History Main / JapaneseSpirit

* Interestingly, ''Manga/DragonBall'' [[UnBuiltTrope did not follow this trope at first.]] In fact, AkiraToriyama intentionally subverted it several times. In particular, though Goku definitely possesses the traits of Yamato-Damashii, Toriyama would never allow Goku to win a TournamentArc ([[DoubleSubversion until the King Piccolo arc, which is the only time the world was actually at stake]]), despite fans demanding it. Secondly, the victories against Raditz and Vegeta were both done with true teamwork (as opposed to a single main fighter with token support). However, from the Namek Saga onward, ''Dragon Ball'' slowly helped codify this trope in {{Shounen}}. A later example is when fans were dissatisfied with the Android villains (partially because there was more than one, and because they did not appear to be {{Worthy Opponent}}s), forcing him to make Cell the main antagonist.

In traditional Japanese philosophy, '''Persistence''' (hard work and hope) was considered the most important and desirable of the three virtues. '''Resolve''' (moral rectitude and honor), the second most important, is also likely the first to appear, after the hero's "insight" finds something to fight for. Someone with strong amounts of both will probably find that [[ItWasWithYouAllAlong they actually had a]] '''[[ItWasWithYouAllAlong Talent]]''' [[ItWasWithYouAllAlong all along that was easily overlooked]]. Talent (power and skill), however, is considered the least virtuous of the three (although certainly the most powerful). Despite Talent being the most functional of the three, Yamato-Damashii believes that everyone will DieOrFly in their DarkestHour, so even a [[HighHopesZeroTalent weak-but-persistent person]] will prove themselves useful in the long run.

* '''Koyū''' (or Talent) is any [[InTheBlood trait]], [[TheGift gift]] or [[OrphansPlotTrinket possession]] that makes someone a BornWinner, whether they're aware of it or not. [[note]]In stronger forms, they're a [[StoryBreakerPower story-breaker]], [[GodModeSue capable of bending]], [[NewPowersAsThePlotDemands changing]], or [[BeyondTheImpossible outright breaking the rules]]. In milder forms, "talent" is simply [[AnthropicPrinciple something which makes a character stand out]], and be [[TheChosenOne worthy of having their story told]]. Often, the character's main "talent" is having an overabundance of the next two qualities below.[[/note]]
* '''Chie''' (or Insight/Resolve) is a [[HeroicResolve belief or faith]] that [[TheFettered remains correct and unshakable]], and has more value [[DoomedMoralVictor even than the believer's life]]. [[note]]This is called "insight" because it's combined with SimpleMindedWisdom and [[TheKirk ignores logic, common knowledge, or caution]]. It's also called "resolve" since it invokes RightMakesMight and thus [[NotQuiteTheRightThing incorrect or obsolete ideals]] [[MoreHeroThanThou will be defeated]]. Traditionally, the defeated party will [[DefeatMeansFriendship be converted to]] [[VillainsDyingGrace the superior way.]][[/note]]
* '''Seishin''' (or Persistence) is a level of vigilance, [[SpiritedCompetitor competitiveness]] and [[HeroicWillpower willpower which overcomes]] the impossible just by [[HardWorkFallacy "trying harder"]]. [[note]]It's the [[TheDeterminator willingness to never give up]], to [[NextTierPowerUp push yourself higher than before]], to never, ever [[DespairEventHorizon feel despondent]] or [[SmugSnake overly complacent]], and [[TrainingFromHell to work your hardest.]] It's become codified as the "training arc" between battles or [[MadeOfIron the ability to survive fatal damage]] through sheer will alone.[[/note]]

** It's flat out stated to be the most common and powerful trait of every Japanese boxer (though other nationalities are capable of it). The virtues of Talent, Resolve, and Persistence are thus personified by the characters of Takamura, Coach Kamagawa, and Ippo himself, respectively.

-->'''Coach Kamagawa:''' "Not everyone who works hard will succeed. But everyone who succeeds has worked hard."

** In ''Omega'', the first half of the series involves the heroes running away from villains that are just too strong. On the other hand, it was through Kouga`s resolve to protect Saori that the Pegasus Cloth recognized him as a worthy bearer, and it was through his determination to not give up during his fight with Spear that allowed him to use the Pegasus Ryu Sei Ken at will. There is also the fact that Kouga has the extremely rare Light Cosmo [[Spoiler: and later Darkness Cosmo]]. "Koyuu" is also exhibited in the character of Dragon Ryuho who is the son of Shiryu from the original series, and is regarded as a genius.

