• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.27
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• pp.127-151
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• 2012

Created by Tomoko Ninomiya, was serialized in Japan from July 2001 to November 2009 and collected in 23 volumes. It has become a cultural syndrome after it was transferred to other media. Giving an attention to this cultural syndrome, this study aims to analyze narrative structure by means of semiotics. This study tries to use 'modele actantiel' and 'carre semiotique' of Greimas in order to clarify not only the meaning structure but also the course of narrative revealed in . The meaning structure of shows a unique relationship of genius and training. Although Nodame, a main character of this Japanese manga, is a straggler in music school because she does not show any passion for learning, she is depicted as a music genius. An education method called as apprenticeship is represented as the mechanism to bring out misfits in music. Dealing with her long journey to be a professional musician, this manga suggests how Nodame can be developed from as a misfit to as a professional pianist through introducing diverse education methods. Revealing critical perspective on music education in real world, gives a chance to rethink the relationship between genius and education in music.