The anime world was shaken recently when a One Piece animator made a scathing comment about the show's production quality, calling out Toei Animation's sound department. The animator stated bluntly that Toei should “fire the One Piece sound team immediately,” describing their work as unprofessional. The criticism was direct and unusually harsh for someone within the production team, igniting widespread discussion among fans and industry professionals alike.

This comment from @Hone_honeHONE on X did not go unnoticed, despite being already deleted, especially given One Piece's massive global popularity and long-standing legacy. While fans have debated animation quality and story pacing for years, direct criticism from someone inside the studio is rare, and suggests deeper creative frustrations. The pointed remark has opened the floodgates for fans and others in the anime community to reflect on the technical aspects of the show, particularly its use of audio effects that some feel have become outdated.

Outdated Audio in a Modern Era

This One Piece Animator is Upset About the Sound Teams Use of Old Audio Effects

One major point of contention is Toei Animation's reliance on sound effects that date back several decades, many of which originated from other long-running franchises like Dragon Ball. While such effects can trigger nostalgia for longtime viewers, critics argue they feel lazy and disconnected from modern standards in anime production. As animation techniques and expectations have evolved, these recycled sounds now stand out as jarring and out of place, undermining the immersion that high-quality sound design typically s.

ers of the animator’s comments believe that it is time for Toei to revamp its approach and embrace more innovative, dynamic soundscapes. Many argue that One Piece, as a flagship title with a massive budget and following, deserves audio work that matches its storytelling scale. They contend that sticking with legacy sound cues not only dampens the viewing experience but also signals a lack of investment in elevating the show’s overall quality.

A Divided Fanbase and Industry Reflection

This Debate Over Reused Anime Sound Effects Is Not New

The backlash against the sound team has split the One Piece fanbase. Some loyal viewers see the comments as disrespectful and overly harsh, defending the team’s work as consistent and part of the show’s charm. They argue that the recognizable audio cues are iconic, forming a nostalgic link between past and present eras of anime. For them, changing the sound effects risks erasing a piece of anime history that has stood the test of time.

On the flip side, others believe constructive criticism, even when blunt, is necessary for the industry and for One Piece to grow. They view the animator’s remarks as a call for ability and quality control, especially in a market where viewers are exposed to increasingly polished productions. As anime gains more international attention, studios like Toei may face mounting pressure to modernize not just animation, but every aspect of production, including sound.

Source: @Hone_honeHONE/X