The bond between Japan and India is a precious one and people from both sides should cherish it, says Japanese actor Kappei Yamaguchi, known for his voice starring role in the globally popular anime series “One Piece“. Yamaguchi, who voices the fictional character Usopp in the franchise created by Eiichiro Oda, said India is a country just as powerful as the world of the long-running Japanese show.
“‘One Piece’ can really make everyone smile, and I think that’s the case in India and, of course, in America and even in Europe. I’ve been able to experience this for myself by going to various places. It’s a really precious bond (between Japan and India) that we should continue to cherish…
“I thought India was a very powerful country, an exciting country, and I myself have grown to love this country, but the fact that the people of this country are supporting ‘One Piece’ makes me think that it is a country that is just as powerful as the world of ‘One Piece’,” Yamaguchi told PTI in an interview.
The actor was recently in India along with his “One Piece” co-star Hiraoki Hirata for the Mumbai Comic Con 2025.
The series, which has been on air since 1999, follows the adventures of Monkey D Luffy, a boy whose body gained the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit. With his crew, named the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy explores the Grand Line in search of the world’s ultimate treasure known as the “One Piece” in order to become the next King of the Pirates.
Hirata, who voices Sanji in the show, said he is happy to see “One Piece” being recognised in India.
“I’d heard that it was really popular all over the world, but I only experienced it for real when I went to America and saw how enthusiastic the fans there were. So, as Kappie said, when people from countries like India get excited, the power they show is incredible…” he added.
While Yamaguchi and Hirata have been voicing the characters of Usopp and Sanji for 25 years now, both the actors originally auditioned to essay Luffy and Roronoa Zoro.
Mayumi Tanaka and Kazuya Nakai eventually voiced the roles of Luffy and Zoro, respectively.
Yamaguchi said he had never before played a role like Usopp, a member of the Straw Hat Pirates who serves as their sniper.
“I was really worried at first. But now it has been 25 years of me working with the character, I am able to do it now. I think the character of Usopp has already become familiar to me, to the point where I wonder what my initial concerns were…
“The character has changed a lot (over the years), as I’ve been able to put more and more of my own feelings and various aspects of myself into it. I think he’s probably the character I have the most freedom with now,” he added.
Voice starring in “One Piece” has had “a huge impact” on Yamaguchi, he said.
“The fact that I can feel happy about being able to work on this series is the greatest thing of all. We have been given a wonderful gift in the form of the ‘One Piece’ series, which brings a smile to people’s faces and allows them to talk to each other.”
Hirata said Yamaguchi was already a famous voice actor, but he was unknown before joining the cast of “One Piece”.
“So, when I got the role of Sanji in ‘One Piece’, my life completely changed. When I was chosen as Sanji, ‘One Piece’ fans didn’t know who I was at all,” he added.

Naomika Saran, the granddaughter of Bollywood legend Rajesh Khanna and daughter of actress Rinke Khanna, is steadily capturing hearts with her elegant public appearances. After recently turning heads alongside her grandmother, veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, Naomika once again became the centre of attention during a casual outing in Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon.
Dressed in a relaxed outfit, a simple shirt and jeans, with her hair neatly tied in a ponytail, Naomika was spotted by the paparazzi as she arrived at a building. Onlookers couldn’t take their eyes off the young star kid, who appeared visibly overwhelmed by the unexpected attention. Despite the crowd and cameras, she maintained her composure, smiling warmly as she walked in.
While she chose not to pose for pictures, Naomika did acknowledge the photographers with a sweet wave and a charming smile before stepping inside. Her natural beauty and down-to-earth demeanor left fans gushing over her appearance, sparking even more curiosity about her.
Who is Naomika Saran?
Born in 2004, Naomika is the niece of author and former actress Twinkle Khanna and cousin to Aarav and Nitara Kumar, children of Twinkle and actor Akshay Kumar. She completed her schooling in Gurugram, Haryana, and pursued higher education at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. Currently, she is studying in London, focusing on her academic pursuits.
Naomika recently turned heads at a Maddock Films event in Mumbai, where she accompanied her grandmother, Dimple Kapadia. Dressed in a chic black mini dress, she exuded elegance and confidence, drawing comparisons to her grandfather, Rajesh Khanna. Dimple Kapadia, in a graceful gesture, encouraged Naomika to pose solo for the paparazzi, allowing her granddaughter to shine in the spotlight.

Fans and media outlets have noted Naomika’s striking features, particularly her light-colored eyes, which she shares with her cousin Aarav. Her resemblance to both her mother, Rinke Khanna, and grandfather, Rajesh Khanna, has been a topic of admiration among netizens.

While Naomika has not officially announced any plans to enter the film industry, her recent public appearances and familial connections have led to speculation about a potential Bollywood debut. Reports suggest that she may be preparing for a film opposite Agastya Nanda, adding to the excitement surrounding the next generation of Bollywood stars.

Nushrratt Bharuccha recently offered a raw and emotional insight into the often-glamourised yet isolating world of showbiz. In a recent interview, the actress shed light on the emotional toll that comes with being in the spotlight.
Though she has found success on the big screen, Nushrratt didn’t shy away from acknowledging how isolating the journey has been. In a conversation with Bollywood Bubble, she shared her thoughts on how rare genuine friendships are in the industry, and how building her bond with fellow actress Ishita Raj took time. “You’ve asked me this question at a very, very wrong time in my life. So, it’s not okay, and it’s terribly lonely. And it’s terribly mindfuck,” she stated.
She also shared an incident where she received an award, but had no one to celebrate with—something that made her forget what the award was even for. “Jabki insaan toh poori zindagi unhi awards, accolades ke peeche bhaagta hai. But mujhe yaad kya hai? Ki main award leke gaadi mein bethi thi, and I was alone. I said to myself, ‘Whom do I tell, yaar? I’ve won an award. Kis ke saath celebrate karoon? Khushi kis ke saath baantoon?’ It’s time only.”

Nushrratt questioned why society celebrates stoicism but discourages emotional vulnerability. She spoke about the pressure to appear strong and unaffected, even when one isn’t okay, and raised valid concerns about how emotional honesty is often misunderstood or even frowned upon. Discussing the price one pays for chasing ambition, Nushrratt confessed that she no longer wants to climb any higher if it means losing the essence of human connection. “Main top pe chadh ke apne aap se cheekh rahi hoon—kya matlab hai uss ambition ka jiske peeche aap pagal hoke bhaag rahe ho?”, she said.
She emphasised that she now prioritises meaningful relationships over unattainable career heights, and admitted that she’s content being surrounded by people who genuinely care for her.