jsn Journal

Editor's Note

Yupaka Fukushima — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Symbols, Reigns and Gods in Zeami’s Noh Plays

Winai Jamornsuriya — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims at studying the expressions concerning the symbols of the reigns, studying the symbolic role of the plants and the role of the gods in eight of Zeami’s Noh plays: Ukon, Oimatsu, Shiga, Takasago, Fujisan, Houjougawa, Yumiyawata, and Yourou. The research found that the analysis of the expressions concerning the symbols of the reigns revealed three reign styles: peaceful reigns, long reigns, and abundant reigns. The analysis of the role of the plants revealed that the plants showed symbols of the peaceful reigns and the long reigns. As for the analysis of the role of the gods, it was found that the prominent role was reign protection, which was divided into five types: peaceful reigns, long reigns, abundant reigns, prosperous reigns, and justifiable reigns. Besides reign protection, the gods also were seen to protect the ruler and others.

The Relationship Between Goddesses and Fire in Kojiki: A Case Study of Izanami and Konohanasakuya-hime

Soraat Chanto — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research studied the relationship between goddesses and fire in Kojiki, focusing on Izanami and Konohanasakuya-hime. The beliefs reflected through these relationships were analyzed, and the results were that the relationship between Izanami and Konohanasakuya-hime and fire differed. In the case of Izanami, fire represents destruction, insofar as engendering the Fire God fatally burned her. This tale used the metaphor of fiery destruction to evoke the parturition process that causes pain, suffering, and death. Fire, representing destruction and leading to Izanami’s death, also reflected the Shinto belief that death impurity is transmitted through fire, a concept reflected in Japanese funerals. In Kojiki, the fire of destruction was likened to impurity caused by death, possibly to emphasize that Izanami had no role in engendering the divine heir. However, fire for Konohanasakuya-hime represents new life, appearing while a flame burns, symbolizing the belief in women as life-givers. The fire representing a new life may also refer to Konohanasakuya-hime’s new life, free from the reproach after the test of fire. This relationship reflects the belief in an unadulterated new life after a purifying flame, linked to Japanese customs and traditions in which fire is a purifying agent. Kojiki depicts fire in her case as new life, connected to her fresh blameless existence, with its use as a means of purification and possibly emphasizing her untainted nature as the bearer of heavenly offspring. Additionally, the Kojiki presents the two goddesses in a relationship to fire of destruction and new life, possibly showing women as connected to flames in these two aspects.

Omakase (お任せ): Identity and Japanese Food Culture in Thailand

Sani Saihomhual, Pinnapa Muakyod — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to investigate the historical development, identity, and cultural aspects of Japanese omakase cuisine in Thailand. Employing a qualitative research methodology, data were collected through document analysis and interviews. The study utilized purposive sampling, comprising 7 culinary experts and 8 Japanese consumers from 4 regions of Thailand. The collected data were subjected to content analysis. The findings reveal that the genesis of omakase in Thailand can be traced to premium Japanese restaurants, with Fillets in Bangkok claiming to be the pioneer as the first standalone omakase establishment, which has maintained consistent popularity. Subsequently, the concept has evolved to encompass diverse formats, increasing accessibility to a broader consumer base. The identity and culture of omakase in Thailand can be categorized into two main groups: 1) Authentic, which adheres to preserving the distinctive Edomae-style flavors, and 2) Fusion, which introduces innovation using international ingredients or contemporary culinary techniques, reflecting the adaptation of Japanese culinary culture within Thai society. This study, therefore, contributes significantly to the body of knowledge regarding Japanese culinary identity and provides guidance for Japanese restaurant entrepreneurs in developing marketing strategies within the context of cultural diversity.

Motivation for Work and Cross-Cultural Barriers in the Workplace: A Case Study of Graduates of the Arts Program in Japanese and Communication, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Ubon Ratchathani University in Thailand

Saowalak Sarapong — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to study the motivation and cross-cultural barriers in the workplace of the graduates of Arts Program in Japanese and Communication, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Ubon Ratchathani University in Thailand. The research used a qualitative research methodology by conducting in-depth interviews with two groups of informants, including 1) 15 graduates working in Japanese companies in Thailand and 2) 15 graduates working in Japan. The results of the study found that the most identified motivation of graduates working in Japanese companies in Thailand was a personal factor—the desire to work in a field related to their studies, whereas the most identified motivation of the graduates working in Japan was also their a personal factor—the desire to gain life and working experience in Japan. Moreover, the results of the study on the problems and obstacles in cross-cultural work revealed two obstacles as follows: 1) obstacles about knowledge and thinking, which were caused by not understanding or not knowing the common the language, lacking knowledge about the culture, especially the Ho-Ren-So principle, as well as differences in perceptions and thinking about punctuality, the processes/steps of work, behavior in the workplace, the roles and responsibilities of those with high positions/salaries, and principles of service provision; 2) obstacles about attitudes and feelings, where both groups put their own culture at the center of evaluation on Japanese people, leading to negative attitudes as a result.

