cover
Contact Name
Akhmad Saifudin
Contact Email
akhmad.saifudin@dsn.dinus.ac.id
Phone
-
Journal Mail Official
japanese.research@fib.dinus.ac.id
Editorial Address
-
Location
Kota semarang,
Jawa tengah
INDONESIA
Japanese Research on Linguistics, Literature, and Culture
ISSN : 26555836     EISSN : 26554836     DOI : -
Core Subject : Humanities, Art,
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.
Arjuna Subject : -
Articles 92 Documents
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.
A semiotic analysis of the meaning of “Hikaru” in the song Hikaru Nara by Goose House Esika, Jeminika Isyamy; 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.v7i2.15734

Abstract

This study examines the construction of poetic meaning in the lyrics of the song Hikaru Nara by Goose House using Michael Riffaterre’s semiotic framework, supported by conceptual metaphor theory. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms of indirect expression, as well as to identify the matrix, model, variants, and hypogram that structure the symbolic meaning of the lyrics. A qualitative descriptive method with content analysis was employed, focusing on textual units containing metaphors, symbols, and semantic deviations. The findings reveal that the meaning of the lyrics is constructed through symbolic transformations rooted in natural imagery and journey metaphors. The matrix of the song reflects an inner transformation from suffering and darkness toward hope and emotional renewal, triggered by the presence of a significant figure represented as “light.” The model is dominated by natural and journey metaphors, while the variants appear in recurring symbols such as light, rain, stars, and sky. The hermeneutic reading demonstrates that meaning emerges dynamically through the interaction between linguistic signs, listener experiences, and socio-cultural contexts. This study contributes to the development of literary semiotics by demonstrating the relevance of Riffaterre’s theory in analyzing contemporary Japanese song lyrics and highlighting the role of conceptual metaphor in shaping poetic meaning.

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