Following a prolonged hiatus, the One Piece anime series is set to resume in April. Prior to its return, the English dub of the show will make its own comeback, achieving a noteworthy milestone in the process.
The English dub episodes will commence airing the first part of the “Egghead” arc on March 18, at which point they will have caught up with their Japanese counterparts. Typically, English-dubbed episodes of anime shows are released weeks after their Japanese versions, helping to prolong the show’s presence between seasons. However, in the case of One Piece, this synchronization is a significant accomplishment, marking an “18-year milestone,” according to voice director Emily Fajardo.
Upon reaching this milestone, the #ONEPIECE English dub will officially be aligned with the Japanese version of the main storyline.
I would like to share some thoughts on my role in this monumental team effort. 💙🏴☠️ https://t.co/jQ0GAUhfFj pic.twitter.com/VIBJZIqayl
— Emily Fajardo (@EmilyJFajardo) March 8, 2025
Fajardo expressed her sentiments, stating, “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to spend the past three years working towards this milestone alongside everyone.” She also acknowledged the privilege of collaborating with the cast and crew, witnessing their exceptional talent firsthand. The accomplishment is a testament to the immense effort invested, with nearly 1,500 voice actors and crew members contributing to the One Piece dub since Funimation began re-dubbing the series in 2007. Fajardo described it as “the largest dubbing effort in anime history” and praised viewers for their loyalty and dedication to the series.
Despite this achievement, Toei’s announcement to the press did not mention simultaneous airing of new episodes in both Japanese and English, unlike shows such as Delicious in Dungeon or Dan Da Dan. Fans will still need to wait a couple of weeks after the Japanese version returns on April 6 to hear Colleen Clinkenbeard’s portrayal of Luffy in the second half of the “Egghead” arc. Nevertheless, this milestone is a cause for celebration, marking a significant moment in the show’s history. However, it is worth noting that the show will be Premium-exclusive.
For more io9 news, check out the upcoming release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as the latest developments in the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
