One Piece has dazzled viewers with phenomenal animation improvements during the Wano Country Arc , delivering iconic scenes like Luffy’s explosive Gear 5 transformations. Yet, behind the visual triumphs, animator Sota Shigetsugu has publicly voiced frustration over another key component: the sound effects (SFX). In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Shigetsugu criticized the SFX as “ devastatingly bad ,” citing how outdated sound design is dragging down otherwise stunning episodes.
According to a translation shared by @Hatchofly_ , Shigetsugu expressed that the gap between the cutting-edge animation and poor sound work was “really sad” and diminished the overall impact. Fans were quick to back his claims, with many pointing out that some effects sounded like reused assets from early Dragon Ball episodes, creating a jarring experience.
Fans Agree: Stunning Animation Deserves Better Sound
One Piece Egghead Arc Part 2
It’s not just industry insiders noticing the disconnect. On platforms like Reddit , fans echoed Shigetsugu’s frustrations, noting that the low-quality SFX often feel recycled and outdated , especially when paired with the anime’s upgraded visuals. Some viewers even admitted to watching clips on mute to avoid the distracting sounds, particularly during major Gear 5 scenes.
One piece animator goes off about toei by u/Less-Thanks-8922 in OnePiece
Given One Piece ’s massive global success and the huge budget available to Toei Animation , many feel it’s time the studio invests more into elevating its audio production. As one of the world’s top shonen titles, fans argue that the soundscape should match the animation’s brilliance—especially now, when the anime is closer to cinematic quality than ever before.
Is It Time for a Full SFX Overhaul?
Luffy (Credits: Eiichiro Oda)
While Toei’s animators have stepped up to deliver some of the best visuals in franchise history , the outdated sound design threatens to hold back One Piece from reaching its full potential. Fans and animators alike are calling for a comprehensive SFX update to match the evolving animation standard. Whether or not Toei will respond remains to be seen—but the message from the community is loud and clear: it’s time for change .
“One Piece” is a beloved Japanese manga and anime series that chronicles the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew. Luffy, imbued with rubber powers from a mystical fruit Hito Hito no Mi, aspires to become the Pirate King. To achieve this, he seeks the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece,” hidden at the Grand Line’s end. Along the journey, Luffy gathers a diverse crew, confronts formidable foes, and uncovers world-altering secrets, all while promoting themes of friendship, freedom, and adventure.
Jamal Murray, the star point guard for the Denver Nuggets, has been in a well-known relationship with Harper Hempel for several years.
Their relationship has garnered attention due to Murray’s high profile in the NBA and Hempel’s presence in the digital and photography spaces.
Who is Harper Hempel? Meet Jamal Murray’s Girlfriend
Harper Hempel is a multi-talented individual known for her work as a social media influencer, entrepreneur, and photographer.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Hempel attended the University of Kentucky, where she played volleyball while Jamal Murray was playing basketball for the school’s team. This is where the two first met and began their relationship.
Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel (Credit: Instagram)
Despite being a prominent figure in her own right, Hempel is relatively private compared to her boyfriend, Murray, who is often in the public eye due to his career in the NBA.
While she initially made a name for herself through volleyball, Hempel has become more known for her career in photography.
She runs her own photography business called Harper Hempel Photography, where she specializes in capturing personal moments, such as family portraits, senior pictures, and engagement sessions.
Her work has been highly regarded for its emotional depth and her ability to connect with her subjects.
Additionally, she has worked in social media management, creating digital content for various brands, which speaks to her understanding of the digital landscape.
The Beginning of Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel’s Relationship
Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel’s relationship began during their time at the University of Kentucky. Murray, who was a standout player for the Kentucky Wildcats, met Hempel, who was an athlete on the school’s volleyball team. Their bond grew stronger over time, and they became a couple.
Despite their significant age difference in terms of career stages—Murray eventually joined the NBA, while Hempel remained focused on her photography business—they managed to maintain a close relationship, supporting each other through their professional journeys.
Both individuals had demanding schedules, with Murray traveling across the country for NBA games, while Hempel focused on building her business.
Nevertheless, the couple has managed to maintain their bond, frequently appearing together at events or sharing subtle moments on social media.
Though they often keep their personal lives out of the public spotlight, it’s clear that they have a strong, supportive relationship that has lasted through the years.
Controversy and Privacy
In 2020, the relationship between Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel gained unwanted attention when Murray’s Instagram account was hacked, leading to the release of a private video that included a moment between the couple.
The leak of the video drew significant public attention and scrutiny. The couple was understandably upset, and Murray quickly addressed the situation, stating that his account had been hacked.
Jamal Murray (Credit: YouTube)
Hempel, who had her own public platform, also took to social media to express her distress and urged people to stop sharing the video.
Following the incident, she briefly deactivated her accounts to regain some privacy, though she later returned to managing her social media platforms.
This unfortunate situation highlighted the couple’s desire for privacy and control over their personal lives, especially in the face of digital invasions.
While many couples in the spotlight choose to confront the issue head-on, Murray and Hempel instead opted to keep their personal matters as private as possible after the incident.
Life After the Controversy
After the hacking incident, both Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel resumed their lives, with Hempel continuing to build her photography career and Murray becoming an increasingly key player for the Denver Nuggets.
Hempel has maintained a quieter presence on social media, focusing on her photography business and gradually rebuilding her online presence.
Meanwhile, Murray’s career in the NBA has flourished, and he has earned a reputation as one of the league’s rising stars.
Despite the public nature of the hacking incident, it appears that the couple has weathered the storm and continued their relationship without major public drama.
While their personal lives remain largely private, there are no indications that the incident has caused a rift between them.
