“Sailing” the Grand Line with BE:FIRST and Their Collaboration With One Piece
Set sail to the Grand Line, traverse the seas in search of the fated treasure: the One Piece.
Happy 25th anniversary, Straw Hats! On October 20, the iconic anime, One Piece, celebrated its 25th anniversary since its 1999 debut. Following the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates, One Piece focuses on themes of resilience, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. After 25 years and an illustrious history as one of the best mangas of all time, celebrations were in order like the “ONE PIECE FAN LETTER” short film and One Piece Day. While the excitement was high, it came as a shock to fans that the show would be seeing a six month hiatus until April 2025. As a tradeoff, however, Toei Animation stated that they would be releasing a revamped version of the Fish-Man Island Arc on November 2 to improve the art and animation while also addressing pacing issues.
None found this re-edition more exciting than seven-member J-pop group, BE:FIRST. The Japanese boy group — consisting of members SOTA, SHUNTO, MANATO, RYUHEI, JUNON, RYOKI, and LEO — have been working exclusively with Toei Animation this year for all things concerning the anniversary of the anime. Notably, “Set Sail” was released as the official theme song for the One Piece Card Game back in February. But most recently, BE:FIRST released their collaborative song “Sailing,” which now serves as the ending theme for the newly edited Fish-Man Island Saga.
BE:FIRST connected with EnVi via email to discuss everything about the collaboration, from their feelings surrounding the project to its creation.
For Fans By Fans
The show is almost as old as the group’s eldest members — and for the fans in the group, these onscreen pirates raised them. Being entrusted with a song that will be associated with such a renowned show is a heavy burden to bear. But for long-time supporters SHUNTO, SOTA, RYUHEI, and JUNON, this opportunity could only be described as a dream come true, or as RYOKI said, a source of pride: “[It’s] as if we are carrying on the tradition of a work we have been familiar with since our youth.” He tenderly noted that it was moving to realize that as they grew, their work never betrayed them. This opportunity taught him that nothing is impossible nor should the group give up on the possibilities.
“I have loved both [the] One Piece manga and anime for a long time, and I still often talk about the series with my father and friends!” added SHUNTO. “I am truly happy and honored to be involved with One Piece as part of the project.”
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but BE:FIRST wear it with style and grace. As fans of the show, they offer a unique perspective when it comes to creating a track fitting for its themes. After all, who would know better what suits the show than fans who love and cherish what they are watching? That’s not to say that they know everything, but the best art comes from the heart. That’s exactly what “Sailing” is: a labor of love. With the first episode featuring the ending theme airing just one day before the group’s three year anniversary, it almost feels like a natural progression for them to hit this milestone in their career. It makes sense that the meaning behind this track doesn’t only incorporate the connection between the pirates, but within the group as well.
From the lens of a One Piece enthusiast, SOTA offered some insight into the song’s creative process. It was important to him to think about not only the song’s place in relation to the anime but also how it stood as a part of their discography. This passion for the show and his craft bled right into the track.
“I did consider a lot about the strong bond within BE:FIRST and the bond between the Straw Hat Pirates, and I hope through ‘Sailing,’ we can convey the importance of friendship,” he mentioned. “Also, since the [season] is the Fish-Man Island Arc, where Luffy rises from rock bottom and grows stronger, I focused on capturing [his] emotions.”
Dissecting “Sailing”
The group’s efforts surely paid off in the end, for the track embodies the soul of One Piece and all that SOTA sought to share.
“Sailing” is a dynamic song that blends together a groovy pop production with uplifting and emotional melodies. The track opens with an upbeat bass-guitar riff as JUNON and LEO set the tone with their sweet vocals. “Sailing” is relatively light, with lyrics telling the journey of a crew of sailors and reflecting the vibrant nature of the show. The vibe switches completely halfway through for the bridge, with a darker sound that shows the more intense side of One Piece and the group. Overall, “Sailing” is a feel-good track that “conveys the gratitude of having people who will accept you, even when you cry or go through tough times.” RYUHEI described, “It also carries the hope that, even if you haven’t had such experiences, you will become the one who accepts others and build even more precious friendships.”
With a show that spotlights the importance of forging friendships and chasing your dreams, it’s only right that these emotions are channeled into the song. The lyrics can be taken from the perspective of Luffy — or any of the Straw Hat Pirates, really — especially when RYUHEI declares in the pre-chorus, “I’ll be there for you, even through unbearable pain / An over-the-top dream that’s just like you.”
Passions and Picks
Of course, with this collaboration, the doors are now open for BE:FIRST to continue working in the realm of anime. When asked if there were any other anime or animation studios the group would like to work with in the future, MANATO answered Bleach, referencing the notorious shonen anime following the story of high school student turned substitute Soul Reaper, Ichigo Kurosaki. Bleach is all about duty and sacrifice while analyzing the grey area that lies between good and evil.
Our fingers are crossed that the group finds themselves working with the show in the future. This kind of opportunity would allow them to showcase the more intense and poignant side of their artistry. Songs like “Genesis” reflect themes of resilience and transformation with a dark hip-hop production that hasn’t been featured in an opening for Bleach before.
On the flip side, “Scream” is a track that bridges the gap between a more modern sound and the nostalgic openings while still resonating with the tone established by the anime. With this track, BE:FIRST focus on rising against challenges and finding strength in vulnerability. All the while, “Scream” encourages listeners to let out their frustrations symbolized through the act of screaming. Both tracks have a fierce energy combined with its focus on self-discovery and overcoming limitations that captures the action and introspective aspects of the show. Not only would these songs suit the show (among others in their discography) but it would be another great addition to BE:FIRST’s repertoire, which is a plus.
Though, when it came to recommending a favorite anime for fans, SHUNTO is a purist stating: “For me, it is of course One Piece! The reason why […] is because it is not just a battle manga — there are moments that make you chuckle, and even the characters on the enemy side have their own pasts and fight for their own sense of justice. I think that is why it is a work loved by people of all ages and backgrounds.” And he’s right! If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, which is precisely why One Piece will likely be forever known as a legendary anime and manga.
Never Lose Sight of Your Dream
“I think ‘Sailing’ expresses both the sense of camaraderie within BE:FIRST and the journey we are on,” said JUNON. “So it reflects both [our] vibes, for sure!” The group makes it clear that while the image of the anime was important as it relates to the project, it’s just as important that they leave their mark on the legacy as well. While “Sailing” is meant to showcase the vibe of One Piece, it also represents the dynamic of BE:FIRST.
“Everyone has things they can do and cannot do. I’ll do what you can’t do, and you do what I can’t do,” said Sanji to Usopp in episode 297, capturing the essence of the show with just this line. It serves as a tender reminder that everyone has value, and there is strength in relying on your friends. This couldn’t be more true for BE:FIRST as well as they continue to navigate the industry as artists.
“This song is filled with dreams created by members who love One Piece, where we have connected ourselves to the world of [the show]!” added LEO. “Please check it out!”
Keep up with BE:FIRST by following them on X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!
Interested in more BE:FIRST? Check out our coverage of their second full-length album, 2:BE, here!