SubTrope of HeroicSpirit.

*** '''Chie''': Ideals are thrown back and forth between various characters, each of whom has their own ideas about life. [[EstablishingCharacterMoment In the very first chapter]], Kenshin states that Kaoru's father's ideology of "the sword that protects life" is a utopian, impractical ideal, but one that he would rather believe in instead of the true nature of ''kenjutsu'' as a killing art. Other characters have their own ideologies, (e.g. Saitou's "Aku. Soku. Zan.", or "Swift Death to Evil"), and the entire focus of the Kyoto Arc pits Kenshin's principles of the strong protecting the weak versus Shishio's "The weak are food for the strong". Soujirou even asks if [[MightMakesRight winning the fight proves that the victor's ideals are right]] (a concept which Kenshin rejects). At the end of the arc, it's even stated that time (or "the age") was the one that decided the winner. [[spoiler: And subverted in the epilogue to the arc, where Japan's real-world rise to militarism prior to WorldWarII is described, suggesting that Kenshin's fight may have been in vain.]]

* WorldWarII was a RealLife {{Deconstruction}}.
** Japan's sudden and drastic shift from attempting to simply emulate the more advanced West to imperialism was caused by [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unequal_Treaties bigotry from the West]] that prevented them from being an equal. [[TemptingFate Following this treatment, Japan grew increasingly paranoid of foreign invasion and occupation]]. From their perspective, WorldWarI had just annihilated every single other empire beyond repair and thus empires like theirs were an endangered species. Traditionalists (or for a more balanced perspective, those of the Meiji after they put a vastly ceremonial figure on the throne and disbanded the samurai in 1868) preached that the Emperor's sovereignty, unchallenged for more than 800 years, was a precious, divine gift that was now in mortal peril. This was their DarkestHour, and it was time to DieOrFly.

** Amoracchius/[[spoiler:{{Excalibur}}]] is the Sword of Love, a greatsword corresponding to ''Koyū''. Unlike the other Knights, who can be of any religion (or none) and must earn their status after CharacterDevelopment, every known Knight of Amoracchius is a Catholic who has been destined for it from birth. Michael Carpenter is an IdealHero from a wholesome family background, who is so devout that even without his sword's help he can burn evil beings by touching them. Prior to the events of the story it was used by [[spoiler:King Arthur]], who was likewise born to do so.

** To create unquestioning loyalty in its troops, Japan turned around from bestowing the nation's highest honors to returning [=POWs=] by returning to a warrior culture which stated that death was preferable to surrender. Soldiers were expected to DieOrFly, and to cause as much damage as possible to the enemy if it looked as though there was no hope for victory. This strategy, while devastating early on, turned out to be unsustainable in the long term, as Japan began losing expensive manpower and weaponry faster than they could replace them--but the more bleak things turned, the more doggedly the virtue was pursued. That stubborn determination was quickly becoming its military's undoing.

** Believing that competition was the key to growth and power, Japan's Army and Navy [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interservice_rivalry#Japan were locked in a funding war]] with each other, with Japan directly rewarding merit with money. So each branch of its military was forced to outdo the other to get money needed to continue their campaigns. Unfortunately, this was not friendly or amicable competition, even if in a funding war; both forces were instead fueled by opposing ideals and even grudges ever since their establishment from the Bakumatsu. With the Japanese Army having such massive successes in China and Korea, the Navy knew that the only absolutely surefire way to top them was to take dominant control of the Pacific Ocean. But that meant [[AwakeningTheSleepingGiant throwing down with America]]. [[ForegoneConclusion We all know what happened after that.]]

** Believing that competition was the key to growth and power, Japan's Army and Navy [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interservice_rivalry#Japan were locked in a funding war]] with ''each other'', with Japan directly rewarding merit with money. So each branch of its military was forced to outdo the other to get money needed to continue their campaigns. With the Japanese Army having such massive successes in China and Korea, the Navy knew that the only absolutely surefire way to top them was to take dominant control of the Pacific Ocean. But that meant [[AwakeningTheSleepingGiant throwing down with America]]. [[ForegoneConclusion We all know what happened after that.]]

