- Yamato Nadeshiko
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"Yamato Nadeshiko" (JP) is a term for a female character who is a representation of the Japanese ideal of a perfect woman. They appear gentle, delicate, and feminine on the surface, like a flower, but are strong enough to endure the hardships for their family. They have a very old-fashioned attitude where they are completely loyal and devoted to their husbands. They are very mature, with a lot of modesty, grace, and uncompromising determination, while also being nurturing and caring. They also fit traditional beauty standards in Japan, such having long black hair and wearing kimonos.
Etymology
Meaning of the Term
Yamato Nadeshiko (大和撫子) comes from the words "Yamato" (大和), which is an old traditional name for "Japan", and "nadeshiko" (撫子), a term for a delicate, pink flower, with its kanji translating literally as "caressable youth".[1]
History
Official Media
The archetype of Yamato nadeshiko in anime and manga is fairly popular and has been used as the base for many characters.[2] One of the most notable examples is the character Akeno Himejima from the 2008 romance light novel series High School D×D who was officially introduced in chapter 1 as a Yamato nadeshiko.[3]
Characteristics
Yamato nadeshiko are physically ideal and fit traditional Japanese beauty standards, such as having long black hair and clear pale skin. They also wear feminine clothes, with many simply choosing to wearing kimonos.
Personality
Yamato nadeshiko characters are characters who embody the virtues of an ideal Japanese woman. The concept revolves around the idea of a girl who is loyal to her family and obedient towards authority figures. They are good at cooking, cleaning, and raising children. Modern Yamato nadeshiko may study things that were important in Japanese history, such as archery or tea ceremonies.
Yamato nadeshiko do have a bit of an edge to them, though, being depicted as very wise and mature. They are expected to be able to endure any hardships that may come the way of their family. Older Yamato nadeshiko are sometimes depicted as knowing self-defense tactics as well to further protect their families.[4]
Similar Japanese Archetypes
- Miko: A term for a female character who is a shrine maiden.
- Oujodere: A term for a female character who has a strict dignified exterior and behaves with perfect ladylike manners like a true princess in public but turns cute, affectionate, and deredere when alone with their love interest.
List of Characters
Gallery
 Mahiru Shiina from Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsunomanika Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken  Tsukasa Yuzaki from Tonikaku Kawaii  Mio from Dororo  Mio from Dororo  Tohru Honda from Fruits Basket  Yuugiri from Zombie Land Saga |
References
- ↑ What is Yamato Nadeshiko. Pixiv Encyclopedia. “An ancient Japanese term for a woman's beauty that combines both strength and depth. Even today, the idea of a "modest, humble woman who puts her man in a good light" is often spoken of as the ideal for men, but the idea of "women putting men in a good light" is rapidly fading in modern Japan due to the improvement in the standard of living in Japan and the fact that it contradicts gender equality. On the surface, there are women who play the role of Yamato Nadeshiko, but many women are reluctant to be forced to accept the arbitrary image of "Japanese women = Yamato Nadeshiko" as it can be a mental burden. Nevertheless, Yamato Nadeshiko remains the ideal for men, so Yamato Nadeshiko-like characters appear in anime, manga, games, etc., and it is no exaggeration to say that it is becoming an unrealistic, creative concept. In such creative works, while the setting of "old-fashioned, pure, and elegant" is incorporated, the aspect of "putting men in a good light" is often abandoned, perhaps reflecting the social climate mentioned above.”
- ↑ How the Concept of "Yamato Nadeshiko" Transformed the Female Anime Protagonist. CBR (2023/08/27).
- ↑ High School D×D (Chapter 1). Fujimi Shobo (2008/09/20).
- ↑ What is Yamato Nadeshiko?. Sci Lang Japan. “Yamato nadeshiko is the name of a flower known as a 'fringed pink' in English, scientific name dianthus superbus. Also known as a nadeshiko, it is a small, common, but easily distinguishable flower which grows wild. Yamato is one of the many names of Japan. Yamato nadeshiko can also signify a kind of ideal woman. Some features of that kind of woman are: She is feminine; She is chaste and devoted to her husband; She always respects and obeys her husband and never opposes him, even when she thinks he's wrong (she should wisely find an indirect way to prevent her husband from doing something wrong without letting him know, that is to say without humiliating him); She looks weak, delicate and gentle (like a flower) outside her family, but is able to cope with householding, raising kids, etc. A Yamato nadeshiko should be gentle and delicate but also be able to endure all the pain and poverty of life for her husband and the country, to win the war, and should always be ready to fight with halberds and to die any time for her country, or to keep her chastity.”