One Piece, Global Phenomenon, Symbol of Gen Z Resistance and Japanese political landscape

 

A One Piece flag hangs on the gates of the Singha Durbar palace in Kathmandu, Nepal on September 9 as smoke and flames rise from the building. Sunil Pradhan/Anadolu/Getty Images)

A report by FASCISMWATCH with the help of A.I.

I. History, Creator, and Commercial Success

The creator of One Piece is the famous Japanese manga artist Eiichiro Oda (born in 1975). Oda was heavily influenced by the groundbreaking work of Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) and developed a rigorous work ethic early in his career, often describing himself as "the loneliest creator" due to the extreme demands of weekly production (2). Before launching his masterpiece, he served a crucial apprenticeship, notably as an assistant for established mangaka like Nobuhiro Watsuki (Rurouni Kenshin) in the early 1990s (3).

Oda developed the core concept of One Piece through a pair of successful one-shot stories called Romance Dawn in 1996, which first introduced the iconic protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. He officially launched the full manga series in the prestigious magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump in July 1997. The timing was critical for the magazine; Jump was in a period of transition following the conclusion of massive hits like Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk, creating an immense void for a new flagship title. One Piece quickly distinguished itself with its emphasis on the universal themes of freedom, adventure, and deeply detailed world-building. The story follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, whose unwavering dream is to become the King of the Pirates and find the legendary treasure, the One Piece.

The Media Franchise's Scale

The title's commercial success extends far beyond the original comic series, making it one of the largest media franchises in history:

• Manga Dominance: One Piece holds the Guinness World Record for the "most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author" (1). As of July 2025, the series had accumulated over 578 million copies sold worldwide (2). (Economic Data)
• The Anime: The TV anime adaptation, produced by Toei Animation, premiered in October 1999 and currently boasts over 1,100 episodes (9), making it one of the longest-running anime series globally.
• Films and Merchandising: The franchise includes 15 feature films, with the latest, One Piece Film Red, being the highest-grossing film in the franchise (8). The broader franchise (including video games, figurines, and merchandise) is a colossal economic force, reflecting its deep integration into global popular culture (12). Merchandise licensing alone generates approximately 720 million US dollars each year specifically from Bandai Namco (22), positioning it as a dominant intellectual property in the Asian market. (Economic Data)
• Live-Action Adaptation: Netflix's 2023 live-action TV series adaptation was a critical and commercial success (10). Its success drove a massive 41.6% surge in sales of the manga and related merchandise in markets like France (11), demonstrating the franchise's revitalized global reach and its ability to attract new, non-traditional audiences worldwide. (Economic Data)

These impressive figures underscore One Piece's undeniable cultural dominance, establishing the brand as a top-tier media franchise globally.

II. The Historical Ensign: The Real Jolly Roger

The Straw Hat Jolly Roger is a fictional variation of a universally recognized symbol, the Jolly Roger. Historically, this term referred to the flag flown to identify a ship's crew as pirates intending to attack. Its origin is debated by historians, potentially stemming from the French term joli rouge ("pretty red," referring to a blood-red flag often associated with no quarter being given) or a derivation of "Old Roger" (an English nickname for the Devil) (29).

The flag's typical design—a white skull over two crossed white bones on a black background (29)—was first widely documented in the early 18th century, during the peak of the Golden Age of Piracy (roughly 1650 to 1730) (29). While the exact design varied greatly among different pirate captains (such as Blackbeard or Calico Jack), the core function was universal: to signal to potential targets that the vessel was under pirate command and to induce immediate surrender through psychological terror.

This ensign was primarily a tool of psychological warfare (29). Flying the Jolly Roger served as a final warning, offering the targeted merchant or naval vessel a chance to surrender peacefully. In stark contrast, the fictional Straw Hat Jolly Roger is perceived by global activists as a symbol not of terror or demand for surrender, but of active, non-compliant resistance against illegitimate authority and an expression of a revolutionary dream for freedom.

III. The Political Affirmation of the Flag (Indonesia Catalyst)

The Straw Hat Pirates' flag (Luffy's Jolly Roger, representing a grinning skull wearing a straw hat) has become a powerful symbol of resistance and defiance for young people globally.

The most notable and politically impactful use occurred in Indonesia in mid-to-late 2025. The flag was initially adopted by various groups, including truck drivers protesting against strict government regulations on overloaded and oversized vehicles (known as ODOL, for over dimension, overload), a prohibition that became actively enforced since June 19, 2025 (4, 9). This initial protest was widespread, affecting major logistical routes and sparking early government concern over economic disruption. The symbolic adoption rapidly escalated into a national anti-government protest, especially in the weeks leading up to the 80th Independence Day on August 17, 2025 (10, 25).

