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Akhmad Saifudin
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Japanese Research on Linguistics, Literature, and Culture
Published by Universitas Dian Nuswantoro
ISSN : 26555836     EISSN : 26554836     DOI : -
Core Subject : Humanities, Art,
Arts Humanities
Japanese Research on Linguistics, Literature, and Culture is an academic, open access, and peer-reviewed journal founded and first published in 2018 by the Japanese Department Universitas Dian Nuswantoro, Semarang. Focusing on Japanese linguistics, literature, and culture as it is viewed from one or multi disciplines perspective. Issues are published two times per year (in May and November), and articles are published in Indonesian or in English.
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Articles 91 Documents
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Neurotic needs of Light Yagami in the anime series Death Note Pangestu, Anggoro Margi; Saifudin, Akhmad
Japanese Research on Linguistics, Literature, and Culture Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): May
Publisher : Universitas Dian Nuswantoro

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33633/jr.v7i2.15301

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological dynamics of Light Yagami, the protagonist of the anime Death Note, through the lens of Horney’s theory. Employing a qualitative descriptive design, the research analyzes selected scenes, dialogues, and behavioral patterns that reflect underlying neurotic tendencies. Data were drawn from the anime consisting of 37 episodes, from which 11 representative scenes were purposively selected based on their relevance to Horney’s theoretical categories. Qualitative content analysis was applied to link narrative elements with six dominant neurotic needs systematically. The results reveal that Light Yagami exhibits a coherent constellation of neurotic needs, including affection and approval, power, exploitation, personal achievement, social recognition, and perfection or unassailability. These needs emerge dynamically across the narrative, with an observable shift from early compliant tendencies toward aggressive neurotic trends following Light’s acquisition of the Death Note. The neurotic need for power functions as the central compensatory mechanism, while exploitation, achievement, and recognition reinforce an idealized self-image characterized by superiority and moral absolutism. Perfectionism operates as an integrative yet destabilizing force, ultimately contributing to psychological rigidity and self-defeat. The study concludes that Light’s transformation is best understood not merely as a moral or ideological descent but as the escalation of anxiety-driven neurotic defenses enabled by extraordinary external power. By applying Horney’s framework, this research demonstrates the analytical value of neo-Freudian personality theory for character studies and media psychology, particularly in interpreting morally ambiguous characters. The findings contribute to interdisciplinary approaches that integrate psychological theory, qualitative narrative analysis, and media-based personality construction.

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