{
  "id": 16845508,
  "title": "The One Piece Generation: Why Gen Z Is Flying Luffy’s Jolly Roger",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/the-one-piece-generation-why-gen-z-is-flying-luffys-jolly-roger",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-28T04:08:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tokyo Weekender",
    "slug": "tokyo-weekender",
    "url": "https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/one-piece-flag-protests/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In October 2025, hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets across France, expressing discontent over rising living costs and deteriorating public services. Among the many banners, a familiar pirate flag flew alongside others: the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates from Eiichiro Oda's popular manga, One Piece. This flag appeared in Paris, Lyon, and Montpellier, as well as in Brazil, Spain, India, and Tirana, among other locations.\n\nThe One Piece generation, those born around the time the manga first debuted in 1997, has found a rallying symbol for their struggles. As incomes for the wealthiest class reached a record $18.3 trillion, young people across the globe faced challenges in affording basic necessities like rent. Oda's manga has long depicted a world where a privileged few dominate while the majority struggle. Now, a generation is questioning who gets to have a future, and the One Piece flag has emerged as a powerful symbol in their protests.\n\nInitially, the flag gained viral popularity in Indonesia, where it was raised by truckers and students against President Prabowo Subianto's government. It soon spread to Nepal, the Philippines, Madagascar, and Peru. Although Indonesian officials warned that displaying the flag could be considered treason, its message resonated with protesters worldwide.\n\nOne Piece follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a cheerful pirate who challenges corrupt rulers and fights for the oppressed. The anime has accurately portrayed the reality of poverty and inequality, inspiring those fighting for change. In France, protests against the government turned violent, with around 1,500 businesses damaged and 1,800 people arrested. The flag's association with disorder and political confrontation has complicated its reception in Japan, where some fans object to its use in political contexts.\n\nThe rise of One Piece as a symbol of protest highlights the growing unease with deepening inequality. While the specific symbols and tactics may differ across cultures, the desire for a more just world remains a common thread among the new generation of activists.",
  "summary": "As hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France over rising living costs and deteriorating public services on October 17, a familiar pirate flag appeared among the banners — the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece, Eiichiro Oda’s wildly popular Japanese manga. It flew in Paris, Lyon and […] The post The One Piece Generation: Why Gen Z Is Flying Luffy’s Jolly…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}