Global Protests Embrace ‘One Piece’ Flag as Gen Z’s Symbol of Change

The iconic skull and crossbones flag associated with the popular Japanese manga “One Piece” has emerged as a prominent symbol of protest among Generation Z across the globe. In recent months, this emblem, featuring a straw hat-wearing skull, has been displayed during demonstrations from Indonesia to Morocco, representing a collective demand for justice and reform among the youth.

This trend began in Asia, where young protesters in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Nepal first adopted the flag, inspired by the story of Monkey D. Luffy, the manga’s hero. As protests have spread, the flag has become a unifying image for various movements, reflecting the discontent of a generation seeking change.

From Manga to Movement

“The Jolly Roger represents the ideology championed by a large segment of this generation,” noted one participant of the protests. The manga, which debuted in 1997 and was created by Eiichirō Oda, tells the tale of Luffy’s quest for the legendary One Piece treasure, symbolizing freedom and rebellion against oppressive systems. With over 500 million copies sold in more than 40 languages, “One Piece” has become the most widely sold manga in history.

Protesters in Madagascar have even adopted the flag as a profile picture on social media to show solidarity with local movements. On September 10, 2023, demonstrators in France were seen holding banners adorned with Luffy’s flag, echoing the sentiments of their peers worldwide.

In Morocco, the flag has been embraced by members of the GenZ 212 movement, which advocates for social justice, better healthcare, education reforms, and a crackdown on corruption. “There are many critiques within ‘One Piece’ of the elite, of governments, and of lies,” said a participant known as Younès, a 26-year-old from Casablanca.

The Ideology Behind the Flag

Participants in protests, such as Faly, a medical student from Madagascar, express a deep connection to the narrative of “One Piece.” Faly believes the story resonates with their fight against entrenched societal norms. “The ability to read ‘One Piece’ as a political document develops with age,” Younès remarked, adding that the manga “perfectly depicts the reality that we are living right now.”

The symbolism of Luffy as a defender of the oppressed resonates strongly with many young protesters. “There’s a growing disconnect between what the governments promise and what the citizens actually experience,” stated Romi Ghimire, a human rights advocate in Nepal, highlighting common themes among the protests.

Local issues also play a significant role in the protests. In Nepal, demonstrators have focused on the privilege of “nepo kids,” while in Indonesia, protests have targeted the benefits afforded to politicians. In Madagascar, the protests center on access to basic services, reflecting widespread frustration with government priorities.

In Morocco, the protests have addressed multiple grievances, including the second anniversary of the devastating 2023 earthquake that resulted in over 2,000 deaths, and recent tragedies in healthcare that have sparked public outrage. Demonstrators criticized the government for investing in sports infrastructures while education and healthcare facilities languish in poor conditions.

As Generation Z continues to adopt the “One Piece” flag as a symbol of their revolutionary spirit, it represents not just a connection to a beloved manga but a powerful call for change. The flag encapsulates the aspirations and frustrations of a generation determined to challenge the status quo, echoing the enduring themes of resilience and rebellion found within the pages of “One Piece.”