The flag gained mass prominence following events in August 2025 that exposed entrenched government corruption (18). Protests escalated significantly on August 29, 2025, centered in Jakarta, after reports revealed a massive, controversial housing allowance was allocated to Members of Parliament (MPs) (a sum estimated to be nearly ten times the average minimum wage), followed by the tragic death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, who was run over by an armored police vehicle outside the House of Representatives in Jakarta during a large demonstration (18, 19). The Straw Hat Jolly Roger was quickly adopted by Generation Z as an expression of fierce discontent with injustice and endemic corruption, directly challenging the ruling political elite (5, 18).

The official reaction was sharp and heavy-handed. In a clear, coordinated effort to counter the rising pirate flag trend, the Ministry of Home Affairs launched a national campaign on August 1, 2025, to distribute 10 million of the official national flags (Merah Putih) (28). Simultaneously, Government representatives, including Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan, described the flag's display as an "attempt to divide national unity" and even "treason" (6, 7, 16), threatening protestors with severe legal action (30). Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto also commented on the polemic (30). This political suppression ironically amplified the symbol's reach, leading Amnesty International Indonesia to issue an official public statement urging the government to "stop the crackdown" in August 2025 (23). Despite the government's rhetorical attempt to frame the flag as a separatist or anti-national symbol, this approach failed to deter the youth, who viewed the Jolly Roger as specifically anti-corruption and anti-authoritarian, not anti-state. The presence of the flag was noted during rallies where Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad (a figure in the Gerindra party), stated that displaying the One Piece flag was "no problem" despite the government’s severe rhetoric (30).

IV. Transnational Resistance: The One Piece Flag in Global Protest Movements

“I can't use an excuse like 'that’s impossible' when I'm chasing my dream.” — Monkey D. Luffy (A direct quote from the manga, reflecting the theme of unwavering perseverance toward a goal.)

The flag’s success as a banner of protest in Indonesia catalyzed its rapid adoption by other youth movements worldwide, transforming it into a definitive transnational symbol of liberation (7). The adoption centers around the universal themes embedded in the manga, such as opposing institutional corruption, fighting against racism, discrimination, and authoritarianism, and struggling for autonomy and self-determination (14).

Global Protest Contexts

The Jolly Roger has been seen in highly visible protest contexts across the globe, indicating a shared, transnational youth dissent:

• Indonesia (Jakarta Catalyst): The adoption began with truck drivers protesting rigid government regulations on ODOL in June 2025, escalating to national anti-corruption rallies in Jakarta around Independence Day in August 2025 (25, 18, 19). The target of the protests was the ruling Democratic Struggle Party of Indonesia (PDI-P)-led establishment, focused on endemic corruption and political elite privilege, especially surrounding the presidential candidacy of Prabowo Subianto.
• United Kingdom / London: Used in various youth-led demonstrations and street actions in London and other UK cities in 2025. The flag was notably adopted by activists to symbolize resistance against the perceived failures of the governing Conservative Party on issues like cost of living, economic stagnation, and climate inaction, including solidarity with the Palestinian resistance. Key political figures criticized included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
• Timor-Leste: Used by youth movements protesting against pervasive government corruption and demanding increased financial accountability and transparency from the ruling political class, which often rotates between the major parties like Fretilin and CNRT (National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction). The flag's symbolism of standing against a corrupt "World Government" resonated deeply with activists striving for democratic transparency in the young democratic state.
• Slovakia: The Straw Hat flag appeared in demonstrations in Bratislava and other cities as a symbol against political corruption and the influence of far-right policies. Protests were primarily aimed at the government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico and his Smer-SD (Direction – Social Democracy) party, aligning with the manga's themes of fighting institutional tyranny (5).
• Nepal: Highly visible during large-scale Generation Z demonstrations in 2025 focused on widespread government corruption and economic inequality. Specifically, the protests demanded meritocracy and fairness by denouncing the privileged access of "nepo kids" (children of political and bureaucratic elites from parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML)) to government jobs and contracts (4, 13).
• Philippines: Prominently flown during the massive Trillion Peso March and subsequent rallies in 2025. These demonstrations were primarily aimed at denouncing massive governmental graft and corruption under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling for greater financial accountability and transparency from political figures and the ruling establishment (16, 17).
• France (Anti-Austerity): Adopted during wide-scale labor and student protests throughout 2025 opposing the national austerity policies and pension reforms of President Emmanuel Macron's government and his La République En Marche! (LREM) party (4, 6, 14, 15, 13). The flag was seen in demonstrations associated with the "Bloquons tout" (Block Everything) movement, symbolizing youth opposition to rising economic inequality.
• Italy (Rome): The flag was documented in Rome in September and October 2025, specifically flown during large-scale pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano. While the target was global oppression, the protest took place under the ultra-conservative government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy) party, linking the symbol of the Straw Hats to global resistance movements against institutional oppression (60, 62).
• Argentina (Buenos Aires): Featured in protests in Buenos Aires in September 2025 against President Javier Milei's government and his party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA). The flag was used to denounce austerity measures and a veto on university and public health funding, symbolizing resistance against economic policies that harm the vulnerable (61).
• Madagascar: The Straw Hat flag appeared prominently in youth movements that began in late September 2025 in Antananarivo and other cities. The demonstrations were initially fueled by anger over chronic water and power cuts and widespread corruption, but quickly escalated to demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and a complete political overhaul (5). Rajoelina's party is IRD (Isika Rehetra Miaraka). The UN reported that at least 22 people were left dead after the initial violent crackdown on these rallies, with the Jolly Roger serving as a symbol of resilience and continued struggle in the face of brutal political violence (24). The president dissolved his government in response to the unrest.

