US Edition‘One Piece’ Jolly Roger Flag Has Become a Symbol of Asian Gen Z’s Discontent
- Protests erupted on September 8, 2025, across Nepal's major cities including Kathmandu against a government ban on major social media platforms.
- The social media ban, imposed over revenue and cybersecurity concerns, triggered youth-led demonstrations demanding government accountability and transparency.
- Protesters adopted the Jolly Roger pirate flag from the anime One Piece as a symbol of rebellion, freedom, and defiance against corruption and authoritarianism.
- At least 19 people died and over 400 were injured nationwide during clashes, while experts noted the flag's growing use signals international youth solidarity for democracy.
- The social media ban was reversed late on September 8, but protests persist, reflecting broad youth resistance inspired by the One Piece symbol energizing their fight for justice.
37 Articles
37 Articles
Asian youths fly ‘One Piece’ flag in protest
AMID growing frustrations with corruption and censorship in the government, youths across Asia have adopted a new symbol of defiance: an anime pirate flag. The flag, popularised by the anime and manga series One Piece, depicts a skull with a straw hat and crossbones, and has become a flag of protest for youths in Nepal, Indonesia, and the Philippines, along with other countries. Source
The youth uprising in Nepal, articulated organically through social networks, has caught attention after the fall of the Nepali government; previously, in Indonesia students rose up in protest after House of Representatives legislators announced a million-dollar raise in their salaries.In both cases, youths in Indonesia and Nepal protested against their governments and in some groups a symbol of union was seen: Monkey D. Luffy's straw hat flag, …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
