IJSS.Vol.14, No.1, September 2018

POPULAR CULTURE OF JAPANESE ANIME IN THE DIGITAL AGE AND THE IMPACT ON NATIONALISM OF YOUNG INDONESIAN CITIZENS

Wisnu Hatami4

Abstract

This research explores the impact of Japanese popular culture in digital era to Indonesia’s young citizen nationalism. Globalization make a life easier, include how to get information. With the digital era, people could get information in another country very fast and the research between globalization and nasionalism growing. This paper based on research of phenomenology about Anime’s Japanese popular culture of Association of Highschool Nihon No Kurabu in Bandung. The amount of informants is twelve and the data collected through interview, observation and documentation study. The result of the research showed that anime’s Japanese popular culture interested informants with the value, character, visual and storyline in that anime. Then, the informants would study about another Japanese popular culture than Indonesia’s traditional cultures. . Keywords: Japanese popular culture; anime; nationalism; young citizen

4Yogyakarta State University 37

Wisnu Hatami: Popular Culture of Japanese Anime Introduction culture of Indonesia. One culture that is The spirit of nationalism of young currently favored by young citizens is citizens today is doubtful. Young citizens, Japanese popular culture. especially students seem to be trapped in the With the ease of accessing various Japanese life of his youth and forget his responsibilities anime it is feared there will be a shift of values as the next generation of nation and state. In received by young citizens or teenagers who fact, as a young citizen it is fitting to prepare still do not have a strong identity due to the themselves to be citizens who have the ability embedded values in the Japanese anime civic knowledge, civic skill, and civic storyline. Then a filter is needed that can filter disposition is good for the future of a better out the good value and also where the bad Indonesia. value so that young citizens can distinguish it. Many factors caused the weakening of Furthermore, that with the increasing number the nationalism of young Indonesian citizens. of Japanese anime accesses it is feared that The rise of globalization is an important factor nationalism or love for the country of the in the changing lifestyle of today's young young citizen can be eroded and more loving citizens. With the development of to Japan that it admired. globalization make lifestyle becomes easier There are a number of reasons why and faster. Moreover on the transfer of this research is interesting to do. First, information and communication. Advances in indirectly, the rise of Information the field of Information and Communication Communication Technologies (ICT) in the era Technology (ICT) has made it easy for human of ditchal can have an effect on the formation life in interacting with other humans. of cultural imperialism by a country against Therefore, interaction with other citizens is other countries. Second, young citizens like very easy to do thanks to the progress in this high school students and students do not have field of ICT. a mature identity as citizens. Third, young Progress in the field of ICT begins with citizens by following Japanese popular culture, the internet network so that the birth of feared to have values that are not in websites, blogs, to mainstream social media accordance with the values that exist in currently popular like Twitter, Facebook, Indonesia if it does not have good self-control. Instagram, Tumblr and others. This media is a Fourthly, the not optimal learning of Civics in bridge to connect human information with nurturing the nationalism of students who are other humans and even other citizens. In the young citizens. Fifth, there is no study on how transfer of this information must also bring to optimize opportunities from the the values derived from the country. development of Japanese popular culture in The advancement of ICT field has Indonesia. changed the way people provide and obtain From that reason, it can be seen that a information with outside citizens so that the filter is needed that can filter the values of interaction becomes easier. This is also what good and bad from the influence of values that makes the curiosity of young citizens to be enter from other cultures and fortresses that higher so that makes young citizens feel more can strengthen the sense of love of young like culture than other countries than the local citizens with their own country. Therefore,

