“He’s been studying less than two years and speaks that well???”

At the Teen Vogue Summit in Los Angeles, One Piece star Iñaki Godoy shocked followers by talking fluent Japanese lower than two years into learning the language.

Featured Video

The Mexican actor, who performs Monkey D. Luffy in Netflix’s hit adaptation, defined that he needed Japanese followers to converse with Luffy immediately. His rapid-fire supply, dubbed “Spanish speed” by commenters, impressed native audio system, reinforcing his popularity as an actor deeply dedicated to his function and viewers.

Iñaki Godoy learns his third language

Over the weekend, Godoy joined stars like Marissa Bode of Wicked and Leah Jeffries of Olympians on the Teen Vogue Summit in LA. While speaking in regards to the depth of fandom tradition, the One Piece actor talked about that he’d been learning Japanese since early 2024.

“One Piece was created in Japan, so I thought, maybe I’m just gonna learn Japanese so that Japanese fans can speak with Luffy,” he mentioned earlier than switching to the Eastern language.

@teenvogue Okay however how a lot of a serve was it when #InakiGodoy pulled out his Japanese?! #Luffy #OnePiece #OnePieceEdit ♬ unique sound – TeenVogue

“I started studying in January of 2024. Of course, there are still a lot of words I don’t know. I’m doing my best to study every day.”

Godoy spoke quickly and with spectacular accuracy for somebody who has lower than two years underneath his belt. He then conversed with one other Japanese speaker within the viewers who works within the anime business.

The younger actor bought his begin on the Telemundo collection La querida del Centauro in 2016. In 2022, he landed the function of Juan Ruiz within the Canadian superhero present The Imperfects. The following yr, he nabbed the starring function within the extremely anticipated adaptation of One Piece, which is able to proceed on Netflix into season two in 2026.

Godoy first formally confirmed off his Japanese language talent in December 2024 by interviewing One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda with solely a bit of English.

@onepiecenetflix

We’ve bought fairly the deal with right here, Straw Hats! 🏴‍☠️ 🍖 Iñaki Godoy discovered Japanese to take a seat down with Oda-Sensei to speak about Season 2. From the Grand Line’s wild challenges to the center of Luffy himself, you gained’t need to miss this uncommon treasure of a second! 👑 🌊

♬ unique sound – One Piece Netflix

“Using that Spanish speed”

Though some commenters identified that Spanish and Japanese have related vowel sounds, making the training course of a bit simpler for him, everybody nonetheless appeared impressed. Fans notably beloved to see how far Godoy is keen to go for his or her sake, in addition to for his craft.

TikToker @neilperrycore spoke on “the fact that he learned an entire language just to connect with his fans proves there’s no excuse for big artists with international fanbases who can’t even bother learning the basics of other languages.”

“I rarely see actors being this committed to serving the fans,” wrote @jckeysim, including, “protect this man.”

Experts in Japanese and language typically had probably the most reward for the actor, noting that his progress is unbelievable no matter what he grew up talking.

“I’m full Japanese, and I’m not kidding he’s really good at it,” mentioned @_sutekinakomentokakitai.

“He’s been studying less than two years and speaks that well??? I’ve been studying French for freaking ever and I couldn’t form basic conversation beyond hello and how are you without really having to think and translate as I went,” admitted @lea.kelley.

“Dang bro hes using that Spanish speed,” wrote @alanez085.

The web is chaotic—however we’ll break it down for you in a single every day e-mail. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s publication right here.