Filipino representation finds a more personal resonance in One Piece Season 2 as Julia Rehwald steps into the role of Tashigi, carrying with her both craft and a quiet sense of pride tied to her heritage.

In her interview with Vogue Philippines, Rehwald reflected on what it means to see herself as part of a global series. 

“You want to make your family and your people proud,” she said. “So I hope that Filipinos get to watch it and see me and feel excited, hopefully, and maybe a little bit proud that there’s a Filipino in One Piece now, which feels kind of crazy to get to say, but it is very exciting.”

Rehwald brings that perspective into Tashigi, a Marine officer known for her strong moral compass and dedication to justice in One Piece. The character stands out for her discipline and swordsmanship, but also for a more understated, earnest presence that evolves over time.

Speaking about the role, Rehwald noted how different it felt compared to her previous work. 

“I didn’t ever really see myself as playing this sort of earnest, clumsy, nerdy kind of character,” she shared in the same interview. “And I don’t think many other people had seen me in that way, so this was totally different.”

For One Piece, she trained extensively in sword work and physical choreography, preparing to embody a character whose strength is as much internal as it is physical.

Tashigi, who serves under Captain Smoker, operates with quiet conviction amid the chaos of the series. For Rehwald, the role offered both a challenge and a parallel. In her own words, Tashigi’s journey mirrors a process of growth, from uncertainty to confidence, something she has come to understand in her own path as an actor.

As One Piece expands its world in Season 2, Rehwald’s portrayal adds not only narrative depth but also a sense of representation that resonates beyond the screen. For her, the role is not just another credit, but a moment where identity and storytelling meet in a way that feels both personal and far-reaching.

PHOTO: ONE PIECE/NETFLIX