While it’s unlikely Oda specifically modeled him after Italians, examining Borsalino’s mannerisms shows he would fit right in on the streets of Naples or lounging by the canals of Venice if he were a real person.
After a long conversation with our editorial team, we figured out it was hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Kizaru seem so Italian – it’s mostly just his general vibe and flair. Which is frustrating, because we all seem to agree, unanimously, that Borsalino gives off a distinctly Italian aura. But thankfully, we did eventually figure out a few specific things that point to his inner Italian spirit.
In this article, we’ll highlight key qualities Borsalino shares with Italian culture. And we’ll speculate just what region of Italy spawned someone as simultaneously flamboyant and nonchalant as Borsalino! So join us as we decode the One Piece Admiral’s inner Italian spirit!
1) The Strongest Clue – Kizaru’s real name has Italian roots
- Perhaps the biggest hint that Kizaru would fit right in with real-life Italians is his very name Borsalino. While it’s just a fictional moniker, Borsalino is actually a famous Italian luxury brand known for high-end hats since 1857. The company was founded in Alessandria, Italy by Giuseppe Borsalino and quickly grew renowned for the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of its hats.
The Borsalino brand is symbolic of Italian flair, sophistication and style. The boldly stylish Kizaru perfectly encapsulates those qualities, strolling around with refined clothing and his signature shades. It’s almost impossible to hear the name Borsalino and not think of Italy.
Of course, Kizaru’s name Borsalino draws inspiration from Japanese actor Kunie Tanaka, who played a character by that name in the 1977 film “Truck Yaro: Dokyo Ichiban Hoshi.” However, while Oda may have been paying homage to the Japanese film with Kizaru’s name, Borsalino also encapsulates Italian sophistication.
2) Borsalino Oozes Italian Style and Fashion
Italy has long been renowned worldwide for its sense of style and cutting-edge fashion. Italy held its first major international fashion show in Florence back in 1951. These days, Milan is considered the sartorial capital of the country. Milan’s Quadrilatero d’Oro is a high-end shopping district home to fashion houses like Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani, and Dolce & Gabbana.
- Out of all the marines in One Piece, Borsalino seems most likely to enjoy leisurely shopping for designer threads on the streets of Milan. He takes pride in dressing with flair and sophistication, much like the well-dressed Italians you’d see strutting down the streets of Rome or Florence.
Kizaru clearly shares the Italian eye for aesthetics and appreciation of being ben vestito (“well-dressed”). With his tailored suits, cultivated scruff, and ever-present shades, he cultivates a look that screams Italy. The Admiral embodies Italian sprezzatura – a studied nonchalance and ability to make difficult feats look effortless.
3) Kizaru embraces the Dolce Far Niente lifestyle
Italians place great importance on quality of life and relaxation. Long lunches, coffee breaks, and vacations are essential. The Italian term “dolce far niente” encapsulates the sweetness of idleness and enjoying the good things in life.
- Kizaru’s laidback, unhurried manner also hints at his Italian spirit. He takes his time and never seems rushed, even when the situation seems dire, mirroring the Italian culture of leisure.
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In addition, both Kizaru and Italians have a reputation for absent-mindedness and getting easily distracted from tasks at hand. Borsalino often seems oblivious during serious situations, exuding a carefree nonchalance.
4) Borsalino represents a popular Italian stereotype
- Another parallel between Kizaru and Italian culture is their reputations for absent-mindedness and distraction. Borsalino is often oblivious in serious situations, getting sidetracked or overlooking critical details.
- Likewise, the Italian stereotype is that they can be easily distracted and less efficient compared to other cultures. Long lunches, coffee breaks, and socializing may take priority over work tasks.
Now admittedly, these are broad stereotypes and don’t apply to all Italians. However, in the fictional context of One Piece, there are noticeable similarities between Kizaru’s carefree distraction and the Italian trope of attention drifting to leisure and pleasure.
So while we must be careful of cultural stereotypes, Kizaru does exhibit a playful distractibility and attention to wandering interests that one might expect from a true Italian.
Conclusion:
While we can’t definitively prove what real-world nationality Oda imagined for Kizaru, the Admiral’s mannerisms strongly hint that this devil fruit user would fit right in with the Italians. From the significance of his Italian name Borsalino to his laidback personality and bold fashion, he encapsulates a quintessentially Italian spirit.
Borsalino seems ready to lounge in cafes along the canals of Venice, stroll through high fashion boutiques in Milan, and embrace la dolce vita by relaxing on sun-kissed beaches in Sicily. What do you think? Would Borsalino have been Italian in real life? Did we miss any reason why? Let us know in the comments!
