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International Review of Humanities Studies

International Review of Humanities Studies

Abstract

This article examines the role of the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shinbun in covering the great East Japan disaster on March 11-13, 2011. This study uses a quantitative and qualitative approach, with content analysis methods and Gunther-Kress multimodal critical discourse analysis methods on 98 photos published by the newspaper. The results show that the newspaper published a special edition twice, with photos that did not show photos of the deceased victims, creating a distance between the reader and the subject. Most of the photos were taken from a distance, indicating a lack of interaction and showing that the victims did not need help. The theme highlights physical damage more than mitigation efforts or victims, with an imbalance in regional representation. Qualitative analysis shows that techniques such as aerial photography provide a broad picture of the impact of the disaster, but reduce emotional closeness. The flat facial expressions emphasize the resilience of the community. These findings confirm that the visuals in disaster coverage shape emotional narratives that influence public response, and the importance of coverage strategies in understanding and responding to disasters.

Bahasa Abstract

Artikel ini meneliti peran surat kabar Jepang Yomiuri Shinbun dalam meliput bencana besar Jepang Timur pada tanggal 11-13 Maret 2011. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dan kualitatif, dengan metode analisis isi dan metode analisis wacana kritis multimodal Gunther-Kress terhadap 98 foto yang diterbitkan oleh surat kabar tersebut. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa surat kabar tersebut menerbitkan edisi khusus sebanyak dua kali, dengan foto-foto yang tidak menampilkan foto korban yang telah meninggal, sehingga menciptakan jarak antara pembaca dan subjek. Sebagian besar foto diambil dari kejauhan, menunjukkan kurangnya interaksi dan mengindikasikan bahwa para korban tidak membutuhkan pertolongan. Tema ini lebih banyak menyoroti kerusakan fisik daripada upaya mitigasi atau korban, dengan ketidakseimbangan dalam representasi wilayah. Analisis kualitatif menunjukkan bahwa teknik seperti foto udara memberikan gambaran yang luas tentang dampak bencana, tetapi mengurangi kedekatan emosional. Ekspresi wajah yang datar menekankan ketangguhan masyarakat. Temuan-temuan ini menegaskan bahwa visual dalam peliputan bencana membentuk narasi emosional yang memengaruhi respons publik, dan pentingnya strategi peliputan dalam memahami dan merespons bencana.

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