You know, considering how much Goku and Luffy eat, it feels appropriate that they’re balloons at the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
This year marks the hundredth anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, though it’s only the 98th. It got canceled from 1942-44 because they needed the rubber for World War II. In that time, countless cultural icons have had their likeness be a part of the parade, reflecting what is considered popular in the US. And with anime having gone mainstream, that now includes the likes of Shonen icons such as Goku and Luffy.
This year, Goku appeared at the parade with a new balloon. Rather than the Super Saiyan Blue balloon that’s been used since his 2018 debut, Goku was shown off in his base form, smiling as he gives a two-finger salute to those watching. Considering how his new series, Daima, has him returned to a child form, this is very timely on the part of whoever makes the balloons. It should also be noted that this is first time Goku’s in the parade without his creator due to Akira Toriyama’s passing earlier this year. It should be noted that NBC’s hosts for the parade did not make any mention of Toriyama as Goku went by, though. It feels like a missed opportunity.
As for Luffy, this year marks his second year of being a part of the Macy’s parade, having debuted in 2023. Unfortunately, the future Pirate King’s debut was marred when his balloon got blown into a tree as it passed by. The branches tore open the brim of his iconic straw hat, making it resemble a bucket hat instead. Fans took this in stride, though, as many jokingly called him “Bucket Hat Luffy” and even made fanart of it.
MONKEY D. LUFFY ARRIVES AT THE 2024 MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE WITH A FULLY INFLATED HAT pic.twitter.com/zEHVtbsx2o
— unonumero56 (@unonumero_56) November 28, 2024 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Unlike last year, this year had no branches or trees to get in Luffy’s way. Considering how the One Piece anime had its 25th anniversary this year, it’s good to see this happen to him. It’s a reminder of how much people love One Piece and support its creator, Eichiro Oda. Oda has had to take frequent breaks from the manga in recent years for his well-being, but many fans have been understanding of his needs.
Did you see the parade this year? Any other anime characters you hope to see join someday? Let us know!
