The Yamato Race | myth

The Myth of the "Yamato Race": Historical and Cultural Context

The myth of the "Yamato race" (大和民族, Yamato Minzoku) has long played a central role in Japanese ultranationalist ideology, serving as a unifying concept that elevates the Japanese people as a unique, pure, and superior ethnic group. Rooted in the mythology of Japan's divine origins and nurtured during periods of imperial expansion, the concept continues to resonate with factions of Japanese society, including ultranationalists, traditionalists, and, to a lesser extent, the yakuza. While modern Japan has largely moved beyond such ideologies, the myth persists as a cultural undercurrent that influences identity politics and fringe groups.

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Mythological Foundations

The origins of the "Yamato race" myth are intertwined with the ancient Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), two seminal texts that chronicle Japan’s creation myth. According to these texts, Japan was created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami, and its first emperor, Jimmu, was a direct descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu. This divine lineage positioned the Yamato race as inherently superior, chosen by the gods to rule not only Japan but, in theory, the world.

During the Yamato period (250-710 CE), this myth was codified as the ruling elite sought to consolidate their power, unifying warring clans under the banner of a shared cultural and ethnic identity. The idea of a homogeneous Yamato race became a powerful political tool, fostering a sense of unity and divine purpose among the population.

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The Yamato Race and Japanese Nationalism

During the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) and the subsequent period of imperial expansion, the myth of the Yamato race was revived and reframed to support Japan’s modernization and militarization efforts. The ideology was formalized through state Shinto, which reinforced the emperor’s divine status and the unique purity of the Japanese people. School curriculums, propaganda, and cultural norms promoted the idea of a "Yamato spirit" (Yamato-damashii), emphasizing loyalty, bravery, and self-sacrifice as quintessentially Japanese virtues.

This myth also played a role in Japan’s colonial ambitions, justifying the subjugation of other Asian peoples by portraying them as culturally and racially inferior. Koreans, Chinese, and Southeast Asians were cast as "lesser races," while the Japanese were positioned as the leaders of an envisioned Pan-Asian order. This ultranationalist ideology reached its zenith during World War II, with devastating consequences for the region.

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Postwar Legacy and Use by the Yakuza

After Japan’s defeat in 1945, the Allied occupation dismantled state Shinto and formally discredited racial superiority doctrines. However, the myth of the Yamato race persisted in cultural memory and was adopted by various fringe groups, including ultranationalists and yakuza organizations.

For the yakuza, the Yamato race myth serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it acts as a unifying ideology, reinforcing a sense of loyalty and belonging within their ranks. Many yakuza leaders have drawn upon nationalist rhetoric to justify their activities, framing themselves as protectors of Japan’s cultural heritage and social order. Secondly, the myth provides a veneer of legitimacy, casting their criminal activities as part of a broader mission to preserve "true" Japanese values in the face of modernization and foreign influence.

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Modern Ultraconservatives and the Myth

In contemporary Japan, ultranationalist groups such as uyoku dantai (right-wing organizations) continue to invoke the Yamato race myth as a rallying cry. These groups often mobilize against perceived threats to Japanese identity, including immigration, multiculturalism, and internationalism. Their propaganda frequently highlights the uniqueness of the Yamato people, promoting a vision of Japan as a culturally homogeneous nation under siege by external forces.

Ultranationalist rhetoric sometimes overlaps with yakuza activities, as both groups share an interest in traditionalism and maintaining a hierarchical social order. However, the relationship between the two is often opportunistic rather than ideological, with yakuza exploiting nationalist themes to enhance their public image.

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Criticism and Reassessment

In modern Japan, the myth of the Yamato race is increasingly seen as anachronistic and problematic. Scholars and activists have highlighted its role in fostering discrimination against minority groups, such as the Ainu, Okinawans, Koreans, and Burakumin. Efforts to promote a more inclusive understanding of Japanese identity have gained traction, challenging the notion of homogeneity that underpins the Yamato race myth.

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The Yamato Race Myth in Popular Media

The myth of the Yamato race has also permeated Japanese media, from historical dramas to nationalist literature. In yakuza fiction, the concept is often invoked to explore themes of loyalty, identity, and the tension between tradition and modernity. Characters who embrace the Yamato spirit are frequently portrayed as noble but flawed, grappling with the moral complexities of their actions in a rapidly changing world.

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Conclusion: A Double-Edged Sword

The myth of the Yamato race remains a potent symbol in Japanese culture, embodying both pride in Japan’s unique heritage and the darker legacies of exclusion and imperialism. For the yakuza and ultranationalists, it offers a convenient narrative to justify their actions and bolster their self-image. However, as Japan continues to reckon with its past and redefine its identity in a globalized world, the relevance and impact of this myth are increasingly called into question.