In a surprising and controversial move, the Indonesian Army has started cracking down on public murals featuring artwork from the popular anime and manga series One Piece. Once seen as harmless fan art, these murals are now being viewed by authorities as a symbol of political disobedience. The decision has caused concern among anime fans, artists, and freedom of expression advocates across the country.
The situation began when a wave of One Piece-themed murals started appearing on walls in urban areas, particularly featuring the Straw Hat Pirates and their famous pirate flag. The Jolly Roger symbol, which includes a skull wearing Luffy’s signature straw hat, has long been associated with freedom, rebellion, and dreams, themes central to the story created by Eiichiro Oda. However, in Indonesia, some protest groups recently began using the flag and characters as metaphors in rallies and online campaigns that criticize the current government.
Authorities have interpreted this usage as more than just fan enthusiasm. The Indonesian military has officially labeled the One Piece flag and its related imagery as “symbols of resistance,” citing their growing appearance in anti-government murals, graffiti, and protest art. As a result, soldiers and local officials have been instructed to paint over these murals or remove them entirely. Some artists have even been questioned by the authorities regarding their intentions.
This crackdown has sparked a wave of backlash, particularly from younger Indonesians, who see it as an infringement on artistic freedom. For many, One Piece is not just a story, it’s a meaningful cultural touchstone about standing up against oppression, following one’s dreams, and staying loyal to your chosen family. Fans argue that the government is misunderstanding the spirit of the series.
One Piece Franchise (Credits: Eichiro Oda)
Indonesian Army Targets One Piece Murals as Symbols of Government Disobedience
Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have exploded with discussions under hashtags like #SaveStrawHat and #OnePieceFreedom, with users posting photos of murals before they were erased and expressing support for the artists behind them. Many fans are calling the crackdown excessive and even ironic, since the anime itself celebrates defying unjust rulers and corrupt systems.
In cities like Jakarta and Surabaya, murals that once depicted hopeful scenes, such as Luffy offering his hat to a child, or the Straw Hat crew looking toward the horizon, have been painted over with neutral colors. In some cases, community groups tried to protect the murals by organizing clean-up efforts and covering them with tarps, but these attempts were blocked by officials.
One local artist, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said: “We never intended to make a political statement. We just love the story and what it represents. But if they see hope and rebellion in One Piece, maybe that says more about the current state of things than it does about us.”
The Indonesian government has not made a formal national announcement banning One Piece content, but the army’s actions suggest growing concern about how media and pop culture are being used to criticize leadership. This isn’t the first time that art has been treated as subversive in Indonesia. In the past, certain films, music, and street art have been censored or removed when they were seen as promoting controversial ideas.
Straw Hat Flag Crackdown: One Piece Art Viewed as Political Threat in Indonesia
International fans and human rights groups are beginning to pay attention as well. Anime communities outside of Indonesia have started organizing support campaigns, some even creating online galleries to preserve images of the removed murals. The issue has reignited global conversations about the power of pop culture and how stories (even fictional ones) can become deeply meaningful in real-life political situations.
One Piece, now in its final story arc, continues to grow in global popularity. Its messages about friendship, freedom, and fighting injustice have struck a chord with millions. The irony of governments treating such a series as dangerous isn’t lost on fans. To them, the Straw Hat crew doesn’t represent disobedience, it represents hope.
One Piece Franchise (Credits: Eichiro Oda)
As of now, it’s unclear whether the Indonesian Army will continue the removals or if public pressure will lead to a reconsideration of their approach. What is certain, however, is that the meaning of One Piece has taken on a new layer in Indonesia. What was once a beloved anime has now become a symbol, not just of fandom, but of defiance, identity, and the will to dream.
For many Indonesians, especially the youth, Luffy and his crew are more than characters in a story. They are heroes in both fantasy and spirit. Whether or not the murals return, their message remains, carved not just on walls, but in the hearts of those who still believe in freedom.
“One Piece” is a beloved Japanese manga and anime series that chronicles the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew. Luffy, imbued with rubber powers from a mystical fruit Hito Hito no Mi, aspires to become the Pirate King. To achieve this, he seeks the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece,” hidden at the Grand Line’s end. Along the journey, Luffy gathers a diverse crew, confronts formidable foes, and uncovers world-altering secrets, all while promoting themes of friendship, freedom, and adventure.