V. Theoretical Interpretation: The Anarchist Nature of One Piece

Prominent Japanese analysts have interpreted Oda's entire body of work through an anarchist lens (尾田栄一郎のアナキスト性) (45). The core argument suggests that the story fundamentally aims to establish a "free world without state power" (国家権力のない自由な世界) (45), explicitly rejecting all organized, top-down control and centralized power. The existence of the state-like currency (Beli) and the corrupt, overarching structure of the World Government is structurally argued to be a continuous critique of oppressive institutionalism.

VI. Themes Reflected in One Piece

The One Piece manga consistently and directly tackles major political and social themes, offering a clear moral compass:

• Anti-Authoritarianism and Corruption: The primary global antagonist is the World Government, a corrupt authoritarian regime that systematically suppresses history (specifically the Void Century) and maintains its power through systemic inequality and the unchecked, tyrannical power of the Celestial Dragons (also known as the World Nobles), who are the ultimate symbol of inherited, untouchable privilege.
• Racism, Discrimination, and Representation: Arcs like the foundational storyline on Fish-Man Island serve as powerful, extensive allegories for real-world racism and prejudice, focusing on the historical oppression and institutional discrimination faced by marginalized communities, urging tolerance and understanding. This theme was reflected in the controversy surrounding the casting of Nefertari Vivi in the live-action series, where co-stars had to publicly defend the casting decision, pointing out that creator Eiichiro Oda had specifically selected the actor and referencing the character's potentially Egyptian heritage to counter online backlash (39). Further reinforcing the franchise's alignment with anti-discrimination principles, the Netflix live-action series actively demonstrated this commitment by casting Morgan Davies, a highly visible trans actor, in the significant role of Koby (33). This choice highlights the franchise’s commitment to genuine LGBTQ+ representation and acts as a powerful, positive counter-narrative to discrimination.
• Slavery and Human Trafficking: The series confronts the horrors of slavery and human trafficking with unflinching moral clarity, most notably through the Celestial Dragons' cruel ownership and trade of human beings as slaves, acting as a direct moral condemnation of the practice.

• VII. Creator and Publisher Stance: Official Silence and Fan Debate

  As of late 2025, neither the creator, Eiichiro Oda, nor the publisher, Shueisha, has released any official public statement regarding the widespread global political appropriation of the Straw Hat Jolly Roger. This strategic silence allows the symbol's revolutionary meaning to be defined entirely by the protesters and the audience, which simultaneously protects the massive commercial viability of the brand from being entangled in specific geopolitical conflicts. The debate among international fans has become highly polarized: some support the flag's use as an authentic reflection of the manga's core themes (45), while others argue against mixing entertainment with specific political action (46).

  VIII. Japanese Media Analysis of the Global Resistance Symbol

  Japanese media frequently labels the Straw Hat flag as the "Z-generation resistance symbol" (Z世代抵抗のシンボル) (41), often framing its usage as expressing "contempt for authority" (権威への軽蔑を表現) (42). However, the analysis in the Japanese press is frequently marked by surprise and a degree of fascination at this "reverse import" of political meaning (40)—a domestic pop culture product gaining unforeseen political weight abroad.

