The metaphor of the small hero in Japanese cultural tradition

Abstract

Various studies have explored the conceptual metaphor of size, such as ‘big is important’. However, the metaphor ‘small is important’ is often highlighted for its significant prevalence in Japanese cultural tradition. The concept of kawaii, a defining feature of contemporary Japanese popular culture, reflects this metaphor, as do the meticulous detail and small size often observed in Japanese products. This cultural valuation of smallness is not merely a contemporary trend but has developed through a long-standing tradition deeply rooted in Japanese history. This paper analyzes the portrayal of a small boy, a personification of Japan in international relations, as depicted in political cartoons from the 1920s and 1930s, using a multimodal metaphor approach. The origin of this figure is traced back to Japan’s oldest narrative, Kojiki, and the study examines how the metaphor small is important, in contrast to its larger counterpart, has been a recurring theme in Japanese tradition. Small characters were widely used in media discourse during wartime, and this metaphor may have contributed to shaping Japan’s national self-perception as a modern nation and influencing its conduct on the international stage.