All of a sudden, everyone just wants to be Mackenyu.
The Japanese actor portrayed Zoro in the live-action version of hit anime series One Piece. His popularity was evident in the way many dressed as Zoro for Halloween, and many have become fans of One Piece after seeing his performance in the live action series by Netflix.
It’s not surprising that he was met with such fervor from fans when he arrived in Manila for Closer to You: Fun Fan Meet, the actor’s solo fan meeting happening on November 20, 2023, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I am feeling a lot of love from my fans. It’s crazy,” he said during the recent press conference held for his fan meet.
He had already experienced the love and dedication of Filipino fans earlier this year, as he recounted briefly to TV5, “Fans from the Philippines came all the way to Kuwait to meet me.”
Although already beloved by fans, there are still many things to know about the 27-year-old actor.
Here are four things Mackenyu revealed to the press.
HIS CHARACTER ZORO WAS HIS CHILDHOOD HERO
Unknown to many, Mackenyu has actually starred in a number of live-action versions of different anime series, such as the last two movies of Rurouni Kenshin and Fullmetal Alchemist.
But the role of Zoro in One Piece is special to him.
In an interview with GMA-7, he said, “It’s definitely an honor to play Zoro.
“Zoro was my hero growing up, and just to be able to play him is a big deal for me.”
When asked about preparing for the role, the actor first detailed his usual fitness regimen.
He revealed that he works out “six days a week, one day break, just to stay fit and prepare for the next role.”
But preparing for the role of Zoro was a different story.
He said, “So I had months — not months, weeks of training to prepare for Zoro. So that’s how I kinda got prepared for Zoro. Weeks of training. I had lots of cuts and bruises in my arm.”
Not only did Mackenyu prepare to get the right physique for the role, but he also learned how to handle a sword in Zoro’s unique three-sword style.
He explained, “The biggest preparation was sword training.
“Even though I had katana training growing up, playing with three swords was, I’ve never done that before.
“And I think only Zoro does that, so that was a challenge.”
His dedication to the role went as far as actually getting his ear pierced. He wanted to get Zoro’s signature look right, even if it meant going through what he called a “painful experience.”
He disclosed, “They were planning to glue it on me, which I didn’t want them to do. [The role required me to] move around so much, I knew it would fall off. So I had to get [my ear] pierced.”
The role may have been challenging, but it also earned him the love of the fans.
He said, “[The fans and I] have the same love for this character. And it’s such a privilege to play this role and it’s creating a very tight bond between me and the fans. So thank you Zoro.”
HE IS A MANNY PACQUIAO FAN
His time here in the Philippines may allow him to cross paths with many local celebrities, but Mackenyu confessed he would specifically like to meet one famous Filipino personality.
He admitted, “I’m looking forward to meeting Manny Pacquiao.
“I grew up watching him. I had Filipino friends when I was in middle school, we were talking about his fights and all that.”
Unaware that the Pambansang Kamao was also an actor, singer, and senator, Mackenyu said of a possible acting collaboration, “That would be cool.”
HE USED TO BE A GAMER
With his strict workout regimen, Mackenyu hardly has any free time. But he did enjoy a certain hobby in the past.
He confessed, “I used to be a gamer. I used to game a lot, [playing] PC games like shooting people, killing, bloody games.”
But now, the actor is content to simply spend time at home.
“I just stay home. I like to stay home, chill, recharge. That’s the place I recharge and rest.”
HE IS WAITING FOR HIS FUTURE PROJECTS
With his rising popularity, everyone is excited to see what’s next for Mackenyu.
But the actor revealed, “I guess we have to wait and see. I don't even know about it. I don't even know about future projects.”
He added in jest, “If someone knows about my future projects, please tell me.”
The only sure thing is that One Piece has been picked up for another season, but Mackenyu said he is not privy to any details.
He admitted, “I don’t know anything about Season 2. I just know that they’re gonna do Season 2.
“I don’t know the story, I don’t know where they’re gonna film. Probably South Africa, but I don’t know anything.”
Although it seems like the actor is unbothered about not knowing what is next for him, he explained, “Like projects, it’s all about timing and luck. So I’m just waiting to see what my next project will be.”
Mackenyu can rest assured the fans can’t wait to see what’s next for him either!