  • Soft Power and Cultural Export Analysis: Major Japanese media outlets analyze the phenomenon through the lens of soft power (42), often discussing how the universal themes of freedom, camaraderie, and justice embedded in the manga have made it an ideal, culturally neutral vehicle for political dissatisfaction across diverse nations. They note that the universal appeal of Luffy's unwavering perseverance and pursuit of absolute freedom is the key element that transcends cultural boundaries.
  • The Domestic/Foreign Disconnect: Commentators frequently highlight the paradoxical disconnect: the symbol of global dissent originates from a nation (Japan) that rarely sees the flag used in large-scale domestic protests. Japanese media frames the foreign usage as an expression of youth discontent that, unlike in Indonesia or France, is currently absent or more subtle in Japan's politically compliant environment (41). This suggests a self-awareness in the Japanese press regarding the relative political quietude among its own youth.
  • Geopolitical and Economic Implications: Some Japanese business analysts discuss the geopolitical risk that such a powerful symbol might attract unwanted political scrutiny from foreign regimes, potentially impacting the vast economic engine of the anime and manga industry (40). The symbol's association with anti-government movements abroad is treated as a highly delicate diplomatic and commercial topic that requires careful navigation.

  IX. Geopolitical and Economic Threats to the Anime Industry

  The industry faces significant commercial and legislative challenges globally, which threaten its current revenue streams and distribution methods. This threat is exacerbated by the rise of protectionist political forces in key markets, particularly the MAGA movement in the United States, championed by former President Donald Trump. While Trump's proposed policies, like universal tariffs, pose a direct and measurable threat to the Japanese cultural economy, an ironic political alignment exists with Japan's incoming Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. Despite the potential damage to Japanese exports, Takaichi has conspicuously avoided making any public criticism of Trump's proposed tariffs or the future economic damage they represent, prioritizing the geopolitical alignment over domestic economic protection.

  Domestic Legislative Threats: The Case of Texas SB 20

  In the United States, a key international market for anime distribution, the industry is threatened by severe domestic legislative threats aimed at content censorship. Specifically, the highly ambiguous Texas Senate Bill 20 (SB 20), proposed in 2025, threatens to restrict the distribution of certain artistic content. The bill defines "harmful material" with vague language concerning sexually explicit or violent content that could easily be applied to numerous popular manga and anime titles. The criteria target materials deemed harmful to minors under the age of 18, creating a significant legal burden for publishers and streaming services (20). This lack of clarity forces distributors to either engage in self-censorship or face potential lawsuits, leading to considerable legal uncertainty and increased compliance costs for US distributors like Viz Media and Crunchyroll. This uncertainty directly impacts the price elasticity and revenue stability of the franchise in the lucrative North American market.

  External Economic Threats: Proposed US Tariffs

  Externally, the industry is threatened by the potential implementation of large-scale tariffs proposed by political figures such as former US President Donald Trump. His proposed policies, including a potential 10% universal tariff on imported goods, would directly target Japanese cultural exports. This tariff would be applied to a wide range of imported Japanese merchandise, DVDs, Blu-rays, and even physically published manga volumes (19). The direct result would be a significant increase in the cost of One Piece and other related products for US consumers, thereby directly impacting global revenue streams by raising consumer prices and potentially reducing sales volume in a key market (19). This shift in trade policy could force a major restructuring of the global supply chain for Japanese media. (Economic Data)

• X. The Irony of the Creator: Oda's Gift to Authority

  The political neutrality of the One Piece brand is complicated by the creator's personal actions concerning political authority. In July 2021, during his official state visit to Japan, French President Emmanuel Macron—the same figure whose austerity policies the French youth were protesting with the Jolly Roger—was personally gifted an original, signed illustration by Eiichiro Oda (17).

  The gift, presented to Macron as a sign of diplomatic respect and cultural exchange, featured the entire Straw Hat Crew in a personalized drawing (shikishi) (17). This act highlighted the creator's personal and diplomatic relationship with a figure of institutional political authority. The irony is profound: Oda, through his personal diplomacy, actively supported a head of state whose government was being directly challenged by French youth using the symbol of freedom and anarchy that Oda himself created. While Oda's action was seen as standard cultural diplomacy, it created a stark dissonance between the manga's anti-establishment message and the creator's official embrace of a leading institutional authority.

  XI. The Irony of State Sponsorship: Tokyo 2020

  The ultimate fictional symbol of defiance against the "World Government" was officially co-opted for state promotional purposes. The main characters of the One Piece series, including Monkey D. Luffy, were named Official Ambassadors for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games (which were postponed and held in 2021) (26).

