ONE PIECE x Mercer Labs: How Nasir Dean Brought Anime, Art, and Immersive Tech Together

The worlds of anime, art, luxury, and immersive technology are coming together in New York City in a way never seen before, and at the center of it all is Nasir Dean. As Manager of Special Projects at Mercer Labs, Dean was the driving force behind the groundbreaking collaboration with Toei Animation that will introduce ONE PIECE x Mercer Labs this October. His vision and leadership aligned Mercer Labs with one of the most iconic anime franchises in the world, creating a partnership that redefines cultural connection and immersive storytelling.

The exhibition, opening October 9, 2025, during New York Comic Con, transforms Eiichiro Oda’s legendary manga and Toei Animation’s record-breaking anime series into an unforgettable experience. Guests will be immersed in digital environments that bring Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates to life, encounter behind-the-scenes artwork from the franchise’s history, and engage with interactive installations designed to merge art, culture, and next-generation technology. Running through November 30, this limited-time event positions Mercer Labs at the forefront of location-based entertainment and experiential luxury.

For Dean, this project is not only a professional triumph but also a personal milestone. He has long believed in bridging worlds that rarely meet, and his ability to connect anime, contemporary art, and cutting-edge innovation has produced something that feels both visionary and inevitable.

As he explained, “Partnering with Toei Animation on ONE PIECE was an instinctive choice — it’s a legendary brand that has ignited imaginations worldwide. Now, we’re inviting fans to immerse themselves in its universe through a dynamic fusion of culture, cutting-edge innovation, and breathtaking sensory exploration.”

This defining moment highlights the unique role Dean plays as a cultural connector. Where others might see a divide between anime fandom and the refined world of immersive art, he saw an opportunity to create a shared experience that honors both.

His leadership turned Mercer Labs into a platform where storytelling and sensory technology merge seamlessly with global pop culture. The collaboration with Toei Animation is not just about showcasing an anime series; it is about demonstrating how entertainment, art, and lifestyle can converge to create lasting impact.

ONE PIECE x Mercer Labs will take place at Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology, located at 21 Dey Street in Manhattan. Tickets are now available, with general admission set at $55, student and senior pricing at $50, and VIP tickets at $75, which include exclusive perks such as mochi, a customized beverage, and a commemorative poster. For both longtime fans and those new to the franchise, this exhibition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

By guiding Mercer Labs into partnership with Toei Animation, Nasir Dean has not only delivered an event that will excite anime lovers but also elevated the cultural prestige of the franchise itself. This collaboration stands as proof of his leadership, creativity, and instinct for innovation. More than just an exhibition, ONE PIECE x Mercer Labs represents the future of how culture is experienced — immersive, boundary-breaking, and deeply human.