Proceeding of International Conference on Japanese Studies, Language and Education

Accelerating Japanese Language Proficiency for Migrant Workers Through a Blended Learning Model: A Case Study at LPK K-Japan

2026-10-15T05:28:20+00:00

Meeting the JFT-Basic A2 proficiency standard for Indonesian migrant worker candidates under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) scheme is frequently constrained by limited preparation time. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a blended learning model to optimize a highly accelerated four-month intensive training program. Utilizing a descriptive quantitative case study approach, this research observed 9 students from the first batch at LPK K-Japan who completed a total curriculum of ±450 hours. The instructional design strictly separated effective face-to-face classroom hours (09:00–16:00), which focused on fundamental input, communication practice (kaiwa), and reading comprehension (dokai), from post-class activities that utilized a digital Learning Management System (LMS) asynchronously for rote memorization of kanji and vocabulary. Preliminary results from the first wave of the JFT-Basic A2 competency test (May 2026) demonstrated a 50% pass rate (2 out of 4 students), with high-score achievements of 240 and 220 out of 250 points, respectively. The findings indicate that students with a higher education background (Bachelor's degree) exhibited superior adaptability in managing independent digital learning outside the classroom compared to vocational high school graduates. The blended learning model proved effective in proportionally distributing students' cognitive load to meet a dense curriculum schedule, although additional scaffolding strategies are required for students with varying independent learning profiles.

Keywords: Blended Learning, Cognitive Maturity, JFT-Basic A2, LMS, Migrant Workers.

Implementation of Project-Based Authentic Learning through a Film Subtitling Project in Japanese Translation Courses

2026-10-15T05:33:47+00:00

Japanese translation learning requires an approach that connects linguistic competence with professional practices relevant to industry needs. This study aims to examine the implementation of Project-Based Authentic Learning through a film subtitling project as a learning model for audiovisual translation in the Japanese Language Study Program at Politeknik Takumi. The project was conducted through the translation of the Japanese film Keanin: Anata de Yokatta and Keanin: Kokoro ni Saku Hana, which focuses on the theme of caregiving, by involving collaboration between senior students who acted as translators responsible for analyzing translation strategies and junior students who worked as subtitle editors in the audiovisual production process. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach by analyzing the project implementation process, students' learning experiences, and the subtitle products produced. The results showed that the film subtitling project provided an authentic learning experience that reflected the workflow of the audiovisual translation industry. Students not only developed their ability to translate Japanese dialogues accurately and communicatively but also improved their understanding of cultural contexts, subtitle technology utilization, collaboration, and accuracy in producing translation products. However, several challenges were identified during the project implementation, including coordination between different student levels, repeated translation revision processes, and the need for lecturer guidance to maintain subtitle quality. This study concludes that Project-Based Authentic Learning through film subtitling projects is effective for Japanese translation learning because it integrates linguistic, cultural, technological, and professional competencies aligned with workplace demands.

Keywords: Project-Based Authentic Learning, Japanese translation, audiovisual translation, film subtitles, Japanese caregiving.

Analysis of the Hidden Meaning in the Lyrics of the Song "Vampire's Love" by Vamps

2026-10-15T05:41:20+00:00

This study aims to analyze the hidden meaning contained in the lyrics of “Vampire’s Love” by VAMPS using Michael Riffaterre’s semiotic theory. The song was selected because it contains various poetic expressions that cannot be fully understood through a literal reading alone. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method using heuristic and hermeneutic reading stages. The analysis focused on identifying indirect forms of expression, including displacement of meaning, distortion of meaning, matrix, model, variants, and hypogram. The findings reveal that displacement of meaning is represented through metaphor and hyperbole, while distortion of meaning is manifested through ambiguity, contradiction, and nonsense. The hermeneutic reading indicates that the lyrical persona represents a vampire who loves someone but is unable to express or realize that love directly. The song’s matrix is obstructed love, while its model is “ ” reflected in the chorus, which emphasizes that the feeling of love persists despite being unattainable. The variants found in the lyrics include distance, memories, sacrifice, and restrained affection. The song’s hypogram relates to the tradition of romantic literature concerning unattainable love and the Gothic tradition, which portrays vampires as symbols of forbidden love, loneliness, and sacrifice. Overall, “Vampire’s Love” depicts the suffering of unexpressed love through a network of semiotic signs that collectively construct the song’s deeper meaning.

Keywords: Riffaterre’s semiotics, song lyrics, hidden meaning, VAMPS, “Vampire’s Love,” Japanese language.

