Nepal is currently going through unrest due to the ongoing protests by the youth across the country. Gen Zs in Nepal came together to demand accountability and transparency from the government. The youth’s rage was seen on the streets of Nepal after the government banned social media platforms, a move widely condemned by rights groups. Apart from Nepal’s youth strength and resilience, another aspect of the protest caught the attention of social media users around the world. The protesters were seen using flags with a skull symbol on them, which is a reference to a popular anime called ‘One Piece’.
What Does One Piece’s Skull Symbol Flag Signify?
One Piece’s ‘Skull Flag’ is known as Jolly Roger and is used by the show’s pirates, led by Monkey D Luffy. The flag has a cartoonish skull on it with two crossbones, wearing a straw hat. It has been shown as the symbol of freedom, personal conviction, and friendship in ‘One Piece’.
The youth in Nepal showcased their defiance against the social media ban and protested against the government by using the ‘Jolly Roger’ flag. This is not the first time this flag has been used in a protest. Earlier, Indonesian youth also used this flag to protest and express their frustration against the government due to corruption, unemployment and many more issues.
Nepal youth protest with one piece banner. pic.twitter.com/STPexgXmNq
---Advertisement---— Hourly Anime (@animetwE3ts) September 9, 2025
🚨 #BREAKING: After Indonesia, One Piece has now become the symbol of Gen Z youth protests in Nepal 🇳🇵 following the government’s social media ban.
— Anime Spotlight (@AnimeSpotlightt) September 8, 2025
⚠️ Reports say police violence has led to dozens Death & 100+ casualties. pic.twitter.com/ajI6x6w4M1
One piece flag at the Nepal protests!!! pic.twitter.com/40PesScd0q
— 🙂 (@uzuhiko_7) September 8, 2025
First INDONESIA and now NEPAL is using the strawhat flag for fighting against corruption.
— Yooo (@cricaddict2004) September 8, 2025
One piece is the greatest story ever 🫡#onepiece1160 #NepalProtests pic.twitter.com/rD4a9KwULp
More About One Piece Anime:
‘One Piece’ anime is based on the manga, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The story follows Monkey D Luffy and his crew, called the Straw Hat Pirates, as they explore the Grand Line in search of the mythical treasure known as the ‘One Piece’ to become the next King of the Pirates.
The anime has over 1000 episodes and is available to watch on Crunchyroll and Netflix. Due to its massive popularity across the globe, Netflix decided to make a live-action series on it. The live-action ‘One Piece’ also became a huge hit and is gearing up for the release of its second season.
Result Of The Protests:
As a result of massive protests across Nepal, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from his position. The violent demonstration caused the death of at least 19 people and left hundreds injured. Four other ministers also resigned from the government. The protests also turned violent after some people breached the Parliament complex. According to the eyewitnesses, the police had to use water cannons, tear gas, and live rounds to disperse them. Later, the government lifted the ban on social media platforms.
These protests began on September 8 in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns. Building on this anger, protesters are demanding an end to institutionalised corruption and favouritism in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes.
