Analisis Fungsi dan Makna Wagashi dalam Anime “Deaimon” Karya Rin Asano

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the functions and meanings of wagashi in the anime “Deaimon” by Rin Asano. As an integral part of Japanese culinary culture, wagashi serves not only as a dessert but also plays a significant role in social interactions and symbolic representation. Through the theoretical frameworks of semiotics and functionalism, this research examines the functions and meanings of wagashi in “Deaimon” as a medium for conveying emotions, strengthening relationships between characters, and reflecting the beauty of nature, particularly the changing seasons in Japan, as well as related traditions. The research data consist of selected scenes from episodes 7, 9, 10, and 12 of the anime. The findings reveal that wagashi functions as a medium for gift-giving, offerings to the deceased, delicacies in tea ceremonies, and as a symbolic representation of the seasons in Japan. This study provides a deeper understanding of wagashi and enriches the comprehension of the role of traditional food in Japanese society, especially as reflected through popular media such as anime.