** Japan's sudden and drastic shift from attempting to simply emulate the more advanced West to imperialism was caused by [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unequal_Treaties bigotry from the West]] that prevented them from being an equal. [[TemptingFate Following this treatment, Japan grew increasingly paranoid of foreign invasion and occupation]]. From their perspective, WorldWarI had just annihilated every single other empire beyond repair and thus empires like theirs were an endangered species. Traditionalists preached that the Emperor's sovereignty, unchallenged for more than 800 years, was a precious, divine gift that was now in mortal peril. This was their DarkestHour, and it was time to DieOrFly.
** Japan began annexing the rest of Asia soon after, staring with Manchuria. Being such a small nation, they had ''no'' [[LeeroyJenkins capability to maintain a long-term military empire]], and thus their only chance was to annex Asia ASAP and [[{{Plunder}} absorb its resources into the greater Japanese Empire.]] This meant that every nation that stood in their way had to be indoctrinated with Japan's imperial agenda ''fast'', and "strengthened" by erasing and replacing their culture with Japanese culture (which, unfortunately, eventually led to war rape). But in Japan's view, it was expected of a conquered culture to [[DefeatMeansRespect absorb the spirit of their conquerors]], [[TheChainOfHarm as Japan itself had when America forced it out of seclusion.]]

** To the Japanese, the American war machine was an unstoppable monster that threatened the very survival of their small island.[[note]]A sentiment which would become allegorical in later ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'' media.[[/note]] Furthermore, America wouldn't settle for anything less than ''absolute'' surrender, which would not only have been a massive loss of face but also an engraved invitation for the militarists to stage a coup [[note]] Which in fact did end up happening. [[/note]]. Thus, surrender was not only disgraceful, but suicide. The last time the Japanese had faced [[UsefulNotes/{{Mongolia}} an enemy this powerful]], [[DeusExMachina two freak hurricanes appeared to stop them]]. They were convinced that as long as they continued to fight valiantly, [[Myth/JapaneseMythology the spirits of Japan]] would protect them. [[RealityEnsues That didn't happen.]] Instead, the Americans [[NukeEm brought their own "Act of God"]].

* ''Anime/GurrenLagann'' gives us this advice: "Go BeyondTheImpossible and kick reason to the curb!" Furthermore, you have things like Spiral Power, constant {{Next Tier Power Up}}s and constant references to confidence, spirit, and resolve. It's safe to say that Gurren Lagann is this trope in its purest form.

-->--'''Yoruichi Shihouin''', ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''

->"Do you remember the first time when you were a child that you stood up and walked on your own? If you don't remember doing it, and yet you did it, it means that you weren't conscious of it at the time. So how did you know how to do it? The answer is all humans are born already knowing how to stand up. Just as birds are born knowing how to fly, and fish are born already knowing how to swim. It's because of what we call instinct. All living creatures use instinct to obtain their natural powers when the time comes that they need them."

At its most basic, Yamato-damashii implies pure merit and being or becoming "better". Japanese culture is rooted in a clan (or [[TrueCompanions in-group]])-based hierarchy system. Every person has a rank within their family, community, organisation, and class the same way that [[FixedRelativeStrength some protagonists are more powerful or gifted than others.]] Each family, organisation, and class then in turn has a rank in society as a whole, reflected by PowerLevels. By following Yamato-damashii, any person can [[TimeToUnlockMoreTruePotential increase their potential]], and thus status, climbing to a higher rank in society while their TrueCompanions help.

If you've ever read, seen or heard of a Japanese story with even a hint of a ToBeAMaster or DefeatingTheUndefeatable plot, this probably sounds familiar. The strongest characters in the work will demonstrate some of the trope, but {{The Protagonist}}(s) will eventually become the epitome of it. The basic concept is reductionist: in civilized, logical society, we rely on laws and assume our scholars/experts have a handle on things. But what happens when something comes along that can brush aside those laws (or turn them against us) and is beyond our ability to comprehend? How do you survive, or ''win'' against'' something that all logic says should kill you? The answer is Japanese Spirit. This is why most villains/threats in shonen [[DefeatingTheUndefeatable appear unbeatable at first]] and why [[TheWorfBarrage the more sure of their power a hero seems, the more doomed they are.]] They represent a danger that reduces any culture, no matter how advanced, to a DarkestHour where only the raw instinct to live or protect something can save you.