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this study leads the reader to understand considered a form of hard power, the about the possible impact Japanese popular influence of Japan in the field of popular culture can have on the digital age to the culture that has attracted such attention is a young citizen. form of soft power. Japanese popular culture, With the recent phenomenon, it is fitting that which has been well received by the public in Civic Education (Civics) sees the phenomenon other countries without any coercion in that occurs against these young citizens. acceptance, are more "soft" when compared Pancasila and Civics should be present as with other Japanese influence as in the fields filters that can filter incoming values from of economy and technology. other countries and also Civics should be able Currently the term soft power is often to play a role in fostering the nationalism of discussed by academics and practitioners of young citizens through learning Civics. Thus international relations. The concept of soft there is no need to worry about the waning power was first introduced by Joseph S. Nye nationalism of young citizens because Civics Jr., he describes soft power as the ability of a can be a filter of values that enter from other country to achieve its goal by more use of countries. appeal (attraction) of the force (coercion) and Popular Culture as Japanese Soft Power payment (payment). One of the forms of As we all know that Japan is a country with a attraction (attraction) is the attraction of the unique cultural wealth. It is with this capital culture of the country. The definition of soft that Japan uses its power of soft power to power according to Nye (2004 p.5) is: influence other countries. Some research on “Soft power is the ability to get what you Japanese soft power has been done by want through attraction rather than Iwabuchi (2015), Otmazgin (2012). With a coercion or payments. It arises from the attractiveness of a country’s culture, variety of factors that support the Japanese political ideals, and policies. government was not hesitant to do the "cool According to Nye, soft power depends Japan" movement where Japanese popular on the country's ability to set the political culture is explored to introduce Japan to agenda in a way that could be a preference for various countries. other countries. One way to give preference to In international relations, Japan has other countries is through attractive cultural long been recognized as one of the attractiveness, ideology and institutions. industrialized countries with a strong Unlike military forces or economic forces used economic system. With the mastery of to "force" other countries to change their advanced technology, Japan is able to develop views or positions, soft power is more automotive and other manufacturing emphasis on the ability of a country to achieve industries that are able to control the world its interests against other countries by using market. Japan's economic power has made its cultural influence, political values, and Japan a country that has a major influence in foreign policy. the world economy. In contrast to the large In the Japanese context, one of the cultural influence of Japan in the field of economic and attractions it possesses is popular culture that automotive industry as well as electronics are can be utilized as the soft power of the 39

Wisnu Hatami: Popular Culture of Japanese Anime country. Nye revealed that Japan has more globalization creates some bad impacts as potential sources of soft power compared to well as good effects. other Asian countries. One source of soft The era of globalization that makes power is Japan's popular culture that remains technology more advanced, allowing everyone a potential source of soft power even after its to know the same information from a country economy weakens. you want to know. The era of globalization brings the impact of the unification of the The Digital Age as a Part of Globalization world community in one bond and With this global Era the standard in people's dependence. The era of globalization has had lives is increasing where today almost all of such a significant impact on the development the world has a standard that is recognized of the mindset and human life. With human jointly by the world community both in the globalization will be more active in utilizing field of service or in the form of goods. and displaying human values and also the Without the ability to recognize the existence identity of the region and their respective of global values the community can not culture. become a competitive society in the global era However, globalization also has a and become a society that is not ready with negative impact as people's dependence on the global era. foreign culture is higher. Technological The current global era is an developments that increasingly sophisticated unavoidable phenomenon that encompasses and intelligent, can trigger the crime rate that every aspect of individual human life, so the the higher the human will be more free and country of Indonesia must have a young even forget the religious values they generation ready to face the global era. This previously had. globalization will lead to the loss of existence from the state, just as state power is Nationalism of Young Citizens weakened by international organizations, then The younger generation is a translation of globalization also threatens individually with young generation versus old age. Youth means the entry of information and culture of other the population of teenagers / young people / countries into each individual that affects the youth who are forming themselves. Looking at way of life that has been built within the the word "Generasi Muda" consisting of two country. compound words, the second word is the The increasingly consumptive lifestyles nature of the group and the individual group of society and technological advancement is still young in the young age group inherited make everything change so quickly. Now to the ideals that are burdened by rights and interact with other citizens, one does not have obligations, since the early has been colored to bother to pay a visit and cost a lot, they just by activities -community activities and use the technology that exists today. With the political activities. So in these circumstances advancement of technology, to know the younger generation of a nation is "Young information between countries now is not a Citizen". Understanding the young generation difficult thing. However, the presence of is closely related to the meaning of the young generation as the next generation. The

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meaning of "young generation" is definitely development process. Komalasari and not a definition that is most appropriate to be Syaifullah (2009, p42) say: treated with many views that mean it depends Indonesian nationalism must be on the angle where the community saw it. reconstructed and no longer face the Affandi (2012) states that the invaders that appear to have their noses nationalism of young generation should be and weapons as their tools, but face the invaders who use cultural instruments as a based on the spiritual mental conception, that means of colonization. Thus the unity of is a psychological attitude, based on the Indonesia is no longer unity to face the culture and personality of the person who outer enemy but the unity to reach a new coaching nationalism contains three things: Indonesia fair and sejaahtera whose (a). Fostering the love of the homeland, as a leaders bring the mandate of the people, so manifestation of faith and piety to God feel the pulse of the people.

