A man in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife and two young children after claiming that the popular Japanese manga and anime series One Piece influenced his actions.
The 33-year-old suspect, identified as Julius from East Kalimantan, was arrested in August after reportedly attacking his family with a machete. In a viral video of his police interrogation, Julius can be heard saying: “I did not fulfil the living requirements of One Piece. I was scolded by One Piece.”
The chilling clip has sparked confusion and outrage online, with netizens questioning how the long-running anime — known for its themes of friendship, loyalty and adventure — could possibly be linked to such a horrific act. Many have instead speculated that Julius may be suffering from severe mental health issues.
Authorities have said they are treating the incident as a domestic dispute. Police confirmed that Julius is undergoing a psychiatric evaluation with the help of mental health specialists, adding that his reference to the anime likely reflects a delusional episode rather than the real motive behind the crime.
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Fans of One Piece were quick to defend the series, with one online comment reading: “One Piece has never taught anyone to kill their family.”
Julius remains in police custody while investigators collect forensic evidence and interview neighbours. His charges have yet to be determined pending the results of his psychiatric assessment.
Since its debut in 1997, One Piece has become one of the world’s best-selling manga series and a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture. The story is celebrated for its themes of friendship, freedom, and adventure — not violence — and has inspired generations of fans across the globe.
