SEMIOTIZATON OF JU-ON (A NETFLIX SERIES)

Ju-On Series is a Netflix Original series that serves as a prequel to the Ju-On franchise created by

filmmaker Takashi Shimizu. The story follows a paranormal investigator, Yasuo Odajima, and his team

as they delve into the history of the Saeki house and the malevolent forces that dwell within. As they dig

deeper, they uncover the dark secrets and horrifying events that have plagued the location, revealing how

the curse began. These Netflix releases expanded the Ju-On series by exploring the origins of the curse

and introducing new characters who grapple with its terrifying effects.

In the Ju-On series, numerous objects and scenes carry symbolic meaning, contributing to the

eerie and terrifying atmosphere: (1) The Black Cat, (2) The White Candle, (3) The Broken Neck, (4) The

Family Photo Album, (5) The Dark Attic, and (6) The Tape Recorder. These symbols are integral to the

Ju-On series, adding depth and complexity to the narrative and the overall sense of horror in the story.

THE BLACK CAT

The Black Cat appears throughout the series. The black cat symbolizes an omen of death and

supernatural presence. Whenever the cat appears, it signals impending horror.

The symbolism of a black cat can vary across different cultures and beliefs. Throughout history,

black has been linked to the mysterious and unknown because of its association with the night. In many

cultures, the night has been a time of mystery and the supernatural, as darkness conceals the familiar and

reveals the unfamiliar. On the other hand, cats have been associated with mystery and magic. The

superstition surrounding black cats is perhaps the most well-known. Encountering a black cat, especially

one that crosses someone's path, is bad luck.

THE WHITE CANDLE

The white candle represents a feeble attempt to ward off evil. In one scene, a character places

white candles around her apartment, but they offer no protection against the curse.

White candles are often associated with purity, light, and positive energy. Lighting white candles

can symbolize inviting protection into space, suggesting a desire to ward off opposing forces. Placing

white candles could signify a hope to dispel darkness, expressing a belief in the power of light over

darkness. However, the fact that the white candles offered no protection against the curse suggests a

theme of vulnerability, which may underscore the severity of the curse in the series.
MIRROR

Mirrors in the Ju-On series often symbolize a gateway to the supernatural. Characters' reflections

may not always appear as expected, creating a sense of unease.

In horror and supernatural genres, mirrors are often used symbolically to evoke a sense of

mystery, fear, and the unknown. Mirrors are often considered symbolic portals to the soul. Mirrors are

believed to reflect not only one's physical appearance but also their inner self or soul. Also, mirrors are

occasionally depicted as portals to other dimensions or realms.

THE FAMILY PHOTO ALBUM

The photo album symbolizes the history of the curse and the interconnectedness of the character's

lives. It reveals the curse's origins and the tragedy it has caused.

In the series, the family photo albums can symbolize the haunting of the past. Old family photos

carry hidden stories, secrets, or traumas that resurface to disturb the characters in the present. Photo

albums may serve as a personal connection to the supernatural or paranormal. The characters may

discover that the haunting or curse is deeply rooted in the family's history, and the photo album becomes a

key to understanding the origins of the malevolence.

THE DARK ATTIC

The dark attic of the haunted house is a symbol of hidden secrets and past traumas. It is where the

curse's history is discovered, leading to further horrors.

Attics are spaces often used for storage and can contain forgotten or hidden items. In the series,

the dark attic may symbolize the hidden secrets of a family or a location. It can be a place where the past,

with its secrets and traumas, is stored away and comes to light, contributing to the horror atmosphere.

The Ju-On series on Netflix delves into the intricate world of semiotics, exploring the symbolism,

signifiers, and signified meanings embedded within the narrative. The series strategically employs a

variety of symbols to convey more profound meaning, tapping into cultural, psychological, and

supernatural contexts. Through the analysis of specific elements, a rich tapestry of semiotization unfolds.