On 1 June 2025, Culttz Kawasaki hosted the first-ever ONE PIECE Body Make Contest Presented by BragMen, where 37 muscular fans embodied Monkey D. Luffy in choreographed physique routines. After a tense final, hairstylist Akira Kenmotsu seized the crown with a powerful “Gomu-Gomu no JET Pistol” stance and smoke-filled “Gear Second” flex, earning praise from Weekly Shonen Jump’s media editor-in-chief Hiroyuki Nakano. Kenmotsu’s victory illustrates how pop-culture fandom now intersects fitness culture, expanding the ONE PIECE brand beyond the page and screen.

What Is the ONE PIECE Body Make Contest?

Concept: Cosplay-inspired physique showdown where contestants visualize “their ideal Luffy.”
Organizer: BragMen (official ONE PIECE training brand).
Venue & Date: Culttz Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan—1 June 2025.
Format: Symmetry round → Free-posing round, judged on muscularity, creativity, and thematic accuracy.

Event Highlights

JET Pistol Pose: Kenmotsu’s rapid-fire punch illusion drew gasps—“It looked like the attack launched off the stage.”
Gear Second Smoke: Contestants used stage fog and vascular pump-ups; the crowd shouted “What’s that steam?!” recreating manga panels in real time.
Audience Call-and-Response: Emcees spurred chants such as “Is that the Sunny on your shoulders?!”, blending gym showmanship with otaku enthusiasm.

Champion Profile – Akira Kenmotsu

Profession
Hairstylist & salon owner

Training Philosophy
“Freedom and reliability—just like Luffy.”

Winning Edge
Explosive fast-twitch posing, lean definition, confident stage presence

Victory Quote
“I never dreamed of winning—your cheers gave me strength. I’m overflowing with gratitude.”

Judging & Results

Head Judge: Hiroyuki Nakano (Weekly Shonen Jump media editor-in-chief).
Criteria: Originality 30 % | Physique 30 % | Pose Accuracy 20 % | Stage Appeal 20 %.
Comment: “Kenmotsu is the freest and most dependable contender—quintessentially Luffy.”

Frequently Asked Questions About the ONE PIECE Body Make Contest

When and where was the first contest held?
1 June 2025 at Culttz Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Who won the inaugural championship?
Hairstylist Akira Kenmotsu secured first place.

How many contestants participated?
37 ONE PIECE enthusiasts from across Japan.

Who served as head judge?
Weekly Shonen Jump media editor-in-chief Hiroyuki Nakano.

Will the event return next year?
Organizers hinted at annual expansion; details to be announced on BragMen’s official channels.

Source : ORICON NEWS