UNSOED Conferences, International Conference on Language, Linguistics, and Literature (COLALITE) 2020

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THE MEANING OF SUPERHERO IN NARUTO MANGA
Ethel Deborah Lewerissa, Cece Sobarna, Nandang Rahmat, Inu Isnaeni Sidiq

Last modified: 2020-08-19

Abstract


Manga as one of Japanese popular culture are not only in demand by Japanese teenagers, but also by teenagers from other countries. Manga are also seen as a form of entertainment that not only tells about romance but also tells about superheroes. One of the superhero characters who have special skills and are respected by the public can be found in Japanese teen comics or manga, it called Naruto manga. Naruto, the main character in the manga, is depicted as a shinobi who is determined to become a Hokage. The depiction of the Naruto character can represent the myths contained in the oldest Japanese book, kojiki, which is the depiction of the god Amaterasu. The depiction of Naruto's character as a symbol of the god Amaterasu can be seen from some of Naruto's actions trying to save the village of Konoha from various problems. The meaning of the sign of the Naruto character can be seen using Barthes' theory of semiotics. Gadamer's theory of interpretation is used to get the meaning of the sign (perceptions). The purpose of this study is expected to obtain a moral message that is portrayed in the Naruto character.


Keywords


Amaterasu, Barthes semiotics, Gadamer perceptions, Naruto manga, popular culture