Celt: A Journal of Culture, English Language Teaching & Literature
Vol 25, No 2: December 2025, Nationally accredited

Media, Power and Heritage Policy: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Himeji Castle’s Entry Fee Proposal

Fitri Ifi Gama (Foreign Language Department, Faculty of Language and Arts, Manado State University, Tondano)
I Nyoman Sudiana (Indonesian Language Education, Faculty of Language and Arts, Ganesha Education University, Singaraja)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This research aims to critically analyze a news article discussing the Mayor of Himeji's proposal to increase entry fees for foreign tourists visiting Himeji Castle using Norman Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) model. The study's significance lies in understanding how media discourse shapes public perception and policy decisions regarding tourism and heritage preservation. The methodology involves three levels of analysis: textual, discursive practice, and social practice. The results indicate that the media plays a crucial role in framing policy debates and influencing public opinion. The textual analysis reveals strategic language choices that frame the fee increase as a necessary measure for sustainable tourism and heritage preservation. Discursive practice analysis shows how the article's production context and use of authoritative quotes lend credibility to the policy while highlighting a bias by omitting diverse perspectives. The social practice analysis situates the discourse within broader socio-economic and political contexts, emphasizing the tension between economic benefits and cultural preservation. The study underscores the need for sustainable tourism practices that balance local and global interests and contribute to preserving cultural heritage sites

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

celt

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Celt: A Journal of Culture, English Language Teaching & Literature is a double-blind peer-reviewed journal, published biannually in the months of July and December with p-ISSN (printed): 1412-3320 & e-ISSN (electronic/online): 2502-4914 It presents articles around the area of culture, English ...