Eiichiro Oda Originally Planned To Give Sanji A Very Different Name

When it comes to creating iconic characters, Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind One Piece, is a legend. But did you know that one of his most beloved characters, Sanji, almost had a completely different name? That’s right - Sanji, the suave chef and fighter of the Straw Hat Pirates, was almost named something else entirely by Eiichiro Oda. It’s hard to imagine anyone but Sanji carrying that name, but Oda had his reasons for considering it.

Long before One Piece became a global phenomenon, Oda was brainstorming ideas for his characters. Sanji, with his love for cooking and his fiery kicks, was always meant to stand out. But the name Oda initially chose was one that could have changed anime history. Let’s dive into the story of how Sanji became Sanji, and why his original name was left behind.

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The Food-Inspired Name That Almost Stuck

Eiichiro Oda is known for his attention to detail, especially when it comes to naming his characters. For Sanji, Oda initially thought of a name that had a strong connection to food. This name was inspired by a type of fish cake often used in ramen, as well as a famous whirlpool in Japan. The name? Naruto. Oda thought it would be a perfect fit for a character who was passionate about cooking and had a fiery personality.

Here's an interesting YouTube Short we made on this fascinating incident

However, Oda eventually decided against it. At the time, another manga series was gaining popularity - Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. Oda didn’t want fans to confuse the two characters or think he was copying Kishimoto’s work. So, he went back to the drawing board and came up with the name "Sanji," which still has a connection to food. In Japanese, "san" can mean "three," and "ji" can mean "times" or "occasions," hinting at Sanji’s role as the third member to join Luffy’s crew.

How Sanji Became the Character We Know Today

Once Oda settled on the name Sanji, he focused on building the character’s personality and backstory. Sanji’s love for cooking, his chivalry toward women, and his dream of finding the All Blue made him a fan favorite. His fighting style, which uses only his legs to keep his hands clean for cooking, added to his uniqueness. Sanji’s design was also inspired by Steve Buscemi, the actor known for his sharp features and intense expressions.

The decision to change Sanji’s name turned out to be a great move. Not only did it avoid confusion with Kishimoto’s Naruto, but it also gave Sanji his own identity. Over the years, Sanji has become one of the most iconic characters in One Piece, known for his loyalty, humor, and incredible cooking skills. It’s hard to imagine him with any other name, but it’s fun to think about what could have been.

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Release Year	MAL RATING	Animation Studio	Gere	Watch On
October 1999	8.73	Toei Animation	Action, Adventure	Crunchyroll