A popular Japanese anime flag has increasingly been seen at protests in different parts of the world over the past few months.
The One Piece flag has been seen at pro-palestinians rallies in London and Jakarta,but also to protest the government in Indonesia. In fact, the Indonesian government has lashed out at the use of the flag, calling it a form of “treason” and “propaganda to disunite the country.”
But that hasn’t stopped youth from flying it at protests around the world, most recently in Nepal, France and the Philippines.
Here’s the story behind it.
Where does the flag come from?
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The flag comes from the hugely popular Japanese manga series One Piece, which was originally published in 1997, and has since sold more than 520 billion copies.
It follows the straw-hat wearing captain Monkey D. Luffy and his crew,the Straw Hat Pirates,as they search for a mythical treasure (the titular One Piece),and fight the authoritarian World Government.
There’s also an animated TV series with more than 1,000 episodes, and a live-action version from netflix.
The Rise of Protest Art: From Ancient Symbols to Modern Anime
Throughout history, art has served as a powerful tool for dissent and social commentary. From ancient cave paintings depicting struggles against authority to contemporary murals challenging political norms, artists have consistently used their creativity to voice opposition and inspire change. This tradition continues today, evolving with new mediums and reflecting the concerns of each generation.
Ancient Roots of Artistic Rebellion
The earliest examples of protest art are tough to pinpoint, but evidence suggests that art was used to challenge power structures even in prehistoric times. Cave paintings, for instance, may have served not only as records of hunts but also as expressions of resistance against rival tribes or dominant forces. In ancient Egypt, subversive messages were sometimes incorporated into religious art, subtly criticizing the pharaohs.Similarly, satirical sculptures and poems were used in ancient Greece to mock politicians and expose corruption.
The Power of Symbolism in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, artistic expression was often constrained by religious and political authorities. However, artists found ways to convey their dissent through symbolism and allegory. For example, depictions of biblical scenes could be interpreted as veiled critiques of contemporary rulers.The use of grotesque imagery and hidden symbols allowed artists to express subversive ideas without directly challenging the established order. The Reformation also spurred a wave of protest art, with artists like Lucas Cranach the Elder creating woodcuts that satirized the Catholic Church.
The 19th and 20th Centuries: Art as Direct Action
The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed a surge in direct and overt protest art. The rise of industrialization, colonialism, and political oppression fueled artistic movements like Dadaism, Surrealism, and Social Realism. artists like Francisco Goya, with his harrowing depictions of the Peninsular War, and Eugène Delacroix, with his iconic “Liberty Leading the People,” used their art to expose the horrors of war and advocate for social justice. The Mexican muralist movement, led by artists like diego Rivera and josé Clemente Orozco, used large-scale public art to celebrate indigenous cultures and critique social inequalities.
Contemporary Protest Art: New Mediums, New Messages
Today, protest art continues to thrive, adapting to new technologies and addressing contemporary issues. Street art, graffiti, and digital art have become increasingly popular forms of artistic activism. Artists are using social media platforms to disseminate their work and mobilize support for various causes. The use of performance art and installation art allows artists to create immersive experiences that challenge viewers’ perceptions and provoke dialog.
Recent examples demonstrate the diverse range of contemporary protest art. In 2010, palestinians dressed as Na’vi characters from the Avatar movies to protest Israel’s separation barrier. More recently, in August 2025, Kemas Muhammad Firdaus, 28, painted a mural depicting a Jolly Roger from the popular Japanese anime and manga series ‘One Piece’ in Bekasi, West java province, Indonesia. this illustrates how artists are increasingly drawing inspiration from popular culture to engage audiences and convey their messages.
The Enduring Legacy of Protest Art
Protest art is more than just a reflection of social and political unrest; it is a catalyst for change. By challenging the status quo, raising awareness, and inspiring action, artists play a vital role in shaping a more just and equitable world. The enduring legacy of protest art lies in its ability to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people across time and space through a shared desire for freedom, justice, and peace.