JOURNAL OF POLYTECHNIC SCIENCE
Online ISSN : 2435-1814
Print ISSN : 2434-3706
Regular Paper
A Study on the Meaning and the Function of the Word “Monozukuri”
Yuriko Kumagai , Masumi Niida
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2021 Volume 38 Issue 3 Pages 1-10

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Abstract
This paper examines the meaning and the function of the Japanese word “monozukuri,” which is commonly considered to have the meaning “manufacturing.” This is a word that is constantly used by Japanese people. The question thus arises: Does it only mean “manufacturing”? This paper explores the meaning of the word by examining Japanese dictionaries, including etymological dictionaries, and by comparing it to English words such as manufacturing, craftsmanship, and artisanship. We then examine how this word is used in Japanese society by collecting text data and analyzing them. Japanese text data can contain a large amount of noise that affects the analysis, so this paper utilizes a system with KH Coder designed by Professor Higuchi to illustrate frequently used words extracted from raw text data. In conclusion, the word “monozukuri” can imply many different meanings: manufacturing, craftsmanship, artisanship, and even a sincere attitude in making things.
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