The Analysis of Cognitive Level of Exercises on Japanese Language Textbook Minna no Nihongo and Its Relevance Based on User Experience

2026-10-15T05:45:41+00:00

This study explored the cognitive level of Japanese language textbook Minna no Nihongo based on Taxonomy Bloom’s theory and its relevance based on the user’s experience in the real working situation in Japan. The datas of this study are collected by analyzing 182 exercises on Renshuu B to know on which cognitive level is Minna no Nihongo exercises and also collecting the data related to the user’s experience by questionnaire. Participants are 81 person of LPK (Lembaga Pelatihan Kerja) students whom finished their training and are working or has been worked in Japan. The datas collected in this research are analyzed to know the cognitive level of Minna no Nihongo exercises and its relevance based on the review from the participants.

The result of the study shown that among 182 exercises, 86% are in Taxonomy Bloom’s C3 level that is categorized as LOTS (Lower Order Thinking Skills). This cognitive level is no longer enough for the 21 century skills which is needed in this industry 4.0 era. Based on the questionnaire filled by partisipants from 20 LPK in Indonesia, 90.1% are learned Japanese language from Minna no Nihongo. From the user experience, Minna no Nihongo has its strength and weakness based on the participant reviews that might be the consideration for Japanese learning, especially on LPK.

keywords: Minna no nihongo, Taxonomy Bloom, Cognitive level, User experience, LPK

Descriptive Genre in Japanese Setting An SFL Analysis of Text Structure and Language Features

2026-10-15T06:01:38+00:00

This study investigates the generic structure and lexico-grammatical features of Japanese descriptive texts within the framework of Hasan’s Generic Structure Potential (GSP) of Systemic Functional Linguistics. Using a qualitative case study, the research analyzed 40 authentic Japanese descriptive texts describing people, places, objects, and concepts. The texts were purposively selected from government websites, textbooks, magazines, brochures, advertisements, newspapers, and cultural websites. The findings reveal that Japanese descriptive texts are systematically organized through stable obligatory and flexible optional elements. Identification and Description consistently function as the core obligatory stages across all text types, while Concept descriptions additionally require Cultural Interpretation. Optional elements, including Historical Background, Visitor Information, Procedural Explanation, Evaluation, and Illustrative Examples, are incorporated according to the communicative purpose of individual texts. Lexico-grammatically, the texts are characterized by the predominance of relational processes, supported by material and mental processes, extensive nominalization, passive constructions, adjective constructions, noun modifiers, copular expressions, relative clauses, and culturally specific lexical items. These linguistic resources enable writers to produce objective descriptions while simultaneously conveying cultural knowledge and values. The study concludes that Japanese descriptive texts are best characterized as a descriptive-explanatory cultural genre rather than a purely descriptive genre because they integrate factual description with cultural interpretation. The findings extend Hasan's GSP to Japanese descriptive discourse, contribute to SFL-based genre studies, and provide pedagogical implications for Genre-Based Pedagogy and the development of authentic instructional materials for Japanese as a Foreign Language.

Keywords: Japanese descriptive genre; Systemic Functional Linguistics; Generic Structure Potential; genre analysis; Japanese language education.

Use of The Verb-te YARI-MORAI

2026-10-15T06:06:18+00:00

The aim of this study is, firstly, to examine the basic sentence patterns of the Japanese Verb-te YARI–MORAI from a linguistic typological perspective. Secondly, to describe the formation process and usage of the Verb-te YARI–MORAI constructions, namely V-te agemasu which forms the ‘me-kan’ affix, V-te moraimasu which forms the ‘di-kan’ affix, and V-te kuremasu which also forms the ‘me-kan’ affix. The method employed is a qualitative descriptive approach of an explanatory and synchronic nature, focusing on the exposition of the language system both individually and in terms of universal linguistic tendencies. The research findings indicate that the use of the Verb-te YARI–MORAI verbs is relatively easy for learners to understand. During the presentation process, learners were able to distinguish the usage of these three verbs fluently, achieving optimal results. Furthermore, learners were also able to identify the differences between Verb-te agemasu and Verb-te kuremasu, which, although both meaning ‘to give’, possess distinctive nuances unique to the Japanese language. In addition, the Verb-te YARI–MORAI construction is very commonly used in everyday communication by Japanese speakers, particularly in the context of tourism Japanese.

Keywords: Yari-Morai Verbs, Linguistic Typology, Tourism Japanese

Metaphors in Japanese Songs with the Theme of Hope

2026-10-15T08:14:55+00:00

This study aims to identify the types of metaphors and determine the most frequently used metaphors in Japanese songs themed around “hope”. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method using the metaphor theory proposed by Stephen Ullman. The data were collected using the simak catat technique and analyzed using a descriptive method. The results of the study show that from five Japanese songs used as the research objects, 13 metaphorical expressions were found, consisting of 7 anthropomorphic metaphors, 1 animal metaphor, 4 abstraction metaphors, and 1 synesthetic metaphor. Among these, anthropomorphic metaphors were the most frequently used type.

