For generations of anime fans across the world, We Are! has been more than just an opening track, it has become a part of childhood itself. And at the centre of that legacy stands Hiroshi Kitadani, whose voice became synonymous with the spirit of One Piece.

Now, as anime continues to explode in popularity across India, Kitadani visited the country for the first time and was left fascinated not just by Indian anime fans, but also by Indian cinema, music and storytelling itself. He was brought to India by Crunchyhroll for Mumbai Comic Con

In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost’s Zinia Bandyopadhyay, the Japanese singer opened up about the global rise of anime songs, the difference between J-pop and K-pop’s international growth, and why films like PadMan and English Vinglish deeply moved him.

‘I never expected We Are to become such a global hit’

Despite
_One Piece_ becoming one of the biggest anime franchises in the world, Kitadani admitted that he never imagined the song would eventually achieve global recognition. When asked whether he expected the track to become an international phenomenon while recording it, the singer simply responded, “No.”

However, even after performing the song countless times over the years, the emotional connection with it has remained unchanged.

“My feelings are the same as when I recorded it for the first time,” he said. “I’ve sung it tens of thousands of times, but it’s a song I don’t get tired of.”

Kitadani also revealed that the song’s emotional tone was shaped heavily by the director’s guidance during recording.

“The director recommended me that this song should actually define the dreams and hopes of the children of Japan. So, when you sing the song, it has to be very cheerful with a smiling face,” he revealed.

According to Kitadani, that emotional sincerity continues even during live performances today.

‘I came here to make everyone in India happy’

The singer admitted that while he had heard about anime’s growing popularity in India before arriving, experiencing it firsthand was something entirely different.

“I have heard that there are a lot of fans in India, but today, since I have come for the first time, I’ll see so many people from the stage.”

And clearly, the reception left an impact on him.

“Anyway, I came here to make everyone in India happy,” Kitadani said before his performance at Mumbai Comic Con 2026. “I will do my best so that I can come to India again and make everyone happy.”

Hiroshi Kitadani on J-pop vs K-pop: ‘Anime songs have their own challenges’

One of the most interesting parts of the interaction came when Kitadani spoke about the global evolution of J-pop, especially at a time when K-pop has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon. According to the singer, anime music emerged organically from the long history of Japanese pop music itself.

“J-pop has a really long history,” he said. “And I think that’s where anime songs came from.”

However, Kitadani believes anime music occupies a unique creative space because of the storytelling attached to it. “Anime songs have a variety of categories,” he explained. “And it is also like storytelling. That’s why it’s very interesting,” Kitadani added.

Interestingly, his comments also reflect how anime songs today are increasingly becoming the global bridge through which international audiences are discovering Japanese music culture beyond traditional J-pop.

‘I like films where people struggle to become better’

Beyond anime and music, Kitadani also surprised us by revealing his admiration for Indian cinema. Like many international viewers, he initially associated Indian films with dance-heavy spectacles.

“There are a lot of images of Indian movies where people are dancing,” he laughed.

However, the singer revealed that the Indian films that truly stayed with him were emotionally driven stories about perseverance and human struggle.

“I like Pad Man,” he said. “It was good.”

He also named English Vinglish as another favourite and said, “I was impressed.”

Kitadani shared that he particularly connects with stories about ordinary people trying to improve themselves against difficult odds. “I personally like movies in which a person is struggling to be better. That kind of movie is very interesting.”

From Arijit Singh to Bloodywood: Hiroshi Kitadani wants to explore Indian music

During the interaction, Kitadani also expressed curiosity about Indian musicians and singers, admitting that he wants to learn more about the country’s music scene. When recommended artists like Arijit Singh, Bloodywood and W.i.S.H, the singer responded enthusiastically.

“Then I’ll listen to it,” he said. “Then it might be a new inspiration and a hint for creation.”

And it made one thing very clear, that despite being the voice behind one of anime’s most iconic songs, Hiroshi Kitadani still approaches music with the curiosity of someone eager to discover something entirely new.

_One Piece_ is currently available on Crunchyroll.