Symbol of defiance The manga pirate flag being flown by gen Z protesters across Asia

In Indonesia, it was hung outside homes and on motorbikes, cars and trucks, in a sign of discontent with the government that boiled over into deadly protests railing against the 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.

- Rebecca Ratcliffe South-east Asia correspondent

Filipinos with a One Piece flag protest in Manila against official corruption. Left: anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok, Thailand. Right, a protester in East Java, Indonesia

(EZRA ACAYAN/GETTY ZUMAPRESS/AVALON)

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

In the 1999 anime, based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga series of the same name, it is carried by a band of pirates who stand up to corrupt and repressive rulers.

“Even though we have different languages and cultures, we speak the same language of oppression,” said Eugero Vincent Liberato, 23, who helped organise the protests in the Philippine capital, Manila. “We see the flag as a symbol of liberation against oppression ... that we should always fight for the future we deserve.”