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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Rebecca Ratcliffe, south-east Asia correspondent

‘A symbol of liberation’: how the One Piece manga flag became the symbol of Asia’s gen Z protest movement

Filipinos wave a One Piece flag as they take part in a protest against corruption at Rizal Park
Filipinos wave a One Piece flag as they take part in a protest against corruption at Rizal Park. Photograph: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

In Indonesia, it was hung outside homes, on motorbikes, cars and trucks, in a sign of discontent with the government that boiled over into deadly protests railing against lavish perks enjoyed by politicians. In Nepal, it was draped on the golden gates of the palace that houses parliament, as young people toppled their government. In the Philippines, it was raised at rallies by protesters furious at alleged government corruption.

The flag, showing a cartoon skull wearing a straw hat, taken from the hugely popular Japanese anime One Piece, has become a symbol of defiance and hope for gen Z protesters across Asia.

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