Keywords: Hope, Japanese songs, Metaphor

Analysis of Keigo and Social Factors of the Uchi-Soto Concept in the Japanese Manga Bungou Stray Dogs

2026-10-15T08:39:05+00:00

This study aims to describe the types of honorific language or keigo (sonkeigo, kenjougo, and teineigo) and the factors reflecting the uchi-soto concept in the manga Bungou Stray Dogs (Guild Arc) by Kafka Asagiri. This research adopts a descriptive qualitative method. Data collection was carried out using the observation and note-taking technique (metode simak catat) applied to dialogues within speech balloons in the manga. The data analysis technique involves four stages: classifying the types of keigo based on the theory of Sudjianto & Dahidi (2007), analyzing social factors based on Osamu Mizutani's (1987) theory, analyzing the classification results and social factors in light of the uchi-soto concept, and formulating conclusions to address the research questions. The findings reveal 68 conversation datasets comprising a total of 149 keigo occurrences across three categories: 32 instances of sonkeigo, 5 instances of kenjougo, and 112 instances of teineigo. The social factors triggering the emergence of the uchi-soto concept in keigo usage are familiarity, age, social relations, social status, gender, group membership, and situation. Furthermore, the uchi concept was identified in 33 data points, while the soto concept appeared in 35 data points.

Keywords: keigo, sonkeigo, kenjougo, teineigo, uchi-soto

Cultural Positioning Strategies and Information Clarity: An Analysis of Japanese-Indonesian Translation in the JITCO Bulletin “Tomo”

2026-10-15T08:53:41+00:00

Translating informational materials for foreign workers in Japan is essential for bridging linguistic, cultural, and legal divides, particularly for Technical Interns and Specified Skilled Workers. This study analyzes the translation strategies used to render the Japanese source text (ST) into the Indonesian target text (TT) in the April 2026 edition of the JITCO bulletin “Tomo”. The research covers three text domains: an educational comic on coughing etiquette, a guide to labor rights regulations related to pregnancy, and a health article on the traditional food natto. Using Baker’s (2018) theoretical framework of word-level and above-word incommensurability, this qualitative descriptive study identifies five principal translation strategies. The analysis demonstrates the effective application of these strategies: (1) cultural substitution to adapt sneezing and coughing onomatopoeia and local government bureaucratic terms; (2) omission to remove stylistic markers of cute characters that lack functional equivalents; (3) loan words with explanations for culturally specific culinary and medical enzyme terms; (4) generalization in classifying specific food supplements; and (5) paraphrasing to restructure incomplete or informal sentences into complete, formal information. The findings suggest that, within public informative texts, translators prioritize information fluency and cultural acceptability for target readers while maintaining the accuracy of legal and health messages crucial to the adaptation of Indonesian workers in Japan.

Keywords: Mona Baker, Translation Strategies, Non-equivalence, JITCO Tomo Newsletter, Japanese-Indonesian.

A Comparison of Human Translation and AI ChatGPT: Translation of The Onomatopoeia Giongo in The Manga Kocchi Muite! Miiko Volume 33

2026-10-15T14:12:11+00:00

Onomatopoeia plays an important role in bringing atmosphere, action, and emotion to life in Japanese literature, particularly in manga. This study aims to compare the translation results of onomatopoeia, specifically giongo between human translation (the Indonesian-language translated version of the comic) and artificial intelligence (AI) translation using ChatGPT. The subject of this study is the manga Kocchi Muite! Miiko volume 33. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method with a comparative analysis approach. The results show that human translation is dominated by the cultural substitution strategy and successfully achieves the goal of comic translation by identifying giongo onomatopoeia as elements that must be rendered as short sound-mimicking equivalents in the target language, whereas ChatGPT’s translation strategy—which largely involves paraphrasing using unrelated words—tends to process onomatopoeia based on semantic meaning rather than as comic sound effects. The conclusion of this study is that ChatGPT can serve as a tool for mapping initial meanings, but creativity in localization and a sense of language still require a human touch.

Keywords: Onomatopoeia, Manga Kocchi Muite! Miiko, Translation, Artificial Intelligence

Wasei-eigo in Airport Linguistic Landscape: Functions and Meaning Shift Patterns in a Major International Airport in Japan

2026-10-15T14:15:41+00:00

The phenomenon of wasei-eigo is a form of adaptation of English vocabulary into Japanese that has evolved in response to the social and cultural needs of Japanese society. Its use is commonly found in the linguistic landscape of public spaces, including international airports, which serve as multilingual communication spaces. This study aims to identify the use of wasei-eigo in the linguistic landscape at major international airports in Japan and to analyse the functions and phenomena of meaning shifts found in the data. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method using documentation techniques to examine various signage, information boards, service guides, and visual media featuring wasei-eigo expressions. Data were collected during an internship from September 2025 to May 2026. They analysed using the Linguistic Landscape theory by Landry and Bourhis (1997), Nambu's (2025) concept of the Japanese linguistic landscape, and Ullmann's (1972) theory of semantic change.

