to his bad temper, Jean Lafitte abandoned it for the allure of greater riches and autonomy.
13Yamato - Yamato Takeru
Son Of Kaidou And An Honorable Samurai
Yamatoshares intriguing similarities with the legendaryYamato Takeru, even though Oda hasn’t confirmed a direct inspiration. Beyond the common name, both characters playprincelyroles. In the series, Yamato, initially introduced as awoman, makes the choice toidentify as a man, influenced by the noblesamuraiways displayed by Kozuki Oden.
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As the offspring of the formidableKaido, one of theFour Emperors, Yamato’s lineage echoes that of Yamato Takeru, who was both aprinceand theson of an emperor. Moreover, Takeru wasknown for using crossdressingwithout hesitation as a strategic measure for assassination and infiltration.
12Capone Bege - Al Capone
The Mafia Boss Of The Worst Generation
Capone Begedraws unmistakable inspiration from the infamousAl Capone.This mafia bossturned into the captain of theFire Tank Piratesand proved to be both an antagonist and ally to the Straw Hats. The parallels between Bege and Al Capone extend beyond the obvious choice of name; theirappearancesandcharactertraits mirror each other.
Straw Hat’s crew huh…? You’re not going to be easy to deal with.
Bege’sbackstoryechoes Capone’s notorious history, particularly in theSaint Valentine’s Day Massacretheme, where both figures eliminate rival gangs. Notably, while the real-life Al Capone met an early demise, Capone Bege continues navigating the seas in One Piece’s world.
11Rayleigh - Sir Walter Raleigh
The Dark King And Right Hand Of The Pirate King
Rayleighbears intriguing similarities to the historical figureSir Walter Raleigh. Both men are seasoned,charismaticindividuals with a wealth of experience. Rayleigh, known as theDark King, was the formerPirate King’s right-hand man, showcasing his strength and wisdom.
Maybe nothing in this world happens by accident. As everything happens for a reason, our destiny slowly takes form.
Similarly, Sir Walter Raleigh was askilledandaccomplishedfigure in the Elizabethan era, renowned for his diverse talents. He was also the one to introduce tobacco and potatoes to England. In a similar way, Rayleigh brought more information on the One Piece. Despite the lack of confirmation, both men share more than just a name.
10Gol D. Roger – Olivier Levasseur
The One And Only Pirate King
The infamousKing of the Pirates,Gol D. Roger, is the most prominent criminal in the world of One Piece. During his time as a pirate, Roger achieved the impossible and traveled with his crew to the legendaryLaugh Tale Island, where he hid his biggest treasure, theOne Piece.
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Roger’s cheerful attitude and hidden treasure were inspired by a French pirate namedOlivier Levasseur. While Roger’s historical counterpart was not as famous as the King of Pirates, he did indeedhide a treasurethat had not been recovered yet.
9Jewelry Bonney – Anne Bonny
The Only Female Supernova
Out of the eleven young pirates known asSupernovas, one of them is notable for being the only female member.Jewelry Bonney, the captain of the fearsomeBonney Pirates, isa fierce woman who has proven herself to be a dangerous opponent. She is relentless in battle, using her abilities to turn herself or others into younger versions of themselves to her advantage.
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The female member of the Worst Generation took inspiration from one of the most notable female pirates of all time,Anne Bonny. Just like her One Piece counterpart, Bonny ruled the seven seas with help from other notable young pirates. Sadly, she died while pregnant in prison after being caught, a fate unlikely to befall Jewelry.
8Emporio Ivankov – Tim Curry (Frank ‘N’ Furter)
The Revolutionary Army Commander And Horu Horu No Mi Devil Fruit User
The Queen of the Kamabakka Kingdom, a commander in the Revolutionary Army, and one of the most eccentric characters in One Piece.Emporiohas always been a unique individual, even in a show with such a diverse cast as this one. This is mostly due to his ability, which allows him to transform himself and everyone he touches into the opposite gender.
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Ivankov’ssignatureoutfit, a red leotard paired up with fishnet stockings and a cape, was inspired by the characterFrank Furter. This man was interpreted by the brilliant horror actorTim Curry, of whom Oda is a big fan. Emporio’s makeup and purple hair are also directly inspired by Tim’s role in the filmThe Rocky Horror Picture Show.
7Rocks D. Xebec – Roche Braziliano
The One Who Wanted To Be King Of The World
Long before Luffy began his adventure, a cruel and imposing pirate, Roc D. Xebec, ruled the seas of One Piece’s world. Little is known about thisvillainous pirate, as the World Government has tried hard to keep information about him out of the public’s hands.
One of those rare pirates with the initial of D… though he is no longer alive to speak of it.
Nonetheless, we know for a fact that Rocks was one of the most ruthless pirates in the world, a trait directly taken from his real-life inspiration,Roche Braziliano. This Dutchman was infamous for the atrocities he committed during his time as a pirate. Like Xebec, Brazilianodisappeared without a traceafter confronting the law, although it is said that Roche did not die and simply fled to Brazil.
6Sanji – Steve Buscemi (Mr. Pink)
Black Leg Sanji And Chef Of The Straw Hats
One Piece fans could not imagine the Straw Hat Pirates without their reliable and powerfulchef, Sanji Vinsmoke,by their side.The young cook is one ofthe most stylish and well-dressed charactersin the franchise, as he is most often seen wearing a perfectly tailored suit.
I heard the sound of a woman’s tears falling.
A few years back, Oda Himself confirmed to the fans thatSanji’s stylish lookswere inspired byMr. Pink, a character played bySteve Buscemiin the critically acclaimed filmReservoir Dogs. This can be seen in therefined clothesthey both wear throughout most of their on-screen appearances. Nevertheless, unlike most other characters, Sanji’s behavior has nothing to do with the person who inspired his looks.
