By KHT Staff. Image via FB.
KAOHSIUNG — Tens of thousands of fans packed the Kaohsiung waterfront Saturday for a One Piece–themed parade, many dressed as characters from the popular Japanese manga and anime series.
The event, organized by Netflix, celebrated the upcoming second season of its live-action adaptation of One Piece, which follows a band of pirates with supernatural abilities.
Crowds began gathering hours before the parade, hoping to see characters such as Luffy, Chopper, Nami, Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji. Some attendees traveled from other parts of Taiwan, including Changhua County (彰化縣) and Tainan (台南市), to take part in the cosplay celebration.
The parade began around 3 p.m. near the intersection of Haibian Road (海邊路) and Chenggong 2nd Road (成功二路) and proceeded toward Pier 16 (高雄港16號碼頭). A model of the pirate ship Going Merry, featured in the series, was among the attractions.
Organizers also incorporated a local touch, opening the parade with a Mazu (媽祖) statue from Jenn Lann Temple (鎮瀾宮) in Taichung, symbolizing blessings for safe voyages — a fitting tribute for a pirate-themed celebration at one of Taiwan’s largest ports.