Almighty, (b). This coaching is accompanied The above opinion seems to illustrate the by the management of the love of the concerns about the situation facing our homeland, and the natural wealth for the country today. Where the soul of nationalism greatest prosperity of the people, and (c). The must be grown not only to resist physical result of coaching in the end tangible loyalty colonization. But more than that to face defending the homeland, while independence attacks from other countries are done in a (self reciance) is the opposite of the attitude of more subtle way through a culture that is very begging (mencicancy). Independent attitude is easily loved by the teenagers today. a real expression of the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. Ranjabar (2014, p.225) states Research methods that: The approach used in this research Nationalism is a buffer for the life of nation using qualitative approach with and state. Therefore, present and future Indonesian nationalism must be dynamic phenomenology method. Research subjects or with the style of 'humanistic nationalism' participants in this study are high school imbued with justice, peace and prosperity students who are members of the Association in Indonesian society, with a slogan; of Highschool Nihon No Kurabu or Soshonbu "United, open, progressive, intelligent and Bandung. Soshonbu is an association of constructive." This means more emphasis learners who come from the extracurricular on the educated and knowledgeable human Japanese Club in their respective schools. In parameters produced for use, as well as practical and pragmatic deeds in the this study, the research participants are 13 pattern of national development. high school students in Bandung who are interested in Japanese anime. 13 students From that opinion we can take a meaning, were selected based on Creswell's opinion that the nationalism that color the life of that the participants in the study of nation in Indonesia is humanistic nationalism, phenomenology studies recommended 5-25 or in other words, humanitarian nationalism. respondents. Indonesian nationalism must be united, open and progressive for the sake of national 41

Wisnu Hatami: Popular Culture of Japanese Anime Results and Discussion homeland, and the natural wealth for the Nationalism is a thought to defend the greatest prosperity of the people, and (c). The integrity of the nation and the State by result of coaching in the end tangible loyalty appreciating and animating both the culture, defending the homeland, while independence customs and history and the struggle of the (self reciance) is the opposite of the attitude of Indonesian nation that has been independent. begging (mencicancy). Independent attitude is In this case, the keyword of nationalism is the a real expression of the spirit of nationalism supreme loyality of the nation. This loyalty and patriotism. arises because of the awareness of collective The nationalism of young Indonesian identity that is different from the others. citizens is lacking The nationalism of young Usually it happens because of the similarity of Indonesian citizens can be said to be very heredity, language or culture. Komalasari and lacking. Based on the results of interviews Syaifullah (2009, p42) say: with research subjects, found the findings that Indonesian nationalism must be in general the nationalism of young reconstructed and no longer face the Indonesian citizens are currently not good. invading colonists and weapons as their tool, This can be seen from the opinion of research but face the invaders who use cultural subjects presented in the following table: instruments as a means of colonization. Thus the unity of Indonesia is no longer unity to face the outer enemy but the unity to go to a Table 1 The Research Subjects' Opinion on the new Indonesia a fair and sejaahtera whose Nationalism of Young Indonesian Citizens leaders bring the mandate of the people, so Today feel the pulse of the people. No Name Statement 1 Agung Currently what I see is still This opinion illustrates the concerns lacking a sense of about the circumstances facing the State of nationalism. There is still a deviation from the sense of Indonesia at this time. Where the soul of nationalism. From high nationalism should be grown not only to resist school students to physical colonization. But more than that to jejepangan students, their deal with attacks from other countries are sense of nationalism is declining because of their done in a more subtle way through a culture habits that lack the view of that is very easily loved by young citizens culture or everything about today. Indonesia Affandi (2012) states that the 2 Alfredo I think many citizens are influenced by outside nationalism of young generation should be cultures that forget their based on the spiritual mental conception, that own culture because the is a psychological attitude, based on the outside culture is more culture and personality of the person who interesting and perhaps more modern so many are coaching nationalism contains three things: affected and forget their (a). Fostering the love of the homeland, as a own culture. manifestation of faith and piety to God 3 Angela I think the faded sense of Almighty, (b). This coaching is accompanied youth nationalism today because of the outside by the management of the love of the 42