In traditional Japanese philosophy, '''Persistence''' (hard work and hope) was considered the most important and desirable of the three virtues. '''Resolve''' (moral rectitude and honor), the second most important, is also likely the first to appear, after the hero's "insight" finds something to fight for. Someone with strong amounts of both will probably find that [[ItWasWithYouAllAlong they actually had a]] '''[[ItWasWithYouAllAlong Talent]]''' [[ItWasWithYouAllAlong all along that was easily overlooked]]. Talent (power and skill), however, is considered the least-virtuous of the three (although certainly the most powerful). Despite Talent being the most functional of the three, Yamato-Damashii believes that everyone will DieOrFly in their DarkestHour, so even a [[HighHopesZeroTalent weak-but-persistent person]] will prove themselves useful in the long run.

{{Ki}}, or some other equivalent [[TheForce Force]], is the manifestation of Yamato-Damashii and is almost all-powerful. Physical limitations, such as handicaps or injuries, are usually superficial; Ki mastery will let you [[NormallyIWouldBeDeadNow ignore injuries]] or NoSell attacks entirely. There is usually a way to [[TheForceIsStrongWithThisOne sense Ki]] or [[AbstractScale treat it like an academic ranking or measurement]] that one person can have "more" or "less" in a hierarchy of power.

As we said above, this trope defines what is good about Japanese culture. Thus, in the finale, it's usually important to establish that Yamato-Damashii is superior and that it ''works''. So, heroes that follow this are [[ThisIsSomethingHesGotToDoHimself likely to defeat the villain and solve their problems by themselves]], or only with indirect support. Others in a FiveManBand may help the hero reach their destination, [[PlotTailoredToTheParty deal with specific threats]] or fight the CoDragons, but they will [[InTheEndYouAreOnYourOwn barely do anything more than buy time or distract the villain]] for the FinalBattle. Further, [[HonorBeforeReason honor and pride are a higher priority than victory.]] When the villains are confronted, they will fight someone roughly the same position of them in the "clan hierachy", and the BigBad will typically achieve their OneWingedAngel form or have acquired the almighty MacGuffin. Thus, when the hero finally succeeds, it is always with the knowledge that the villain was completely crushed at their most powerful and despite every dirty trick. After all, if Yamato-Damashii has transformed the hero into a "better" person, then they have to prove it.

It's highly likely that the story structure is derived off of {{Wuxia}} (''Manga/DragonBall'', the codifer of modern {{Shounen}}, was heavily inspired by wuxia). In America, the closest this concept approaches is the {{Superhero}} and HollywoodActionHero. {{Western}}s also have a similar feeling, but vastly different story structure.

Compare how well the concept fits into TheHerosJourney. Also compare with stories that follow a ThudAndBlunder plot. The main character can also very easily categorized as an {{Ubermensch}}, with their nemesis being representative of [[StrawNihilist the "Last Man"]]. Any character that succeeds at Yamato-Damashii is likely to have RealLifeSuperPowers in some form, if not actual MagicAndPowers.

Re** Japan's sudden and drastic shift from attempting to simply emulate the more advanced West to imperialism was caused by [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unequal_Treaties bigotry from the West]] that prevented them from being an equal. [[TemptingFate Following this treatment, Japan grew increasingly paranoid of foreign invasion and occupation]]. From their perspective, WorldWarI had just annihilated every single other empire beyond repair and thus empires like theirs were an endangered species. Traditionalists preached that the Emperor's sovereignty, unchallenged for more than 800 years, was a precious, divine gift that was now in mortal peril. This was their DarkestHour, and it was time to DieOrFly. ** Japan began annexing the rest of Asia soon after, staring with Manchuria. Being such a small nation, they had ''no'' [[LeeroyJenkins capability to maintain a long-term military empire]], and thus their only chance was to annex Asia ASAP and [[{{Plunder}} absorb its resources into the greater Japanese Empire.]] This meant that every nation that stood in their way had to be indoctrinated with Japan's imperial agenda ''fast'', and "strengthened" by erasing and replacing their culture with Japanese culture (which, unfortunately, eventually led to war rape). But in Japan's view, it was expected of a conquered culture to [[DefeatMeansRespect absorb the spirit of their conquerors]], [[TheChainOfHarm as Japan itself had when America forced it out of seclusion.]] ** Believing that competition was the key to growth and power, Japan's Army and Navy [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interservice_rivalry#Japan were locked in a funding war]] with ''each other'', with Japan directly rewarding merit with money. So each branch of its military was forced to outdo the other to get money needed to continue their campaigns. With the Japanese Army having such massive successes in China and Korea, the Navy knew that the only absolutely surefire way to top them was to take dominant control of the Pacific Ocean. But that meant [[AwakeningTheSleepingGiant throwing down with America]]. [[ForegoneConclusion We all know what happened after that.]] ** To create unquestioning loyalty in its troops, Japan turned around from bestowing the nation's highest honors to returning [=POWs=] by returning to a warrior culture which stated that death was preferable to surrender. Soldiers were expected to DieOrFly, and to cause as much damage as possible to the enemy if it looked as though there was no hope for victory. This strategy, while devastating early on, turned out to be unsustainable in the long term, as Japan began losing expensive manpower and weaponry faster than they could replace them--but the more bleak things turned, the more doggedly the virtue was pursued. That stubborn determination was quickly becoming its military's undoing. ** To the Japanese, the American war machine was an unstoppable monster that threatened the very survival of their small island.[[note]]A sentiment which would become allegorical in later ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'' media.[[/note]] Furthermore, America wouldn't settle for anything less than ''absolute'' surrender, which would not only have been a massive loss of face but also an engraved invitation for the militarists to stage a coup [[note]] Which in fact did end up happening. [[/note]]. Thus, surrender was not only disgraceful, but suicide. The last time the Japanese had faced [[UsefulNotes/{{Mongolia}} an enemy this powerful]], [[DeusExMachina two freak hurricanes appeared to stop them]]. They were convinced that as long as they continued to fight valiantly, [[Myth/JapaneseMythology the spirits of Japan]] would protect them. [[RealityEnsues That didn't happen.]] Instead, the Americans [[NukeEm brought their own "Act of God"]].

