Yamato nadeshiko (やまとなでしこ or大和撫子) is aJapanese term meaning the "personification of an idealized Japanese woman."[1] The term is the archetype of conservative and traditionalfemininity.[2]
Yamato (大和) was an ancient name for Japan and, therefore, has nationalistic connotations. The name also contains a floral metaphor. The wordnadeshiko refers toDianthus superbus, a frilled pink carnation.[3] The wordnadeshiko (撫子) also means beloved or dear child (lit. "child being petted"). The combination of these two meanings indicates a flower of the Japanese nation, that is, a standard of female beauty that is uniquely Japanese.[3]
While the term refers to the Japanese ideals of femininity, possessing grace and beauty, it also describes theYamato nadeshiko's inner strength.[4] She exhibits delicacy and deference, as well as quiet determination.[5] Both dignified and modest,[6] theYamato nadeshiko is believed to embody characteristics of delicacy and fragility, as well as elegance and sturdiness.[7] Though outwardly submissive and obedient, she is internally strong.[8] As theYamato nadeshiko is one of mature character, she has a nurturing yet uncompromising personality.[9]
The termYamato nadeshiko is often used to describe a demure young woman and, in a contemporary context,nostalgically of women with good traits which are perceived as being increasingly rare.[10][11]
ThoughYamato nadeshiko is no longer considered an ideal for women to reach for, it's still referenced in pop culture media such as novels, manga, anime, TV dramas, and movies.[9] It is typically used to refer to female characters that possess traits of maturity, modesty, gentleness, grace, uncompromising determination, while also being nurturing.[4]
TheYamato nadeshiko character type is often portrayed in anime. Attractive due to having a more mature personality than the other characters, she is often slightly older, sometimes even represented as a teacher or a mother. Her appeal lies in her sexual maturity and traditional Japanese virtues of a caring yet subservient nature.[9]
The official nickname of theJapan women's national football team isNadeshiko Japan (なでしこジャパン), which was derived fromYamato nadeshiko.[12]
Despite being more successful than their male counterparts,Samurai Blue (サムライ・ブルー),Nadeshiko Japan gets significantly less recognition; instead, the media trivializes their impressive skills and success by emphasizing the femininity of the members ofNadeshiko Japan.[5] For example, although they emerged as champions at the 2011 FIFA World Cup, the team was bombarded with comments about their "femininity" or "lack thereof."[13]
In order to combat the assumed incompatibility of sports and women, in 2004 the Japanese Football Association chose the nickname based on a contest of around 2,700 entries. It was chosen because it embodies femininity and athleticism, features presented in the media as contradictory, as well as a nationalistic identity.[13] The team's decision to keep the name was to promote the "hidden image" of strength and boldness that theYamato nadeshiko possesses.[8]