Dizisinde Çizilen Japonya’nin ‘Yeni’ Erkek İmaji
The New Man Image in Japan as Portrayed in the Historical Drama Ryōmaden

Summary/Abstract: It can be argued that for the last two decades Japan has gone through a radical transformation making the country a stage for various masculine performances filling it with a multitude of representations of masculine identities. The footprints of these transformation can also be observed through media representations. Within this context the aim of the article is to elaborate the masculine identity constructed through Sakamoto Ryōma in the historical drama Ryōmaden broadcasted in the year 2010 by the Japanese national channel. By giving several examples from the scenes focusing on the character traits of the protogonist, the type of masculinity which is thought to be idealised by means of an updated version of Sakamoto Ryōma will try to be highlighted. Within the popular history, Sakamoto Ryōma is known to be one of the architects of the Meiji Restoration. Although he could not live to see the Reformation itself his contributions did not go unnoticed. The latest version of these character who have already inspired several novel, anime and manga overlaps with the historically glorified masculin identity. On the other hand it can be noticed that the image itself differentiates from the iconic images of the previous decades. By putting into circulation a sympathic samurai who reverse the Japanese autocratic masculine image; the series not only refresh the social memory but also put into circulation a new masculine image.

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