Roronoa Zoro is the first member introduced in the Straw Hat Pirates crew, becoming the right-hand man and trusted swordsman of Captain Luffy. Zoro is the only member of the crew who wields three swords, a unique and formidable skill that has earned him the title of “the strongest swordsman in the world.” Later on, Zoro becomes a formidable force, ranking among the top 12 in the world of Supernovas, along with Luffy.
Roronoa Zoro is the first member introduced in the Straw Hat Pirates crew, becoming the right-hand man and trusted swordsman of Captain Luffy. Zoro is the only member of the crew who wields three swords, a unique and formidable skill that has earned him the title of “the strongest swordsman in the world.” Later on, Zoro becomes a formidable force, ranking among the top 12 in the world of Supernovas, along with Luffy.
“I like Zoro; his determination is something that helped me a lot in getting this role,” said Mackenyu when asked about his reasons for portraying Roronoa Zoro. Throughout the 8 episodes of One Piece, the actor has had many intense sword-fighting scenes. This experience has allowed Mackenyu to engage in numerous swordplay activities. However, having to fight with three swords at the same time posed a significant challenge for him.
“I have experience using two swords at once and have previously performed in live-action adaptations, but when it comes to using three swords, it’s a completely different story. The training process for One Piece specifically tailored for Zoro taught me essential skills to embody the character. I had to practice in the pouring rain,” Mackenyu shared in an interview with GamesRadar.
According to GamesRadar, the actor faced significant challenges while handling the swords. Despite the production team employing various techniques to assist him, Mackenyu still had to keep the swords in his mouth.
The battle between Zoro and Dracule Mihawk—the greatest swordsman in the world—left a strong impression on Mackenyu. “We filmed the scene in cold and damp conditions, making it a challenging experience for me,” he remarked.
Arata Mackenyu is no stranger to live-action adaptations of anime and manga. Born in 1996, he possesses a masculine appearance and a solid physique, having participated in martial arts activities since childhood. Raised in the United States, Mackenyu is fluent in both English and Japanese. His bilingual skills have opened many doors for him in acting, allowing him to step into Hollywood.
He is also known as the son of the late action star Sonny Chiba, who gained fame in Vietnam through his role in the film “The Street Fighter.”
Mackenyu’s real name is Maeda Mackenyu, and he changed his name to Arata to avoid being overshadowed by his father’s fame. He has been training in martial arts since childhood, which laid the foundation for him to take on action roles later. Additionally, the actor has also spent time studying music, singing, and playing the guitar.
His career has been on a meteoric rise, with blossoming opportunities in the entertainment industry. The role of Yukishiro Enishi in “Rurouni Kenshin: The Final” (2021) paved the way for Mackenyu in the U.S. film market.
Despite the recent film “Knights of the Zodiac” (2023) being met with mixed reviews, Mackenyu’s portrayal of Zoro in the live-action adaptation of “One Piece” has garnered widespread acclaim, creating a global sensation in recent days.
At the beginning of 2023, the Japanese entertainment industry was buzzing with news of the engagement of the two Mackenyu brothers. Mackenyu’s brother is actor Okamoto Natsuki, born in 1989, who is 7 years older. The two first met in 2017 during a photoshoot, where Natsuki was working as a fashion designer. They formed a strong bond after the encounter.
After their marriage, Okamoto Natsuki and Mackenyu have maintained a close relationship, often showcasing their love and affection for each other and their family. On a recent talk show, Mackenyu expressed, “I have never seen anyone as beautiful and charming as her. From the moment we met, I knew I wanted to marry her.”
Fame often comes with its share of scandals, and Mackenyu has faced his fair share of controversies. The most notable rumor involves a 14-year-old girl with a woman over 16 years old. Sonny Chiba was also known to have a controversial relationship with this woman, leading to speculation about Mackenyu’s personal life. However, this information comes from a single news source in Japan, and Mackenyu has never publicly commented on it.
Last year, Mackenyu’s agency faced backlash after a controversial relationship was revealed, leading to scrutiny of his character and personal life. YouTuber Higashiya Yoshikazu spread rumors that Mackenyu was involved in various scandals. Many people speculated that he was the victim of a smear campaign, as the truth remains unclear.
Images: IG, Netflix, Pinterest.