The findings indicate that wasei-eigo is widely used throughout the airport and primarily serves an informational function. Most of the data retained meanings similar to their original English counterparts and did not undergo semantic change. These findings suggest that the use of wasei-eigo in a major international airport setting prioritises informational clarity and effective communication for users with diverse linguistic backgrounds. Nevertheless, some terms exhibited semantic changes, particularly narrowing and broadening, as adaptations to the Japanese sociocultural context. Thus, the use of wasei-eigo not only reflects the influence of English on Japanese public spaces but also demonstrates efforts to enhance the comprehensibility of information and reduce potential ambiguity in international communication

Keywords: international communication; linguistic landscape; major international airport; meaning shift; wasei-eigo

Development of the Kanji Stacko Board Game as a Kanji Learning Medium

2026-10-15T14:24:15+00:00

Kanji learning remains one of the major challenges for students in the Japanese Language Education Study Program due to the large number of kanji characters, multiple readings, and the limited availability of interactive learning media. Therefore, an engaging learning medium is needed to support the learning process. This study aimed to develop the Kanji Stacko Board game as a learning media for kanji and to evaluate its feasibility.

This study employed a user-centered design approach. The development process included analyzing JLPT N5-N4 kanji materials, designing the game concept and media, developing the prototype, preparing the evaluation instrument, and conducting a feasibility assessment followed by revisions based on the validators' suggestions. The feasibility assessment involved one media expert and one subject matter expert using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The data were analyzed descriptively using percentage analysis. The results showed that the Kanji Stacko Board game was successfully developed as a board game-based learning media. The media expert and subject matter expert evaluations obtained feasibility scores of 94% and 96%, respectively, both categorized as highly feasible. Therefore, the Kanji Stacko Board game is considered highly feasible for use as a kanji learning media.

Keywords: board game, learning media, kanji, Kanji Stacko, prototype.

Intercultural Communication Challenges in the Implementation of Kouryuukai Program

2026-10-15T14:29:48+00:00

Globalization has intensified cross-cultural encounters, including through informal cultural exchange programs known in the Japanese context as kouryukai (???) — gatherings between native Japanese speakers and foreign students aimed at introducing cultural practices, building interpersonal relationships, and enhancing language proficiency. Despite its informal nature, kouryukai harbors considerable communicative complexity, as differences in linguistic backgrounds, communication styles, and social expectations frequently generate diverse communication barriers among participants.

Drawing on Howard Giles' Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), which distinguishes between convergence, the adaptive alignment of one's communicative style toward an interlocutor, and divergence, the deliberate maintenance of communicative differences to assert group identity; this study investigates the forms of communication barriers experienced by Indonesian university students in kouryukai and the strategies they employ in response. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were gathered through triangulated methods of interview, observation, and documentation from students who had attended a minimum of two sessions. The findings reveal recurrent patterns of communicative barriers alongside the accommodation strategies participants deployed to navigate them.

Keywords: communication barriers, cultural exchange, communication accommodation theory

Wasei-eigo in Airport Linguistic Landscape: Functions and Meaning Shift Patterns in a Major International Airport in Japan

2026-09-30T04:33:55+00:00

The phenomenon of wasei-eigo is a form of adaptation of English vocabulary into Japanese
that has evolved in response to the social and cultural needs of Japanese society. Its use is
commonly found in the linguistic landscape of public spaces, including international airports,
which serve as multilingual communication spaces. This study aims to identify the use of
wasei-eigo in the linguistic landscape at major international airports in Japan and to analyse
the functions and phenomena of meaning shifts found in the data. This study employs a
qualitative descriptive method using documentation techniques to examine various signage,
information boards, service guides, and visual media featuring wasei-eigo expressions. Data
were collected during an internship from September 2025 to May 2026. They analysed using
the Linguistic Landscape theory by Landry and Bourhis (1997), Nambu's (2025) concept of
the Japanese linguistic landscape, and Ullmann's (1972) theory of semantic change.
The findings indicate that wasei-eigo is widely used throughout the airport and primarily serves
an informational function. Most of the data retained meanings similar to their original English
counterparts and did not undergo semantic change. These findings suggest that the use of
wasei-eigo in a major international airport setting prioritises informational clarity and effective
communication for users with diverse linguistic backgrounds. Nevertheless, some terms
exhibited semantic changes, particularly narrowing and broadening, as adaptations to the
Japanese sociocultural context. Thus, the use of wasei-eigo not only reflects the influence of
English on Japanese public spaces but also demonstrates efforts to enhance the
comprehensibility of information and reduce potential ambiguity in international
communication