Japanology: The Journal of Japanese Studies

Factors Causing Hikonka in the Drama Kekkon Aite wa Chusen de: Charles Sanders Peirce Semiotic Analysis

Ikhwan Ariesta Junaid, Meta Sekar Puji — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The phenomenon of hikonka in Japan, or the tendency of young people not to marry, has been a crucial social issue in Japan since the 1950s, which is heavily influenced by socio-economic and socio-cultural factors. This study aims to reveal the factors causing hikonka through the Japanese drama Kekkon Aite wa Chusen de (2018) using Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotic method. The data analyzed is the main narrative of the drama to identify what factors can be signaled as the cause of hikonka. The research findings show that the hikonka phenomenon in Japan via drama is influenced by the arranged marriage policy imposed by the Japanese government to address the declining birth rate. This policy, which is intended to help overcome hikonka, has the opposite effect, causing social tension because it ignores individual freedom in choosing a life partner. Secondly, the appearance of the main character Miyasaka Tatsuhiko who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) such as otaku and introvert, which reflects that the occurrence of hikonka in Japan is also affected by the mental health of its youth. Thirdly, hikonka is also influenced by the existence of individuals with diverse sexual orientations, which makes it difficult to find a mate and especially to fulfill the demands of arranged marriages imposed by the government.

Humor Strategy in Japanese Manzai & Indonesian Double Act: A Humor Discourse Study

Intan Khodijatul Kubro — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research examines how humor speech strategies are used in the comedy variety of Manzai Japan and Double Act Indonesia, focusing on the humor discourse that appears in the dialogue of the M-1 Grand Prix 2022 show and the Duo Komedian 2021 competition. The method used is qualitative discourse analysis, by identifying linguistic and rhetorical patterns that form humor in both shows. The data collected was then transcribed into text form, and then analyzed using the four-dimensional theory of discourse. The findings show that although both forms of comedy use similar humor strategies such as self-deprecation, humor targeted at the interlocutor, and third-party references, there are important differences in their execution and cultural nuances. Japanese Manzai often relies on quick exchanges and logical absurdity, while Indonesian double acts often use expressive gestures and socially relevant humor topics. Through Manzai plays, the Japanese tend to be more subtle and polite, whereas overly offensive humor is less likely to be accepted. While Indonesians are more expressive and open in using humor.

Politeness Strategies for Criticizing in the Japanese Workplace: A Pragmatic Study

Teguh Santoso, Slamet, Miftah Nugroho — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Criticism plays a crucial role in improving individual and team performance and addressing shortcomings in workplace processes. However, the way criticism is delivered significantly impacts how it is received. This study examines politeness strategies in delivering criticism in Japanese workplaces, drawing on Nguyen's (2005) politeness theory. Using the Discourse Completion Test (DCT) method, the study involved 25 students from the Japanese Literature Program at Universitas Ngudi Waluyo who work in Japan. The findings reveal that direct criticism is rarely used in Japanese workplaces as it risks disrupting wa (harmony) and causing embarrassment, particularly in formal or peer relationships. Direct criticism is employed only in urgent situations or within hierarchical relationships, characterized by explicit, firm language aimed at immediate correction. Conversely, indirect criticism is more prevalent, utilizing linguistic strategies such as suggestions, invitations, or questions to maintain politeness and relational stability. From a sociopragmatic perspective, cultural norms, status hierarchies, and social contexts influence the choice of criticism strategies. From a pragmalinguistic perspective, subtle and implicit linguistic elements are effective in preserving harmony and avoiding confrontation. The study concludes that the success of delivering criticism relies on balancing communicative effectiveness with maintaining harmonious workplace relationships.

Consumptive Behavior of AKB48’s Fans: Case Study of Japanese Language and Literature Students at Airlangga University

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

It can be said that there are quite a lot of Japanese idol fans in Indonesia, especially among young adults aged 18-29 years. This research analyzes the consumer behavior of fans of the idol group AKB48 using a case study of Japanese Language and Literature students at Airlangga University. Japanese Language and Literature students are relevant to research because their average age is 18-29 years. The researcher assumes that Japanese Language and Literature students can represent a group of young adults who have an interest in Japanese popular culture. This research is qualitative research with a case study approach. Determining the informants themselves used snowball sampling and four informants were obtained. Data collection techniques in this research used in-depth interview. The data found was analyzed through Jean Baudrillard's theory of consumerism. The results of the research show that there is consumptive behavior carried out by the four Japanese Language and Literature students who are fans of AKB48. Visible consumer behavior includes buying products promoted by AKB48 members, collecting goods and knick-knacks from AKB48, collecting DVDs/CDs, watching online and offline concerts, attending fan meetings, and holding birthday celebrations for AKB48 members and others.

Standard Japanese Equivalents of Hakata Dialects in Movie Hanachan no Misoshiru

Murni Sri Sundoro Ari, Bayu Aryanto — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the comparisons of standard Japanese and Hakata dialects used in the movie Hanachan no Misoshiru. It aims to identify and analyze the linguistic forms of Hakata dialects and understand the differences in meaning and usage compared to standard Japanese. The design used in this research is a descriptive qualitative approach, and the data is collected through observation of dialog in the film. The data collected was then classified based on word class groups. The results show that the dialectal variety in jodoushi is found in verb patterns (-tou), which are comparable to standard Japanese in the form of sounds (chouon or long vowel sounds), and abbreviation of phonemes. The word classification in the form of keiyoushi or adjectives is found in the form of additional patterns of the final word (-ka), which undergoes word formation, namely the omission of sounds and the addition of phonemes.

The Use of Cost-Affirmative Suffixes ~賃、~金 and ~費 in Mainichi Shinbun and Minami Nihon Shinbun

Kezia Angelica Tjokrokusumo, Siti Fatonah, Khori Alfiani, Ardhini Wahyu Wulan — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to investigate the derived features of the suffixes -chin (賃), -kin (金), and -hi (費) in the corpus of Mainichi Shinbun and Minami Nihon Shinbun electronic newspapers over nearly one year. Within more than 20,000 sentences containing these three suffixes, this study reveals the important role of terms related to cost, funds, and expenses in Japanese public discourse. The analysis was conducted to understand the context in which each suffix used, identify its usage pattern, and distinguish its specific meaning. The results show that -chin (賃) suffix is often used for service fees or rent, -kin (金) suffix relates to funds or money in formal contexts, while -hi (費) suffix refers to expenses or costs in general contexts. The results also highlight the sensitivity of language to economic and social issues, while providing in-depth insights into the construction of Japanese in mass media. This research contributes to studying Japanese linguistics, particularly in understanding the function of suffixes in word formation and information delivery in the public sphere.