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No Name Statement No Name Statement culture that has entered 11 Raffyanda Less, many are beginning our country is very to leave their culture and influential. most young citizens now 4 Arya Very less, many already have an indifferent attitude like to boast Japanese towards their own nation. culture than Indonesian 12 Vania Perhaps less, because of culture the influence of the culture 5 Aulia Admittedly, the of other countries. nationalism of most 13 Yasmin Pretty bad especially in big Indonesian teenagers has cities like Bandung, I'm declined. This is also one of also included. If you talk to the inevitable negative NKRI still very supportive effects of cultural influx but for real action is less. coming from abroad. Most can only chatter on 6 Aurora Honestly, perhaps because social media only. of the state of the country Source: Primary data processed by is still a lot of researchers (2017) shortcomings, many young citizens who can not love their own country due to From the data shown in table 1 can be one thing or another. So illustrated that the nationalism of young Indonesian youth Indonesian citizen is not strong yet. According nationalism is still easy to falter. to the subject of research that the easy to get 7 Bagas Increasingly faded, seen information and the influx of culture of other with many cases of countries become the cause of the love of the contempt for national country of Indonesia to be reduced. But it heroes, Pancasila, and other cases. Means that should also be understood that Indonesian Indonesian citizens do not citizens still want to become Indonesian yet have a strong sense of citizens. Although in the level of action is still nationalism. very minimal. 8 Emi Most young citizens today Sukadi (2013, pp. 274), "nationalism are more likely to like the culture of other countries must be manifested in everyday life. than their own, although a Especially for the Indonesian nation that has sense of nationalism for the nature of plural (diverse) in all aspects of Indonesia still exists, but interest in other countries life ". Nationalism must be realized in is very high. everyday life. If the people do not have an 9 Mutiara It's a little bit odd because attitude of nationalism, then the State seems the outside culture greatly not owned. Nationalism must be nurtured affects the mentality of from an early age so that later when young citizens. 10 Nela Sometimes young citizens adolescence even grow up, the love of the talk too much more than country has been cultivated high. The soul of action. If asked to act for nationalism and patriotism must be realized the people of Indonesia is in all aspects of life, both political, economic, not necessarily willing. 43

Wisnu Hatami: Popular Culture of Japanese Anime defense, and socio-cultural. (Sukadi, 2013, pp. No Name Statement 274). In the field of socio-culture, should seminars that can always develop the culture of the noble awaken nation, filtering out every foreign culture that nationalism. If the person likes the destroys the personality of the Indonesian anime, can also nation. show anime that Furthermore, Sukadi (2013, pp. 274) can enhance the reveals the spirit of nationalism among sense of students can be developed through: nationalism, invites a. Maintain and familiarize yourself speak to the historic Indonesian well and correctly. places of Indonesia to remember the

b. Get used to carrying out flag raising history of ceremonies. Indonesia who also c. Become a member of the flag raising struggled more troop. than Japan, and d. Learn diligently to welcome the future. even against Japan. e. Maintain environmental sustainability 2 Alfredo We must learn by planting degraded forest with trees. about our own culture first if we f. Respect the symbols of Indonesian unity. already understand g. Understanding the concept of insight the culture itself into the archipelago. then we do not h. Loving and using domestic products. need to fear if we i. Prioritizing the interests of the nation learn the culture and the State above personal and group outside because the tip of our tip will interests. assume our culture j. Assisting government programs in better because building the nation and the State of from the beginning Indonesia. we have studied it Based on the results of the interview and we will not be found suggestions for the nationalism of influenced by young Indonesian citizens can be well outside culture 3 Angela Young citizens preserved. As disclosed in the following table: should now be introduced to this Table 2 Suggestion of Research Subjects for diverse Indonesian Nationalism of Young Indonesian Citizen Can culture to know Be Awake Well and understand that our culture is equally unique and interesting from No Name Statement other countries by 1 Agung With the actively socialization, participating in

