Youth demonstrators are rallying together, adopting a banner that resembles the Jolly Roger of a manga pirate.
The One Piece Jolly Roger Flag, a symbol synonymous with the Straw Hat Pirates in the popular manga series created by Eiichiro Oda, has taken on a new role as a symbol for youth-led protest movements across the globe. This symbol has been seen in various countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, and Paris, where it has been used during protests against government policies and social issues. In Indonesia, the Students Together with the People Movement (GEMARAK) and other civilian alliances have adopted the One Piece Jolly Roger Flag as a symbol during their protests against the government in August 2025. The flag, according to Natalie Pang, is gaining traction as a visual symbol for people to rally around and potentially mobilize to join in protests. However, local media reports show authorities seizing the One Piece flags and ordering murals removed. Amnesty International has called for the Indonesian government to 'stop repressing freedom of expression' in response to this. In Nepal, protesters display slogans such as 'Gen Z won't be silent,' 'Your luxury our misery!,' and 'Nepo Babies' alongside the One Piece Jolly Roger Flag. Bikhyat Khatri, who helped organize the Nepal protests, stated that the flag symbolizes aggression and determination. Protesters even hung a One Piece manga flag showing a skull wearing a straw hat against the palace's golden gates. The flag's adaptability is one of its key strengths. According to Pang, it can be infused with new meanings specific to the time and place of the protest. In Paris, for instance, it might represent a call for unity and resistance, while in Indonesia, it could symbolize a warning for the government to listen to the people and fix ongoing problems. One Piece has inspired an anime television series, podcasts, fan sites, and a Netflix series, reaching audiences far beyond the pages of the manga. The series' protagonist, Luffy, is a cheerful character who smiles through adversity, which might resonate with protesters who face challenges in their quest for change. The One Piece Jolly Roger Flag has broken the world record for the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author, according to Guinness World Records, further solidifying its global reach. As of now, more than 500 million copies of One Piece have been printed worldwide. Despite the controversy surrounding its use in protests, the One Piece Jolly Roger Flag continues to be a powerful symbol for those seeking change, inspiring and mobilizing people across the globe.
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