Straw Hats Assemble for ‘One Piece’ Fan Celebrations Around the World

All aboard the Merry-Go-Round!

Thousands of straw hats gathered in ten countries around the world for a sneak peek of Netflix’s highly anticipated live-action One Piece adaptation and to celebrate the series’ August 31st premiere.

One Piece is a sprawling tale of adventure on the high seas based on Eiichiro Oda’s highest-selling manga series in history. It centers on the character of Monkey D. Luffy, an enthusiastic young man whose singular ambition is to become King of the Pirates. One Piece is the title of both the manga series and the legendary treasure that Luffy seeks in order to become King of the Pirates.

Los Angeles, USA

In the United States, the festivities began on August 24 with Pirates on the Pier. One Piece took over Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, including the famous Ferris wheel, which was lit up as Jolly Roger. Guests enjoyed multiple photo opportunities and music by DJ Pee. Wee, a screening of the first episode, and a drone show, which brightened the evening with beloved characters such as Luffy, Buggy, dancing straw hats, and even a tribute to Oda-Sensei, who made a special appearance at the event.

We see adventure written in the stars!!! We wish every Straw Hat could have been with us on the Santa Monica Pier last night. Here’s a front row seat for the surprise drone show. #OnePieceNetflix pic.twitter.com/mAJnhDtWa4

— ONE PIECE(ワンピース) Netflix (@onepiecenetflix) August 25, 2023

Paris, France

On August 26, French fans went on a gum-gum treasure hunt around Paris, following social media clues to find the 20 hidden treasures, including one unique gum-gum. The treasure hunters received special One Piece treasures as well as in-person and virtual tickets to the fan premiere at the Grand Rex Theater on August 29, where the first two episodes were screened.

French ‘One Piece’ fans gather in Paris before an advance screening.

Jakarta, Indonesia

On August 27, fans in Indonesia joined a flag hunt on foot that spanned several central Jakarta locations. Three days later, they screened the first episode and visited the ship at Pantai Indah Kapuk, which was decked out to look like the Going Merry and featured several photo ops from the series. The ship is now open to the public and will remain so until September 3rd.

A Going Merry replica in Jakarta.

Tokyo, Japan

On August 30, the celebration traveled to Japan, where fans watched the first two episodes at Tokyo’s United Cinema Aqua City Odaiba before visiting a special One Piece exhibition. The space, which is open to the public until September 3, includes real-life props and costumes from the series, One Piece-inspired games like the straw hat toss and a cast memory game, and a special installation titled “Journey to the ONE PIECE with Oda-Sensei,” which details the working relationship between Oda-Sensei and Netflix during production through letters and videos.

‘One Piece’ superfans in cosplay at the fan exhibition in Tokyo.

Milan, Italy

The celebrations moved to Italy on August 30th. While watching the first two episodes from atop the swimming pool at Milan’s Bagni Misteriosi, fans were treated to photo opportunities, iconic gifts, and gum-gum fruit macarons, among other themed snacks.

The ‘One Piece’ screening at the Bagni Misteriosi in Milan.

Metro Manila, Philippines

Later that day in the Philippines, several famous One Piece landmarks were brought to life at Taguig in Metro Manila, including Zoro’s iconic cross at Shells Town, the deck of the Going Merry with the Straw Hat crew’s Jolly Roger, the famous barrel where guests could showcase their hopes and dreams, and a wanted board filled with the bounties of all the attendees. The experience is free and open to the public until September 5th.

A recreation of the Going Merry at Taguig in Manila.

Mexico City, Mexico

To round out the day, guests in Mexico City watched the first episode before boarding ship-themed buses for an exclusive sneak peek of the fan experience at Fronton Inclan. The activation, which is open to the public until September 17, includes a One Piece-inspired circus, skills games, photo ops, a virtual reality experience, and a special musical mariachi performance of the One Piece song “We Are.”

‘One Piece’ marines at Fan Fest in Mexico City.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Going Merry docked at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on premiere day, where fans could replicate Luffy’s poster and participate in other photo ops aboard the ship. The activation is open to the public until September 3rd, and then again from September 7th to September 10th.

A replica of the Going Merry welcomes visitors at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

Bangkok, Thailand

The Going Merry made its final stop in Thailand at Bangkok’s IconSiam, where fans could recreate Zoro’s iconic opening scene and take the stern at Nami’s tangerines garden (among other photo opportunities), as well as compete in a One Piece trivia game before watching the first episode. The free Going Merry boat shuttle is available until September 3, and the fan event space is open to the public until September 10.

‘One Piece’ fans prepare to board a Going Merry replica in Bangkok.

Germany

To round out the festivities, fans in Germany joined a virtual watch party hosted by singer, voice actress, and influencer Lara Loft.

Didn’t get a chance to celebrate with Luffy and his grand fleet in person? Grab your straw hat and watch One Piece on Netflix now.

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