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No Name Statement No Name Statement local cultural History. events. 11 Raffyanda Studying your own 4 Arya My advice is to culture in order not instill a love for to assume a better Indonesia from an foreign culture early age even, so it 12 Vania Following the can not be angklung as well as influenced in the traditional dance future. we can improve 5 Aulia Quoting Bung nationalism. But it Karno saying that is possible that never forget other ex- ecils can history! not improve 6 Aurora Keep moving nationalism. Like forward without Paskibra, Scout, it listening to can also enhance negative comments our sense of and of course nationalism. forward with 13 Yasmin Learning hard at positive intentions. school, watching a 7 Bagas With the norms lot about that already exist nationalism in society, apply because there are the norms and give many exciting examples to the shows too. Be more younger generation open to tolerance so that the spirit of and realize that nationalism itself this nation has appears in the enormous potential young generation. but not much with 8 Emi other nations. 9 Mutiara In order to further Source: Primary data processed by enhance researchers (2017) nationalism, it must be educated As a generation that will continue the from a small taught life of nation and state next, it is fitting to be national insight, and other things so more loving and have a sense of high as not to nationalism to the state of Indonesia. Because undermine the however the direction of the Indonesian state spirit of will be like the responsibility of the young nationalism. generation today. Globalization makes the 10 Nela The spirit when the distance between countries narrow so that the lessons of Civic movement and dissemination of information Education and 45

Wisnu Hatami: Popular Culture of Japanese Anime becomes very fast. With such a rapid transfer (television dramas). One that stands out is the of information it is possible to enter values Japanese animation or so-called anime, has derived from other countries. Especially in attracted many audiences around the world. Indonesia itself there are many countries that Various popular Japanese cultural products try to enter through the cultural path. are very popular all over the world spread Therefore, it is fitting for Citizenship through various media such as television, Education to take an important role in this internet and others. Through its popular attitude because one of the duties and studies cultural products, Japan indirectly introduces of Citizenship Education is to foster a sense of traditional Japanese values and culture. nationalism of citizens. With the growing globalization make From the opinion previously the current era into the digital era. With the mentioned, it can be understood that the digital age makes things easier. From the start solution to the impact of popular culture of of ease of transportation, service, to the Japanese anime in the digital era against the dissemination of information. Japanese nationalism of young Indonesian citizens is by popular anime culture also experienced ease optimizing the role of Citizenship Education of dissemination in this digital era. By using (Civics) as the nationalist in the school as well the internet teens in Indonesia can easily as the application of Pancasila Education in access and get the anime they want. Civics Learning. Karim Suryadi states: The solution to the impact of Japanese Japan has the meiji restoration that is to popular anime culture on the nationalism of accept the outside culture without leaving the young citizens is by optimizing the role of values and culture of the country. They accept Citizenship Education (Civics) as a nationalist the values, religions and foreign cultures that fertilizer in schools and the application of enter Japan and do not forget their native Pancasila Education in Civic Learning. culture so that there is no clash between tradition and modernity among them. It can Bibliography be our example in maintaining our character Affandi, Idrus. (2012). Pendidikan Politik. and culture as Indonesian people. (on Bandung: UPI Untad.ac.id, 2016). Creswell, John. (2007). Qualitative inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five CONCLUSION Approaches. Sage Publications, Inc. Japan has been known as a developed Creswell, John. (2015). Riset Pendidikan: country that retains and maintains its culture. Perencanaan, Pelaksanaan, dan Evaluasi In addition to maintaining traditional culture, Riset Kualitatif & Kuantitatif. Yogyakarta: Japan also developed its popular culture. Pustaka Pelajar. Japanese popular culture or often called Feriansyah .(2015). Warganegara Digital Japanese popular culture has managed to sebagai Instrumen Warga Negara Global. attract the attention of the international JPIS Vol. 24 No. 1 Edisi Juni 2015 community. Some examples of Japanese Hasbiansyah, O. (2008). Pendekatan popular culture are manga / comics, anime / Fenomenologi: Pengantar Praktik animation, games, j-music, and dorama

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Penelitian dalam Ilmu Sosial dan Komunikasi. MEDIATOR, Vol. 9 Juni 2008 Komalasari, K & Syaifullah. (2009). Kewarganegaraan Indonesia: Konsep, Perkembangan dan Masalah Kontemporer. Bandung: Laboratorium PKn UPI Kuswarno, Engkus. (2009). Fenomenologi: Konsepsi, Pedoman, dan Contoh Penelitian. Bandung: Widya. Nye, S. Joseph. (2004). Soft Power: The Means to Succes in World Politic. New York: Public Affairs. Otmazgin, Nissim Kadosh. (2012). Geopolitics and Soft Power: Japan's Cultural Policy and Cultural Diplomacy in Asia. Publisher: Routledge. Tersedia: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/capr20 Ranjabar, J. (2014). Profil Indonesia. Bandung: Alfabeta Storey, John. (2008). Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction. University of Sunderland

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