‘A symbol of liberation’: how the One Piece manga flag became the symbol of Asia’s gen Z protest movement

Carried by a band of pirates that stand up to corrupt and repressive rulers, the meaning of the One Piece flag has resonated across Asia

In Indonesia, it was hung outside homes, on motorbikes, cars and trucks, in a sign of discontent with the government that boiled over into deadly protests railing against lavish perks enjoyed by politicians. In Nepal, it was draped on the golden gates of the palace that houses parliament, as young people toppled their government. In the Philippines, it was raised at rallies by protesters furious at alleged government corruption.

The flag, showing a cartoon skull wearing a straw hat, taken from the hugely popular Japanese anime One Piece, has become a symbol of defiance and hope for gen Z protesters across Asia.

In the 1997 anime, it is carried by a band of Straw Hat pirates that stand up to corrupt and repressive rulers. Its meaning has resonated across borders.

“Even though we have different languages and cultures, we speak the same language of oppression,” said Eugero Vincent Liberato, 23, a recent graduate who helped organise the protests in the Philippines capital Manila. “We see the flag as a symbol of liberation against oppression … that we should always fight for the future we deserve.”

Tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets on Sunday to voice their anger over allegations that officials and contractors siphoned off funds intended for much-needed flood relief projects. As protesters gathered at Manila’s Luneta Park, the One Piece Jolly Roger flag could be seen fluttering above crowds.

Anime, which comes from Japan and is popular across Indonesia, Nepal and the Philippines, has also proved a powerful and accessible symbol over recent weeks, spreading across social media.

The One Piece flag was used widely by protesters in Indonesia last month ahead of the country’s Independence Day on 17 August, irking officials. One lawmaker said it was an attempt to divide national unity, another suggested displaying it could amount to treason.

A series of reports stating that people had been targeted by the police and military after showing the flag prompted Amnesty International to issue a statement warning that such actions were a violation of people’s freedom of expression.