게임을 통한 일본 사회와 문화 고찰

초록

Cultural elements of different nations are naturally embedded in video games. Through games, players can gain insights into the emotions and cultural aspects of a given society, often unconsciously forming positive or negative perceptions. This study explores how Japanese culture is reflected in Japanese video games. A seminal work in the in-depth study of the Japanese people and culture is The Chrysanthemum and the Sword by Ruth Benedict. Benedict performed a meticulous analysis of the Japanese psyche, highlighting that Japanese consciousness is based on the idea of "each person’s proper place," where everything must adhere to its appropriate position. This notion extends to national hierarchy, politics, social status, and gender roles. This understanding of order and hierarchy has influenced the roles and gender perceptions of protagonists in games, as exemplified by the Super Mario and Ace Attorney series. Additionally, Japanese society embraces a culture of wa (和), emphasizing social harmony. Individuals are expected to fulfill their responsibilities within their designated roles, a concept known as ichininmae (いちにんまえ, 一人前), meaning "a fully competent person." Failure to meet these expectations burdens others and ultimately disrupts wa. Numerous games incorporate narratives centered on punishing those who disrupt social harmony. Even though FromSoftware primarily develops Western-style games such as Dark Souls 3, its major plotlines revolve around punishing those who fail to achieve ichininmae, thereby disrupting wa. The theme of preserving wa is even more evident in games set in Japan, such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Ghost of Tsushima. Furthermore, the Japanese cultural practice of sontaku (忖度)—where subordinates gauge the intentions of superiors and act accordingly—is reflected in the game Kukiyomi. Similarly, the concept of giri (義理), which entails an obligation to never admit failure or ignorance in professional matters, is prevalent in Japanese games. This cultural trait manifests itself in the idea that decisions made by higher-ranking individuals must be followed, even if they are erroneous, and that identifying such mistakes is considered inappropriate. Such characteristics are particularly well depicted in legal-themed games such as the Ace Attorney series and Lost Judgment: Unjudged Memory. From these examples, it is evident that video games serve as a lens through which the Japanese society can be examined.

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