A Study of Visual Symbolism of “Black Long Straight Hair” Female Characters in Japanese ACG-Style Games

Abstract:

In Japanese ACG (Animation, Comics, and Games) media, the kurokami—black long straight hair—female archetype has long been embedded as a standardised moe-element in the database consumption model, functioning less as a unique character and more as a recombinable commodity. Beneath this standardisation lies a network of cultural codes and gendered stereotypes that merit critical scrutiny.

This study examines both the cultural identity represented by kurokami in female character design and the potential for its reinterpretation through interactive game design.

Combining theoretical analysis—drawing on cultural semiotics, moe-element typification, and gender studies—with a practice-based approach, the project includes the development of a story-driven puzzle game designed to challenge and reframe the archetype. Core mechanics, such as letter writing and symbolic NPC interactions, were employed to provoke cultural reflection and encourage players to shift from passive observation to active engagement. Data were collected from questionnaires, gameplay recordings, and post-game interviews, involving participants with varying degrees of familiarity with ACG culture. Findings show that for most ACG-familiar audiences, kurokami retains stable visual features and fixed cultural meanings, whereas gameplay encouraged some players to move from passive recognition to active reinterpretation. The study concludes that integrating symbolic critique into narrative-driven games offers a viable method for both revealing the cultural persistence of visual archetypes and fostering their re-coding through player engagement.