Yamato nadeshiko (やまとなでしこ or 大和撫子) is a Japanese term meaning the "personification of an idealized Japanese woman."[1]
Yamato (大和) was an ancient name for Japan and, therefore, has nationalistic connotations. The name also contains a floral metaphor. The word nadeshiko refers to Dianthus superbus, a frilled pink carnation.[2] The word nadeshiko (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.[2]
While the term refers to the Japanese ideals of femininity, possessing grace and beauty, it also describes the Yamato nadeshiko's inner strength.[3] She exhibits delicacy and deference, as well as quiet determination.[4] Both dignified and modest,[5] the Yamato nadeshiko is believed to embody characteristics of delicacy and fragility, as well as elegance and sturdiness.[6] Though outwardly submissive and obedient, she is internally strong.[7] As the Yamato nadeshiko is one of mature character, she has a nurturing yet uncompromising personality.[8]
The term Yamato 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.[9][10]
Though Yamato 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.[8] It is typically used to refer to female characters that possess traits of maturity, modesty, gentleness, grace, uncompromising determination, while also being nurturing.[3]
The Yamato 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.[8]
The official nickname of the Japan women's national football team is Nadeshiko Japan (なでしこジャパン), which was derived from Yamato nadeshiko.[11]
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 of Nadeshiko Japan.[4] 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."[12]
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.[12] The team's decision to keep the name was to promote the "hidden image" of strength and boldness that the Yamato nadeshiko possesses.[7]