How an anime became a symbol of youth's fight vs corruption

A flag from a popular anime stood out from the sea of placards and Philippine flags during the anti-corruption demonstrations in various parts of Manila on Sunday, Sept. 21.

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The same kind of flags, bearing the image of a skull wearing a yellow and red-colored straw hat from the manga and anime "One Piece", were carried by the Gen Z hip-hop protesters from Luneta Park in Manila to Ayala Bridge and Mendiola where the demonstrations turned violent.

First seen during the protests in Nepal, Indonesia, and France, the "One Piece" flag was a symbol of the youth's unity in their fight against corruption.

Created by Eiichiro Oda in 1997, "One Piece" tells the adventures of pirate captain Monkey D. Luffy and his group "Straw Hat Pirates" comprised of Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, and Jimbei as they sail under a Jolly Roger flag that wears Luffy's iconic straw hat as he achieves his dream of becoming the "King of Pirates," all while liberating and helping other people being oppressed by the abusive and corrupt World Government.