  This state sponsorship served to promote Japanese national pride, culture, and international tourism, integrating the anti-establishment icon into a nationalistic, centralized event. One Piece characters, alongside other popular manga figures like those from Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon, were prominently featured in official merchandise, promotional campaigns, and international marketing efforts, effectively commercializing their images to support the Japanese government's political agenda (26). This institutional irony was not overlooked, with organizations like Human Rights Watch (HRW) pointing out the paradox of using these figures to promote a massive state-run event while the country faced ongoing human rights issues, thereby questioning the ethical alignment of using symbols of rebellion to endorse political status quo (27).

  XII. Ethical Complications: Oda's Silence and the Whitewashing of a Mentor's Scandal

  The ethical complexities of One Piece's origins are significantly highlighted by creator Eiichiro Oda's early professional ties to his mentor, Nobuhiro Watsuki (Rurouni Kenshin).

  The Watsuki Scandal

  Watsuki was criminally charged in 2017 in Japan. He was found guilty and subsequently fined  for the possession of child pornography (35, 36). The charges, which stemmed from Watsuki’s possession of several discs containing indecent images of minors (35), sent shockwaves through the manga industry. The conviction in 2017 tarnished the reputation of one of the medium's most respected creators and triggered an industry-wide discussion about ethical standards.

  Oda's Continued Professional Relationship and Silence

  Despite the severity of Watsuki's crime and the public nature of his 2017 conviction, Oda maintained a professional public relationship with his former mentor. Critics note that Oda subsequently remained conspicuously silent regarding Watsuki's criminal activities in public forums. This silence was widely interpreted by critics as a deliberate effort to implicitly 'whitewash' the reputation of his former mentor and prevent any association that could potentially damage the massive global commercial viability of the One Piece brand (38). Further complicating the matter, an official art book detailing the two artists' working relationship was published after the conviction, featuring a new, lengthy dialogue between Oda and Watsuki (37), reinforcing the perception that Oda chose to prioritize personal loyalty and brand protection over publicly condemning a serious crime. This decision is cited as a significant ethical complexity that underlies the world's most commercially successful freedom-themed franchise.

  XIII. The Irony of Political Alignment: The Creator's Context and Takaichi's Ultra-Conservatism

  The victory and nomination of Sanae Takaichi as the next Prime Minister in October 2025 represents a stark and profoundly ironic shift in the political landscape of the nation that created the global symbol of anti-authoritarian dissent. Takaichi, a veteran politician of the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and poised to become Japan's first female PM, is an ultra-conservative figure known for her deeply nationalistic stances and strong affinity with the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She has expressly vowed to continue Abe's legacy, reinforcing continuity with the ruling establishment (50, 51).

  This political ascension directly contradicts the core themes of anti-authoritarianism, anti-corruption, and tolerance championed by One Piece. Furthermore, Takaichi's conservative, nationalistic agenda immediately found alignment with global conservative populism.

  Transnational Alignment and the Trump Congratulation

  Takaichi's rise attracted global attention due to comparisons with figures like former US President Donald Trump, sharing a conservative fervor and facing controversies related to extremist associations. The political alignment was immediately underscored by the following exchange. On Monday, October 6, 2025, US President Donald Trump publicly congratulated Takaichi on social media, writing:

  "Japan has just elected its first female Prime Minister, a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength. This is tremendous news for the incredible people of Japan. Congratulations to all!" (56, 59)

  Takaichi quickly reciprocated the positive sentiment, stating her eagerness "to work together with Prsident Trump to make our Japan-U.S. alliance even stronger & more prosperous, and to advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (58). This diplomatic embrace comes despite simmering tensions over trade. Takaichi, while vowing to honor the recent bilateral tariff and investment agreement, has expressed concern over "unequal elements" in the deal that she may seek to renegotiate, setting the stage for potential conflict when she hosts a possible summit with President Trump later in October 2025 (57, 58).

  Historical Controversies and Geopolitical Silence

  Takaichi’s adherence to traditional, hawkish conservatism is further complicated by intense scrutiny for past associations. In 2014, controversy erupted when she was photographed with and linked to individuals associated with neo-Nazi or other far-right groups (55). This controversy was amplified by the revelation that she had posed with a book related to Adolf Hitler (54). Although Takaichi and other members of the LDP (then serving as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications) publicly denied endorsing extremist views or having personal knowledge of the groups' ideologies (54, 52), the association has persistently shadowed her public image (56). Furthermore, she has conspicuously refrained from issuing any public condemnation or denouncement of Israel regarding the current Palestinian genocide (49), aligning her with a political establishment that avoids challenging international power structures and global conflicts.

