라이트노벨을 통해 본 현대일본 청소년 –<부기팝 시리즈>를 중심으로–

Abstract

Light novel mostly refers to pocketbooks of relatively low prices, and became a cultural phenomenon in Japan during the 2000s, with the market rapidly growing in the form of mixed media including games and animation films. Different definitions of light novel exist. However, because of the number and variety of light novels that have been published, it is difficult to define this literary genre. For that reason, one of the main focuses of light novel research is in the question: 'What is light novel?' Based on this question, this study discusses light novel in relation to modern youth of Japan. By analyzing characteristics of <Boogie Pop Series> written by Kadono Kouhei, which is regarded as a starting point of light novels' popularity, the author attempted to examine the elements that constitute what people in general classify as light novels. Characteristics of <Boogie Pop Series> that were built on Japan in the 1990s as the backdrop are related to reality facing modern youth. While portraying realistic problems, the series could maintain the 'lightness' because it provided empirical concepts to adolescents, who are the main readers, and combined unrealistic elements to lighten up the story. In other words, the 'lightness' was established by common ideas and experiences between the author and readers. In that light, light novels are novels that portray reality based on experiences and ideas of the generation to which both the writers and readers belong and, therefore, are accepted lightly.