Joanna Marie O. Santos
September 14, 2023

Anybody who has been on social media for the past few days knows about the recently released live-action version of the popular anime series One Piece on Netflix. The iconic decades-long (and did we mention ongoing?) anime series finally received its live-action treatment this year and both die-hard One Piece fans and curious on-lookers all waited in anticipation for Netflix's live version– and based on their 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating this month, it most certainly did not let people down. 

Every once in a while, Netflix releases a new film or series that includes a new breakout actor or actress who is well-equipped with talent and charming looks to hook the viewers in and steal their attention. For Netflix’s One Piece, it’s definitely Mackenyu Arata. With his dashing green hair and his even more dashing visuals, Mackenyu Arata, or simply Mackenyu, showcased more than his talent in acting in the live-action version of One Piece. If you have also been *admiring* Mackenyu after watching One Piece, below are 5 things you should definitely know about Netflix One Piece’s breakout star. 

1. He’s been acting for more than a decade

Image from JAPAN!

Mackenyu appears as the 19-year-old Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece live-action series, and he certainly looks the part. But in reality, behind his youthful appearance is a veteran actor of more than ten years. Mackenyu Arata actually got his first feature film lead role in Take a Chance (2015) at the age of 16 but he already got the acting bug two years prior. In 2013, Mackenyu landed acting roles in two USA film productions named Buzz (So-On: The Five Oyaji) and TV movie Yo nimo Kimyō na Monogatari both released in 2014.

2. He does horseback riding, Kyokushin Karate, water polo, gymnastics, and wrestling

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Did you know that Mackenyu does many of his own stunts? But that would not be too surprising once you discover that the man is extra talented in martial arts and other physical sports like horseback riding, archery, and a Japanese sport that is the combination of both called Yabusame (流鏑馬). 

3. He sings and plays the brass and the saxophone 

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Apart from being an amazing actor who champions a lot of martial arts and sports, Mackenyu is also a soft human being who dabbles in the gentle art of music-making. Mackenyu played the piano when he was in high school, and he was also a talented member of the brass band. Apart from playing these instruments, Mackenyu also has an angelic voice that he showcased in a remix of Chainsmokers’ ‘Closer’ that he shared on YouTube.

4. He comes from a family of actors

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Mackenyu’s acting comes from his hard work, but growing up in a family full of talented actors definitely also helped. Mackenyu Arata is the son of Japanese action movie star Sonny Chiba, who graced the international film scene in big-screen movies like The Storm Riders, Kill Bill: Volume 1, and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Mackenyu’s half-sister and uncle from his father’s side are also actors. 

5. He just got married!

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For those who had their hearts stolen by the charming Mackenyu, just know that you are not alone! Mackenyu married his long-time girlfriend just last January this year. Mackenyu and his non-showbiz girlfriend announced their marriage during his late father’s birthday.

“We will continue to support each other while spending precious time together. It would make me happy if you would watch over us warmly,” Mackenyu said about tying the knot. 

All He Has Left Is His Destiny!

Mackenyu is a stunning actor with great talents in the arts. Not only is he an award-winning actor, but he is a charismatic personality who has more to give other than his superb acting. A man who is full of surprises, One Piece and Mackenyu fans alike are all rooting for him and his future acting projects.