Actor Mackenyu Arata told fans at the Indonesia Comic Con 2026 that the warm welcome he received in Jakarta reminded him of home, while detailing his lifelong martial arts background and his views on live-action adaptations.
Mackenyu Arata Surprised by Fan Reception at JIExpo Kemayoran
Asked about his first visit to Indonesia, Mackenyu stated that he was taken aback by the hospitality of local supporters. He drew a direct comparison to his home country, telling the crowd that the environment felt familiar.
I actually am very surprised by how kind and appreciative everyone is here,
Mackenyu said from the stage. It kind of reminds me of Japan. That’s my home, so thank you for the love.
The actor spent a portion of his schedule meeting attendees directly through photo-op and autograph sessions. The event coincided with the Jakarta Futura Connectiva 2026, which brought together 40 local creative studios alongside the comic convention to connect creators, intellectual property owners, and international investors, according to antaranews.com.
Mackenyu Uses Childhood Martial Arts for Zoro Action
Discussing his role as Roronoa Zoro in the Netflix live-action series One Piece, Mackenyu noted that physical combat scenes required minimal adjustment due to his upbringing. entertainment.kompas.com reported that the Japanese-American actor grew up practicing martial arts, including karate and extensive swordplay.
/data/photo/2026/10/04/6ac207c543cee.jpg "Photo: Kompas")
That action choreography is something I really enjoyed doing when I did it. It wasn’t too much of a challenge,
Mackenyu said on the convention stage. Yeah, I grew up with martial arts. Karate, a lot of sword action. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid, so it’s in me, in my blood.
Mackenyu Prefers Teleportation over Commercial Flights
During the Q&A hosted by Alita, an attendee who asked which One Piece power he would choose, Mackenyu bypassed combat-focused abilities in favor of travel convenience. Instead of destructive Devil Fruit powers, he selected teleportation because he dislikes commercial flights and long journeys. The choice prompted agreement from the panel host, given the actor’s frequent international travel schedule.
Not at all. I like anime to stay as anime,
Mackenyu said. For live-action, I actually don’t really believe in it, but One Piece…
He added that he hopes studios refrain from rushing future anime-to-live-action adaptations, noting that audiences should wait to see how current projects unfold.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mackenyu at Indonesia Comic Con 2026
When did Mackenyu Arata appear at Indonesia Comic Con 2026?
Mackenyu appeared on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, marking the second day of the event held at JIExpo Kemayoran in Jakarta.
What role does Mackenyu play in the Netflix series discussed at the convention?
Mackenyu stars as Roronoa Zoro in the live-action adaptation of the manga and anime series One Piece.
Which One Piece power did Mackenyu say he would choose if given the option?
He selected teleportation, stating that he dislikes air travel and extensive commuting.
What did the actor say regarding his preparation for sword-fighting scenes?
He stated that his childhood training in karate and sword action made the choreography natural, noting that martial arts have been part of his life since youth.