<![CDATA[This study aims to describe the use of kouhai language from a keigo perspective by Suzukaze Aoba in the anime New Game! based on the concept of language variation by Holmes & Wilson (2022). The study used a qualitative descriptive approach, with data sources consisting of Suzukaze Aoba's speech to her seniors in the Eagle Jump workplace. Data were obtained through listening, transcription, recording, and classification techniques based on the keigo form and function of kouhai language. The results show that the use of kouhai language not only functions as a means of communication but also represents social relationships between speakers and interlocutors. This is evident in the use of hatarakasete itadaku, desu, -mashita, -na no desu ga, as well as the expressions goburei shimashita and gomennasai in Suzukaze Aoba's various utterances to her seniors. The research findings reveal five main functions of kouhai language: indicating social status, maintaining social relationships, expressing politeness, demonstrating social identity, and managing power and solidarity. These five functions are interrelated in every communication situation and reflect Aoba's awareness as a new employee of respecting hierarchy and building harmonious interpersonal relationships. Thus, this study reinforces Holmes & Wilson's (2022) view that language variation is a linguistic strategy for representing social identity, maintaining social relationships, and regulating power relations in Japanese communication culture.]]>
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