How a fictional flag fueled real-life revolution

Following its use in Indonesia in July, Gen Z protesters in Nepal turned the ‘One Piece’ Jolly Roger into a symbol of freedom, resistance, and digital-age activism.

On September 8, when Nepali Gen Zs poured into the streets demanding an end to corruption, greater transparency and accountability from the government, the air was filled with chants and the sight of countless placards and banners. Among them, one symbol stood out: a black flag bearing a grinning skull topped with a straw hat. To millions of anime fans worldwide, it was instantly recognisable—the Jolly Roger from ‘One Piece’.