Zoro Tops Luffy in Japan’s Latest One Piece Poll

A surprising shift in One Piece fandom

For decades, Monkey D. Luffy has been the face of One Piece. But in a rare twist, Japan’s latest character rankings show a different favorite at the top.

The shift reflects changing fan sentiment at a time when the franchise is reaching new creative and commercial milestones worldwide.

Zoro claims the top spot in Japan

According to the latest weekly results from the official One Piece global popularity poll known as the WT100, Roronoa Zoro has overtaken Luffy to become the most popular character in Japan.

The swordsman, long admired for his loyalty and combat prowess, now leads the domestic rankings. Luffy, the series’ central protagonist, has slipped to second place.

Sanji, another core member of the Straw Hat crew, holds the third position. Meanwhile, Trafalgar Law and Portgas D. Ace round out the top five, reflecting a mix of fan-favorite allies and legacy characters.

Luffy still dominates globally

Despite losing ground in Japan, Luffy’s global popularity remains largely unshaken.

Across North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and much of Asia, Luffy continues to rank as the number one character. This highlights the character’s enduring appeal as the emotional and narrative anchor of the series.

The regional divide suggests that while Japanese audiences are currently favoring Zoro’s arc and persona, international fans remain strongly aligned with Luffy’s journey.

What is the WT100 poll?

The WT100 is an ongoing global character popularity initiative celebrating One Piece’s expansive cast. It builds toward a major reveal scheduled for One Piece Day ’26 in August.

The final rankings will carry added significance. Creator Eiichiro Oda is expected to release new illustrations featuring the top-ranked characters, artwork that often becomes the foundation for exclusive merchandise and promotional campaigns.

For fans, the poll is more than just a ranking; it’s an opportunity to influence how their favorite characters are celebrated in future releases.

A strong year for the One Piece franchise

The shift in rankings comes during a banner year for One Piece across multiple platforms.

Earlier this month, One Piece Volume 114 emerged as the bestselling manga of 2026 so far. The volume recorded sales of over 612,000 copies, significantly outperforming competitors such as Jujutsu Kaisen and One-Punch Man.

These figures reinforce the franchise’s commercial dominance, even as newer titles continue to compete for readership.

Anime and live-action momentum builds

The franchise’s success isn’t limited to print. The anime is preparing to enter one of its most anticipated storylines, the Elbaph Arc.

New episodes are expected to begin airing soon, marking the animated debut of a storyline that manga readers have followed closely. The arc is widely seen as a critical chapter in the series’ late-stage narrative.

At the same time, Netflix’s live-action adaptation continues to expand its audience.

Season 2, titled Into the Grand Line, recently premiered and introduced several beloved characters, including Tony Tony Chopper and Nefertari Vivi. It also brought Baroque Works into the spotlight, setting the stage for more complex storylines.

Critical and audience reception remains strong

The second season of the live-action series has been met with widespread acclaim.

On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently holds a perfect 100% critic score based on verified reviews. Audience response has also been overwhelmingly positive, with approval ratings hovering in the mid-90s.

This level of reception is notable for a live-action anime adaptation, a format that has historically struggled to win over fans.

Industry observers suggest that the series’ success lies in its balance between faithfulness to the source material and accessibility for new viewers.

Why Zoro’s rise matters

Zoro’s ascent to the top spot in Japan reflects more than just a popularity contest result.

It points to a broader appreciation for characters who embody discipline, strength, and quiet determination. Zoro’s recent prominence in the story combined with his iconic status has likely contributed to his surge.

Fan discussions across online forums and social media platforms indicate growing admiration for his role in the evolving narrative, particularly as the stakes in One Piece continue to rise.

What this means for the future

As the WT100 poll moves toward its final results, the competition between characters is expected to intensify.

The outcome could influence not only fan discourse but also official content, including illustrations, merchandise, and promotional focus.

With major story arcs unfolding in both the manga and anime, character popularity may continue to shift in response to new developments.

A franchise still evolving after decades

More than 25 years after its debut, One Piece continues to reinvent itself while maintaining its core identity.

The current moment marked by record-breaking sales, successful adaptations, and evolving fan preferences underscores the series’ unique ability to stay relevant.

Zoro’s rise in Japan may be a headline today, but it’s also part of a larger story: a global phenomenon that continues to grow, adapt, and inspire.

A rivalry that keeps fans engaged

The latest rankings don’t diminish Luffy’s legacy, they add a new layer to the dynamic between the Straw Hat crew’s most iconic members.

For fans, the shifting leaderboard is a reminder that One Piece is as much about its characters as it is about its story.

As the WT100 poll heads toward its final reveal, one thing is certain: the race for the top spot is far from over.