Fans of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba have a tasty new reason to celebrate. Kura Sushi, a popular sushi chain, has announced an exciting collaboration with the beloved anime series. This limited-time event will offer specially designed sushi rolls, desserts, and exclusive merchandise featuring characters from the anime.
Starting soon, Kura Sushi locations across the United States and Japan will roll out this Demon Slayer-themed experience. The campaign is expected to attract fans of all ages, combining delicious food with collectible items inspired by the world of Demon Slayer.
This collaboration will introduce a variety of menu items inspired by the anime’s most iconic characters. Each sushi roll or dessert will be creatively themed to match the colors, powers, or personalities of heroes like Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke.
For example, there may be a spicy roll representing Kyojuro Rengoku’s flame techniques, or a sweet strawberry dessert inspired by Nezuko’s kind and gentle nature. The dishes are not only tasty but also visually styled to reflect elements from the show, making them perfect for social media posts or keepsake photos.
In addition to the themed food, customers can enjoy meals served on plates decorated with Demon Slayer motifs, enhancing the full experience. Kids and anime fans alike will feel like they’re stepping into the world of Demon Slayer, even while enjoying a casual meal.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Koyoharu Gotouge)
Demon Slayer-Themed Sushi and Desserts Arrive at Kura Sushi
Perhaps the biggest attraction is the exclusive merchandise available only during this campaign. Every time customers dine in and participate in Kura Sushi’s signature Bikkura Pon prize system, they’ll get the chance to win special Demon Slayer items.
Bikkura Pon is an interactive game played through the restaurant’s touchscreens. Customers receive a game play every time they order five plates of sushi. Win or lose, it adds a fun twist to the dining experience. During the collaboration period, winners can score exclusive Demon Slayer keychains, pins, stickers, or miniature figures that can’t be found anywhere else.
These collectible items will be rotated weekly or in phases, encouraging fans to visit multiple times to complete the set. For serious collectors, this makes the event even more exciting.
Demon Slayer remains one of the most popular anime and manga series worldwide. Its intense action, emotional storylines, and lovable characters have gained it millions of fans. Because of this, any collaboration involving the brand gets a lot of attention.
Kura Sushi is known for its rotating conveyor belts and unique dining experience, making it a fun destination even without the anime tie-in. By teaming up with Demon Slayer, they’re combining food and fandom in a way that creates lasting memories.
For families, anime fans, and even newcomers to the series, this is a unique chance to enjoy good food while celebrating one of the most talked-about anime of the past decade.
This isn’t the first time Kura Sushi has collaborated with anime franchises. In the past, they’ve teamed up with shows like My Hero Academia and One Piece. But this Demon Slayer event may be one of their biggest yet due to the series’ continued popularity and the timing of new content releases.
The campaign also reflects a larger trend in how anime culture is blending with everyday life. Restaurants, fashion brands, and even airlines have been using anime collaborations to connect with younger audiences and expand their reach globally.
Kura Sushi Launches Exclusive Demon Slayer Merchandise and Menu Items
In particular, sushi restaurants and casual dining chains have been effective partners in this strategy. They provide the perfect environment to launch themed campaigns that feel fun, immersive, and inclusive for all age groups.
Exact dates for the campaign will vary by country and location, but most major Kura Sushi restaurants are expected to join. In the U.S., fans can follow Kura Sushi’s official website and social media pages for updates about when the campaign begins, what items will be available, and how to participate.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Koyoharu Gotouge)
In Japan, collaborations like these tend to feature a wider variety of items and more elaborate decorations in-store. However, the U.S. campaign will also include themed decorations and possibly exclusive merchandise only available outside Japan.
This Demon Slayer and Kura Sushi collaboration is more than just a meal, it’s an event for anime fans. Whether you’re trying to collect every exclusive item, take cute photos of character-inspired sushi, or just enjoy a fun outing with friends, the campaign is designed to leave a lasting impression.
With food, fun, and fandom rolled into one, it’s the kind of crossover that shows how deeply anime has become part of everyday culture around the world. Fans of Demon Slayer won’t want to miss this special experience, just make sure to come hungry.
Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
