Journal of Language Education Studies and Applied Linguistics (JoLESAL)
Vol 2 No 2 (2026): June 2026

Representasi Tokoh Oda Nobunaga dalam Game Samurai Warriors 4

Pandu Satria Mandala Putra (Departemen Sastra Jepang, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Hasanuddin)
Taqdir Taqdir (Hasanuddin University)
Fithyani Anwar (Departemen Sastra Jepang, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Hasanuddin)
Nursidah Nursidah (Departemen Sastra Jepang, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Hasanuddin)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study analyzes the representation of Oda Nobunaga in the video game Samurai Warriors 4 using Ferdinand de Saussure’s semiotic approach. The research aims to identify how visual elements, dialogues, and narrative structures construct the image of Nobunaga within the game. This study employed a descriptive qualitative method with data collected through gameplay observation, screenshot documentation, and dialogue transcription from the story mode of the game. The analysis focused on eight selected scenes that prominently featured Oda Nobunaga and contained significant visual and verbal elements related to character design, leadership interactions, and military strategy. The analysis focused on the relationship between signifier and signified in visual and verbal representations of the character. The findings reveal that Oda Nobunaga is represented as a powerful, charismatic, strategic, and dominant military leader. Visual signs such as golden armor, red cloak, facial expressions, and battle gestures symbolize authority, ambition, and military dominance. Verbal signs through dialogues further reinforce Nobunaga’s image as an authoritarian and strategic leader. In addition, battle scenes and campaign narratives reconstruct Nobunaga as a central figure in the unification of Japan during the Sengoku period. The study also shows that historical figures in video games undergo dramatization and symbolic reconstruction to fit contemporary narrative and entertainment purposes. Therefore, Samurai Warriors 4 functions not only as entertainment media but also as a cultural representation that shapes players’ perceptions of historical figures in popular culture.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JoLESAL

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The focus is to publish research articles that explore linguistics theories, Language and Communication, Language teaching, and daily language usage in education. Its scope is international in that it welcomes articles from academics, researchers, graduate students, and policymakers. The scope of ...