Overview

• Animator Sota Shigetsugu publicly criticized Toei Animation’s sound team, labeling their work as 'unprofessional' and calling for their dismissal in a now-deleted social media post.
• The One Piece anime resumed in April following a six-month hiatus, during which Toei promised significant improvements to its sound design, a commitment fans say remains unfulfilled.
• Fans and industry critics highlight the continued use of recycled sound effects from the Dragon Ball era, which they argue diminishes the quality of the anime's otherwise upgraded visuals.
• Viewers and critics have pointed out issues like repetitive sound cues causing audio fatigue, further fueling calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the sound design department.
• The controversy has reignited broader discussions on the role of sound quality in anime production and the accountability of studios to meet audience expectations.