Japanese Research on Linguistics, Literature, and Culture

Stereotypes of Japanese women in the Meiji era in Tsuda Umeko: Osatsu ni Natta Ryuugakusei

Sofiana Dwi Nur Laili — 2025-05-31

This study aims to identify the stereotypes of Japanese women in the Meiji era as represented in the film Tsuda Umeko: Osatsu ni Natta Ryuugakusei. The movie tells the story of Umeko’s struggle against patriarchal culture and fighting for women’s rights in Japan. This research uses a qualitative method with Roland Barthes’ semiotic approach. The object of study is the movie Tsuda Umeko: Osatsu ni Natta Ryuugakusei, with data collection conducted through listening and note-taking techniques. The analysis is based on three main concepts in Barthes’ semiotics: denotation, connotation, and myth. Through the analysis, three strong stereotypes of Japanese women in the Meiji era were found, namely: 1) women are subordinate; 2) women are dependent on men; and 3) women are given limited access to education. From these three constructions of women’s stereotypes, it can be concluded that this movie reflects the patriarchy that was deeply rooted in the Meiji era. Therefore, it is necessary to change the mindset of society so that women are no longer positioned as subordinate parties but are given the space to develop and be equal to men, both in the domestic and public spheres.

Exploring the correlation between collocational mastery and Japanese language proficiency levels

Dian Bayu Firmansyah — 2025-05-31

Mastering collocation is a crucial aspect of second language acquisition at the B2 level, particularly in Japanese. Understanding collocation allows learners to comprehend common word combinations used in everyday conversation. This study aims to explore the understanding of collocation among Japanese language learners and to identify errors in their sentence construction. Using a mixed-method approach, the research includes collocation knowledge tests, questionnaires, and interviews to collect data from Japanese language learners in Indonesia. The findings indicate that many learners struggle with proper collocation usage, largely due to the influence of their native language and a limited understanding of suitable word combinations in Japanese. However, with effective teaching methods and consistent practice, learners can improve their grasp of collocation, which will lead to more effective and natural communication in Japanese. This study concludes that a strong command of collocation significantly enhances Japanese language proficiency, particularly in terms of fluency and contextual understanding. The research intends to contribute to the development of collaborative learning strategies in Japanese, especially for non-native speakers, to facilitate daily communication in the language.

Deconstruction of the wife figure in the Ie system in the anime Tadaima, Okaeri

Rizqi Amelia Putri — 2025-12-01

The development of Japanese popular culture has given rise to various representations of non-traditional families, one of which is through the omegaverse subgenre in boys' love works. The anime Tadaima, Okaeri explicitly presents the omegaverse family through the character of Fujiyoshi Masaki, an omega man who plays the role of wife in the family. This study aims to analyze the deconstruction of the wife figure in the Japanese ie system using Derrida's perspective. The study uses content analysis of 12 episodes of Tadaima, Okaeri. The analysis focuses on the two main duties of the wife in the ie system, namely kaji (domestic work) and ikuji (childcare). The results show that Masaki consistently carries out domestic and caregiving activities traditionally attributed to women. This reversal disrupts binary oppositions such as male-female, public-domestic, dominant-submissive, which have been considered stable in the ie structure. Through Derrida's concept of hierarchy reversal and supplement, this anime shows that the role of wife is not a natural characteristic of women, but rather an interchangeable socio-cultural construct. However, Masaki's presence also further reinforces the patriarchal system that what is appropriate and suitable in the domestic sphere is the status of a wife.