As protests erupt in Nepal, many of the Gen Z population are using the Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger flag as a symbol of resistance during these rallies. One Piece prominently includes its own corrupt regime, the World Government, which serves as a real-life allegory.
These protests began on September 8, 2025, after the Government of Nepal ordered the shutdown of 26 social media services like X and YouTube on September 4. However, the public’s frustration goes beyond this. Thus, the anti-government sentiment escalated, with Gen Z taking to the streets.
In many of them, you will observe the Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger, either as flags or on posters. The influence of One Piece on protestors worldwide has significantly increased. What is the origin behind it?
How Did the Straw Hat Flag From One Piece Become a Symbol of Resistance?
Since the beginning of Monkey D. Luffy’s journey, the story has been about freedom. Even the small act of freeing Koby from Alvida’s clutches was a form of liberation. He was essentially enslaved by her, but Luffy opened his eyes and inspired him to stand up for himself.
The theme of freedom and resistance becomes increasingly prominent as the series goes on. Eiichiro Oda isn’t exactly subtle with it. The World Government’s heinous deeds are unraveled slowly to us, so it’s not just pirates who are evil. In fact, it’s all a part of their propaganda to maintain their false, pristine image.
Every One Piece fan must remember the iconic scene from the Enies Lobby Arc. That’s where it secured the Straw Hat Pirates as inspirations, a group that symbolizes resistance against a corrupt regime. When Spandam kidnapped Nico Robin to execute her, Luffy ordered Usopp to burn down the World Government’s flag. This was a direct defiance and a declaration of war.
Since then, the Straw Hat Pirates weren’t a simple ragtag group who sailed the seas. They were a direct threat to the World Government’s regime. Luffy, especially, became one of the biggest enemies after he punched Charlos. If you flipped to their government’s perspective, he would be marked as a terrorist rather than the beloved protagonist who brings joy wherever he goes.
Thus, the Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger isn’t just a drawing from One Piece. From the infiltration of Impel Down to inspiring Fujitora to dismantle the Warlord system to defeating Kaido, Luffy and his crew have become synonymous with resistance against the government for many.
From Indonesia to France, One Piece Inspires People to Take a Stand
It isn’t just the youth of Nepal that are protesting against the government and using One Piece to demonstrate their resistance. Other countries have also shown similar acts, starting from Indonesia. Moreover, the references aren’t limited to the Straw Hat flag. Some people have also created custom bounty posters of the politicians.
Here are a few countries that have used One Piece references during a protest, including Nepal:
| Country | Date of Protest | How One Piece Was Referenced |
| Indonesia | August 28, 2025 | Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger flag |
| Nepal | September 8, 2025 | Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger flag, posters, and made custom Bounty posters of the politicians |
| Philippines | September 7, 2025 | Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger flag |
| France | September 10, 2025 | Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger flag |
The images from these protests resonate deeply with One Piece. You can see a compilation of them below.
Rindo que One Piece não ironicamente virou símbolo de resistência anti-comunista no Nepal pic.twitter.com/otYbWSescN
— Italo (@peppipets) September 11, 2025
The Straw Hat Spring🚨‼️
Different nations, different people, under the same flag. A flag that symbolizes freedom & liberation. From Indonesia, Nepal, Italian Freedom Flotilla to Gaza, and today France, who knows who will raise the flag tomorrow.
Oda the creator of One Piece is… pic.twitter.com/XHLA2EiJ4w
— Ghetto Fights & Other Shenanigans (@GhettoAndOthers) September 12, 2025
Philippine campus protest
byu/amisentient inOnePiece
The Straw Hat Pirates aren’t just fictional characters anymore; they are a direct inspiration to the protesters across the world who are fighting for liberation and human rights. Luffy’s attitude towards freedom even inspires those within the One Piece world. He does it because it’s the right thing to do.
Were you surprised that One Piece made an appearance during these protests? Let us know in the comments below!
One Piece can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll.
