What is the word “Yamato Nadeshiko” that describes the beauty of Japanese women?

You may have heard the word ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’, which is especially about women when you come into contact with Japanese culture. This word refers to a woman who embodies traditional Japanese virtues, and although its meaning changes little by little with the times, it is still cherished as a symbol of Japanese aesthetics.

Origin and meaning of ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’

‘Yamato’ is the old name of Japan, and ‘Nadeshiko’ is one of the seven autumn herbs of Japan, and has a pretty flower blooming. It is said that the name of the flower ‘Nadeko’ was born from the appearance of ‘raising a beloved child with care.’ In other words, ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’ is a word that expresses a pretty, gentle, and strong-willed female image nurtured in the climate of Japan.

A specific image includes the following features:

• Neat and classy behavior: Calm, polite and classy.
• Deep kindness: Instead of arguing your own opinion, respect the other person and don’t forget to be considerate of the people around you.
• Strength hidden inside: Behind a soft impression, he has the mental strength to face difficulties and the belief in protecting his family and loved ones.

‘Yamato Nadeshiko’ seen in anime

Even in modern Japanese entertainment, many characters like ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’ are drawn. It is not simply an old-fashioned female image, but as an attractive side of the modern women.

Kocho Shinobu from the anime ‘The Blade of Demon Slayer’

The element that can be called Yamato Nadeshiko lies in its ‘internal strength’.It has the intelligent strength to make up for the weak point of not being able to cut the demon’s head with a small body with its own knowledge and ideas of poison synthesis. Next, it is ‘deepness and kindness’. Although he is cold-hearted towards demons, he always treats his fellow demons and people with a gentle smile and devoted himself to treating the injured, embodied the virtues of traditional Japanese women. Finally, there is ‘belief and determination’. While having a strong will to avenge his older sister, he continues to face the demon and continues to face the demon, showing unwavering spiritual strength.

‘Yamato Nadeshiko’ in modern times

Today, women’s social advancement has progressed, and diverse ways of life have come to be respected. For this reason, the word ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’ is not only to refer to a modest woman, but also has a broader sense of ‘a woman who lives in her own way while cherishing the virtues of Japan.’

For example, Japanese athletes who are active overseas and female artists who transmit Japanese culture to the world are respected as ‘modern Yamato Nadeshiko.’ They are a symbol of ‘supple and strong’ women who are proudly active on the global stage while cherishing Japanese culture and courtesy.

Mamiko, the wife of Shohei Otani, a major leaguer, can be said to be a symbol of modern Yamato Nadeshiko.

In public places, he always walks one step behind Otani, has a modest behavior to avoid being conspicuous, participates in team charity events, etc. It is evaluated as overlapping with the traditional image of Japanese women, such as the dedicated support to support Otani’s activities behind the scenes.

Her behavior and behavior are often evaluated as ‘elegant’ and ‘sinceful and kind,’ and her strength as a former athlete is considered to match the image of ‘Yamato Nadeshiko,’ who has not only the appearance but also the inner beauty.

Summary

The word ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’ is a beautiful word that describes the ideal image of a woman, nurtured in Japanese history and culture. If you have a chance to visit Japan, you may be able to find the elements of ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’ that you saw in anime and movies among the women you pass by on the street. Understated kindness, core strength, and above all, caring for others.

That is the key to a deep understanding of Japanese culture.