  The Ironic Disconnect and Economic Policy

  The profound irony is that the Straw Hat Jolly Roger, the globe's foremost symbol of youth revolt against institutional power and corruption, is a Japanese cultural export, yet it is rarely, if ever, seen in large-scale protests in its own country. With the ascension of a figure as deeply conservative and associated with the establishment as Sanae Takaichi, who aims to consolidate traditional power structures and is openly praised by another figure of global conservative populism (President Trump), the gap between the revolutionary ideals of the fictional work and the conservative, compliant reality of its country of origin has become even wider. Takaichi's prominent pro-crypto and pro-deregulation agenda, which caused the Bitcoin price to surge to record highs following her victory (47, 48), sits paradoxically beside her highly traditional and nationalistic political program, leading analysts to celebrate the economic potential while noting the political shift (57). (Economic Data)

• XIV. Current Status of the Manga and Final Saga

  As of October 2025, the publication of the One Piece manga has been temporarily interrupted (13). This pause, announced by creator Eiichiro Oda, is a necessary measure due to the immense commitment required for the weekly production of the series and the need for him to conduct detailed planning for the conclusion of the epic.

  Despite its long history, the series is currently in its "Final Saga," indicating the story is moving toward its conclusion. However, Oda has repeatedly stated that this final phase is expected to stretch over another five to seven years (13), suggesting the series will continue until at least 2030 or 2032, allowing the global symbol of resistance to continue to evolve.

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  41. 41. nippon.com. 「ワンピース」の旗掲げ政権批判 インドネシア、政府は警戒. (Japanese Media Framing)
  42. 42. newsweekjapan.jp. ワンピースの旗はなぜ、Z世代の抵抗のシンボルとして世界に広がったのか. (Japanese Global Scope)
  43. 43. ja.wikipedia.org. 麦わらの一味の海賊旗. (Japanese Wikipedia citing global coverage)
  44. 44. note.com. ONE PIECE1056話から見える尾田栄一郎のアナキスト性. (Anarchist interpretation)
  45. 45. Reddit (Japanese). ワンピースの旗、国際的な抗議のシンボル？ (Fan support for political use)
  46. 46. Reddit (Japanese). もっと多くの人が抗議のシンボルとして海賊旗を掲げ始めたら... (Fan opposition to political use)
  47. 47. icobench.com. Sanae Takaichi Set to Become Japan's First Female Prime Minister: Bitcoin Surges to Record Highs. (Economic Data)
  48. 48. https://www.google.com/search?q=nippon.com/fr. Une victoire "dégageante" pour Takaichi : l'analyse.
  49. 49. https://www.google.com/search?q=nippon.com/fr. Sanae Takaichi, une ultra-conservatrice pour diriger le Japon.
  50. 50. reuters.com. Déjà vu in Japan markets as Abe disciple Takaichi's victory jolts investors.
  51. 51. nhk.or.jp. Sanae Takaichi secures LDP leadership, set to become Japan’s first female prime minister.
  52. 52. theguardian.com. Neo-Nazi photos pose headache for Shinzo Abe.
  53. 53. news.yahoo.com. Japan PM's picks deny neo-Nazi links.
  54. 54. ibtimes.co.uk. Japan Adolf Hitler book haunts Interior Minister Sanae Takaichi.
  55. 55. theguardian.com. Japan's ruling party linked to far-right extremists.
  56. 56. AP News. The woman poised to be Japan's first female prime minister faces challenges.
  57. 57. Fox Business. Investors celebrate Japan's 'Iron Lady' election win.
  58. 58. YouTube. Takaichi wins LDP leadership race, likely to become Japan's first female prime minister.
  59. 59. PBS. Sanae Takaichi elected as new leader of Japan's ruling party, likely to become 1st female PM.
  60. 60. Alamy/ABACAPRESS. 'One Piece' pirate flag rises at the demonstration of pro-Palestinians in piazza San Giovanni in Laterano near the basilica in Rome, Italy on October 4, 2025.
  61. 61. Shutterstock. Buenos Aires, Argentina; 9-17-2025: One Piece manga flag at a protest in Argentina against President Milei's veto on university and health funding.
  62. 62. Getty Images. A One Piece anime flag seen during the protest supporting Palestine... - ROME, ITALY - 2025/09/22.