The Factors Affecting the Decision to Choose a Workplace for Internship: A Case Study of Students Majoring in Japanese at Burapha University

Pansek Arthornturasook, Kohei Nakada — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to study the factors affecting the decision-making process of Japanese language major students, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Burapha University, to choose the workplace for Internship which is part of the subject Preparation for Work. The sample included 80 third - fourth year students. Data were collected through questionnaire and interviews. The factors analyzed were: 1) personal 2) economic 3) workplace and 4) social and cultural. The results of the study found that personal factors had the highest impact on decision-making, followed by economic factors, workplace factors, and social and cultural factors, respectively. When studying each factor, it was found that the highest average value of personal factors was professional skill development, followed by future career goals, physical and mental health readiness, and interest in the culture and society of the country. Economic factors found that the average value was at a high level, ranked from highest to lowest as follows: income or allowance from the internship workplace, accommodation and living expenses, transport fare for working, supporting funds. Workplace factors, found that the highest average level was safety and working environment. The high average level was the appeal and nature of the work, welfare and benefits, employment opportunities after the internship, reputation of the workplace. Social and cultural factors, the highest average level was safety of the internship workplace. The high average level was opportunities to build networks, supporting from family or friends, familiarity with the language and culture of the country, respectively.

An Exploration of Japanese Language Usage by Thai Caregivers of the Elderly in Japan

Patiyoot Thunwanont — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to achieve four objectives: 1) to explore the frequency of Japanese grammar usage among Thai caregivers working in Japan; 2) to rank the most frequently used Japanese grammatical structures in elderly care work; 3) to analyze the patterns of Japanese grammar usage by Thai caregivers; and 4) to explore the vocabulary used by Thai caregivers during elderly care practices for Japanese seniors. The sample group consisted of six Thai caregivers working in elderly care in Japan, selected through purposive sampling. All of the participants had at least three years of work experience. The research tools included: 1) an interview form focusing on the frequency of Japanese grammar usage in elderly care work, and 2) an interview form addressing the challenges faced by Thai caregivers during actual caregiving tasks. The data were analyzed using means and standard deviations. The findings revealed that the Thai caregivers utilized 13 categories of Japanese grammar during their work, classified by meaning as follows: 1) requests, 2) predictions, 3) expressions of opinions, 4) comparisons, 5) descriptions of experiences, 6) expressions of ability, 7) granting permission, 8) conditions, 9) passive forms, 10) giving advice, 11) expressions of intent, 12) prohibitions, and 13) conveying messages. These grammatical structures were predominantly categorized as basic to intermediate Japanese grammar. When compared using the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), the grammar ranged from N4 to N3 levels.

A Study on the Implementation of a Massive Open Online Courseware to Enhance Japanese Language Knowledge in the Work Context of Vocational College Students and Workers in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)

Thanyarat Sanguansri — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to study the implementation of a massive open online courseware to enhance Japanese language knowledge in the work context of vocational college students and workers in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) by assessing their pre-test and post-test scores and evaluating the learners' satisfaction after actual participation in the course. The study sample included 20 vocational college students and 40 employees of Japanese companies in the EEC, with a total of 50 people that completed the course according to the conditions. The findings revealed the following:

The post-test scores were significantly higher than the pre-test scores.
The learners' satisfaction was at the highest level, with an average score of 4.59.

The tools used in the research included the BUU MOOC online course on Japanese in the work context and a satisfaction questionnaire regarding the course after completion. This research contributes to creating educational opportunities to develop Japanese language skills in the workplace context for individuals that lack access to traditional Japanese language courses, emphasizing practical skills and providing unlimited access to knowledge.

Relationship Between Vocabulary Knowledge and Reading Comprehension in Japanese: Effects of Language Proficiency and Text

Yukie Horiba, Thanyarat Sanguansri — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates whether the relationship between breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension is affected by a reader factor (language proficiency) and a text factor (text type). Ninety-one Thai-speaking learners of Japanese as a foreign language (L2) read and recalled two expository texts (one general and one academic). Vocabulary breadth and depth were assessed by using a definition test and a word association test, respectively. Results indicated that as language proficiency increases, both vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension improve, with the relationship between the two gradually changing. Vocabulary breadth is more highly correlated with reading comprehension than vocabulary depth. For advanced level of proficiency, the contribution of vocabulary depth, especially knowledge of word collocations and cooccurrences, increases especially in academic text comprehension. Implications are made regarding sensitizing students' awareness of the connection between vocabulary and reading and the importance of the word-to-text integration during reading.

The Role of the Book Cover: A Case Study of the First Edition of Ring (2002)

Thanabhorn Treeratsakulchai — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

A book cover is the first section of the book that communicates important content to the reader and serves as a marketing communication to influence the reader’s buying decision. It also represents a relationship between different cultures. This study aims to examine the meanings embedded in the cover of the first edition of the contemporary Japanese novel Ring (2002), a work that played a significant role in introducing contemporary Japanese novels to the Thai market in the early 2000s. The research employs multimodal critical discourse analysis (MCDA) framework, combined with the signifier analysis approach proposed by Long Li, Xi Li, and Jun Miao (2019). The findings reveal that the publisher placed great importance on the book cover, as evidenced by the careful selection of the cover designer and the effort to create a design that stands out from other novels in the market. The various elements on the Ring cover serve to convey key messages and to engage readers, emphasizing the horror elements of the story and the novel’s unique value. Additionally, the cover establishes a connection to the terrifying image of the ghost Sadako from the film adaptation. Additionally, the cover creates a strong visual connection to the haunting image of Sadako, the iconic ghost from the film adaptation. It also incorporates elements that represent Japanese culture, reflecting the widespread popularity of Japanese cultural trends in Thai society. These trends influenced the Thai designer in selecting and adapting cultural imagery to align with the Thai perception of Japanese culture at the time.