Japanology: The Journal of Japanese Studies

Voice Over Video Learning Media Development for Internship Candidates of LPK Hishou Universal Style Bangli

Ni Made Dea Sri Larasati, Ni Nengah Suartini, I Kadek Antartika — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study is part of the third stage of Research and Development (R&D), which is to develop products and test their effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to develop a video as a Japanese language learning media focusing on vocabulary related to souzai seizougyou. In addition, this research also tested its feasibility for prospective Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) at LPK Hishou Universal Style, Bangli, Bali. There are 10 learning videos in which each video consists of vocabulary introduction, pronunciation practice, and practice questions using native speakers' voice over. This research uses the Four-D (4D) model by Thiagarajan et al. (1974) with four stages, Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. Data collection was carried out by interviews and expert test questionnaires (material expert test, media expert test) as well as limited product trials to produce an optimal product. As a result, the material expert obtained a score of 87.5 (very suitable) and 95.31 (very suitable) from the media expert. Furthermore, the score from the instructor trial was 100 (very suitable) and the trial with prospective apprentices was 98% (very feasible). Therefore, this learning video is suitable to be used as a media to support Japanese vocabulary learning activities.

The Value of Ganbaru in The Wind Rises (2013)

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Ganbaru is a value that has been deeply rooted in Japanese society, even it has been quite known well globally. Ganbaru is often described as having an attitude of hard work and never giving up. The value of ganbaru has been widely represented through anime. One of them is the anime called The Wind Rises (2013). This research aims to examine the value of ganbaru as depicted through the character Horikoshi Jiro in The Wind Rises. The Wind Rises is an anime film produced by Studio Ghibli which tells the life of Horikoshi Jiro, an airplane designer from Japan during the World War, and his struggle to make an advanced airplane. This research is descriptive qualitative research which uses the ganbaru concept in analyzing the data. The research results show that Jiro displays ganbaru values through the attitudes of 1) working hard and being patient; and 2) insisting of having his way. Thus, it can be understood that Jiro is a representation of ganbaru values in Japanese society.

The Influence of Haji no Bunka on the Decline of Population in Japan

Vickryan Embriano, Yuniarsih, Komara Mulya — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The decline in Japan's population has become a major concern, with the number of deaths nearly double the number of births in 2022. One predicted contributing factor is haji no bunka (the culture of shame), which reflects the values of honor and shame within Japanese society. This study aims to explore whether the culture of shame contributes to Japan's population decline. The research uses a quantitative approach, analyzing survey data from 20 single Japanese individuals to assess their understanding and application of haji no bunka. The results indicate that while most respondents do not fully understand the culture of shame, many apply it in their daily lives. This culture encourages a focus on work and social status over marriage, as a means to avoid shame related to social and financial status. In conclusion, shame related to social and financial status is a major barrier to family formation, with Japanese respondents prioritizing work to avoid shame and discrimination. This highlights the importance of economic stability and social status as crucial prerequisites for marriage and family life.

Representation of Ieseido in Kōsaka Rito and Agitogi Akumi’s Manga Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon

Noor Intan Kemala Agusnie, Puspa Mirani Kadir, Budi Rukhyana — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

家制度/ Ieseido is a Japanese family system that emerged and grew in the Edo period and ended in the Showa period. Ieseido lasted from the Edo period to the Showa period, so it is often represented in the manga, one of which is found in a manga set in the Meiji to Showa period entitled Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon (Watakon) by Kōsaka Rito and Agitogi Akumi. This article uses a descriptive qualitative method with Stuart Hall’s representation theory. The results show that there is a representation of the concept of Ieseido in the Watakon manga. Traditional Japanese values related to the concept of Ieseido, such as loyalty to family, social hierarchy, and gender roles are explicitly shown in the manga panels. The analysis also shows the importance of understanding representation not only as a passive reflection of reality but also as an active construction that impacts how identity and social relations are perceived.

Adaptation Strategy of Indonesia’s Tokutei Ginou Workers: Case Study of Hokkaido’s Hospitality Industry

Tubagus Rizkiawan Pratama, Nunuk Endah Srimulyani — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Indonesian Migrant Workers with tokutei ginou (specified skilled worker) visas in Japan experience problems and obstacles while working in Japan. To overcome these problems, they carry out adaptation strategies for each problem. This study aims to find out the problems of Indonesian migrant workers in Japan and how to adapt to these problems. This research is descriptive qualitative research and uses a case study approach. The objects in this research are three Indonesian Migrant Workers with tokutei ginou visas who work in the hospitality industry in Hokkaido, Japan. In collecting data, in-depth interviews were conducted. The results of this research reveal that Indonesian migrant workers experience several problems while working in Japan, such as differences in habits, work culture, language barriers, environmental conditions, absence of places of worship, and incompatibility of work contracts. From these problems, the migrant workers have ways to deal with these problems in order to adapt in Japan. Such as adjusting to the habits of Japanese society, relearning the Japanese language, familiarizing themselves with the weather conditions in Japan, and worshiping in their respective residences. It can be concluded that the adaptation strategies carried out by Indonesian migrant workers based on John William Bennett's theory are 1) adaptive behavior to adjust differences in habits; 2) adaptive strategy to deal with problems of work culture, language, environment, and religion; and 3) adaptive process to deal with work culture problems.

Japanese Language Efficiency: An Analysis of Continuum Words in NHK NEWS May 2024

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Linguistics is a discipline that delves into various aspects of language, including the formation, usage, and articulation of language by its speakers. Linguistics helps us to understand the mechanisms behind language formation, the reasons for its use, and how language is articulated within society. This study analyzes continuum words that appear in news articles on the NHK NEWS website in May 2024, with the aim of exploring the processes of word formation and conducting a morphophonemic analysis of these words. Using a qualitative approach, eight continuum words were analyzed to uncover the formation of morphemes and their meanings. The results indicate that these continuum words combine kango and gairaigo, without wago, effectively condensing complex concepts into concise terms for media communication. The morphophonemic analysis reveals sound changes and zero morphophonemics, reflecting the efficiency of the Japanese language in summarizing complex concepts. Further research is recommended to explore the flexibility of the Japanese language in other contexts.