Sanji’s Character In One Piece Was Inspired By This Fictional Gangster

Sanji, the suave chef and fighter of the Straw Hat Pirates, is one of One Piece’s most beloved characters. But did you know that Sanji's personality and style were directly inspired by a famous fictional gangster? Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, has revealed that Sanji’s charm, fighting skills, and even his smoking habit come from Steve Buscemi’s character as Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs.

At first glance, Sanji seems like a typical ladies’ man with killer kicks. But look closer, and you’ll spot the gangster influence - from his sharp suits to his cool-under-pressure attitude. Oda took these traits and mixed them with his own ideas to create the Sanji we know today.

Don’t miss our YouTube Short for a quick dive into what inspired Sanji’s character.

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Mr. Pink: The Inspiration Behind Sanji's Character

In Reservoir Dogs, Mr. Pink, played by Steve Buscemi, is a smooth-talking, quick-thinking thief who stays calm in chaos, just like Sanji in tough situations. Both characters smoke constantly, wear sharp black suits, and have a talent for talking their way through trouble. While their actual fighting styles differ, Sanji’s speed and precision do echo that same slick, calculated vibe.

Oda loved how Mr. Pink stood out without being the main character. He gave Sanji the same kind of presence, a supporting crew member who often steals the spotlight. The cigarette, his hair, and the no-nonsense attitude all nod to Mr. Pink’s style. But Oda gave Sanji his own flavor too: a love for cooking and a hilarious weakness around women.

From Gangster To Chef: How Oda Made Sanji Unique

Oda worked hard to make Sanji's character even better. Sanji’s fighting style, the Black Leg Style, was something that took inspiration from Zeff. It’s all about fast, clean kicks and was inspired by styles like Capoeira, Savate, and Taekwondo. Unlike Mr. Pink, Sanji also has a tragic backstory - he was a bullied kid who found a new life thanks to Zeff and cooking.

The real difference between Sanji and Mr. Pink, though, is Sanji’s heart. Mr. Pink only cared about himself. Sanji would never leave his crew behind. He only fights with his legs to keep his hands safe for cooking. And no matter what, he refuses to hit women. Oda took that gangster inspiration for Sanji and turned it into something way better.

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

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