Yamato Damashi [大和魂] : The Japanese Spirit

[Aepsilons]

Yamato-Damashii (大和魂, "Japanese spirit") is a term in the Japanese Language meant to refer to the spiritual and cultural values and characteristics of the Japanese people.

'For this national type of moral character was invented the name Yamato-damashi (or Yamato-gokoro), — the Soul of Yamato (or Heart of Yamato), — the appellation of the old province of Yamato, seat of the early emperors, being figuratively used for the entire country. We might correctly, though less literally, interpret the expression Yamato-damashi as 'The Soul of Old Japan.'

 

[Aepsilons]

Literally, "Japanese spirit"; Yamato damashii is also written 大和魂. This term is often contrasted with "Chinese Learning" (karasae), that is, knowledge and scholarship imported into Japan from China. Yamato damashii refers to an inherent faculty of common-sense wisdom, resourcefulness, and prudent judgment that is characteristic of, and unique to, the Japanese people. It also refers to a practical, "real life" ability and intelligence that is in contrast with scholarship and knowledge acquired through formal education. It is a term used to express such ideas as the essential purity and resolute spirit of the Japanese people, the wish for the peace and security of the nation, and the possession of a strong spirit and emotion that will meet any challenge, even at the expense of one's own life. Yamato damashii is synonymous with Yamato gokoro (lit. "Japanese heart").

 

[Cossack25A1]

Uhm I have been reading term "Yamato Nadeshiko" whenever I read reviews about anime. It is said that term is the personification of Japanese women, care to put more insight about this as Wikipedia (and even TV Tropes) may not be sufficient in explaining it.

 

[Aepsilons]

Uhm I have been reading term "Yamato Nadeshiko" whenever I read reviews about anime. It is said that term is the personification of Japanese women, care to put more insight about this as Wikipedia (and even TV Tropes) may not be sufficient in explaining it.

Yes, you're right in your definition, @Cossack25A1 ! Well i suppose every woman in every nation and society is regarded with respect, and represents beauty through local dictum and folkore and religious customs, i suppose. But in regards to Japan, the term "Yamato Nadeshiko" refers to certain specific traits that embodies the perfect and praisworthy Japanese woman (the ideal, i suppose, for lack of better term):

1. Humility
2. Obeisance to her husband
3. Obeisance to her elders
4. Obeisance to her parents
5. Obeisance to older relatives
6. Purity in thought
7. Determination in silence
8. Dedication to her lover (fidelity; this is where the stereotype as the Japanese woman will stay loyal to her lover till death comes from --- there is truth to this, btw, since Japanese women prefer long term relationships over casual flings)
9. Fragility , yet emotional strength
10. Intensity of her love
11. Undying loyalty
12. Protective , encouraging, loving Mother
13. Obedient sister