** Japan's sudden and drastic shift from attempting to simply emulate the more advanced West to imperialism was caused by [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unequal_Treaties bigotry from the West]] that prevented them from being an equal. [[TemptingFate Following this treatment, Japan grew increasingly paranoid of foreign invasion and occupation]]. Later, the perceived WorldWarI to have irreparably damaged every other empire and thus empires like theirs were an endangered species. Imperialists preached that the Emperor's sovereignty, unchallenged for more than 800 years, was a precious, divine gift that was now in mortal peril. This was their DarkestHour, and it was time to DieOrFly.
** Japan began trying to establish control over mainland Asia soon thereafter, starting with Siberia during the [[UsefulNotes/RedOctober Russian Civil War]] but backing down in the face of Bolshevik strength and Franco-Anglo-American diplomatic pressure. Being such a small and resource-poor country, even after annexing Korea, they had ''no'' [[LeeroyJenkins capability to maintain an economically self-sufficient empire in the event of a prolonged conflict such as World War One]], and thus their only chance was to annex Asia ASAP and [[{{Plunder}} absorb its resources into the greater Japanese Empire.]] This meant that every nation that stood in their way had to be indoctrinated with Japan's imperial agenda ''fast'', and "strengthened" by erasing and replacing their culture with Japanese culture. In Japan's view, it was expected of a conquered culture to [[DefeatMeansRespect absorb the spirit of their conquerors]], [[TheChainOfHarm as Japan itself had when America forced it out of seclusion.]]
** To create unquestioning loyalty in its troops, and spare the nation the 'humiliation' of its soldiers surrendering rather than fighting to the death pointlessly, after the UsefulNotes/RussoJapaneseWar the Imperial Japanese Army went from bestowing the nation's highest honors to returning [=POWs=] to 'returning' to a perverted and entirely a-historical ideal of Japan's 'warrior culture' which stated that death was preferable to surrender (even though, during the Sengoku Jidai of the 16th century, Samurai had surrendered and switched sides at the drop of a hat... sometimes ''repeatedly''). Soldiers were expected to DieOrFly, and to cause as much damage as possible to the enemy if it looked as though there was no hope of victory or even survival. This turned out to be utterly moronic, as proved in numerous battles in which the Guomindang (and the Soviets at Khalkin Gol) exploited this doctrine by encircling Japanese forces and not even having to prevent them from breaking out of said encirclements. But the more battles they lost this way, the more doggedly the doctrine was pursued.
** Even after sidelining the civilian government, Japan's Army and Navy [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interservice_rivalry#Japan remained locked in a funding war]] with one another. Each branch of its military was forced to outdo the other to get money needed to continue their campaigns. With the Japanese Army having failed to bring the Republic of China to their knees after four years of campaigning, and Roosevelt's embargo on oil leaving the country with just months of supplies left before it would have to have to (*shudder*) ''negotiate'' with its racial inferiors in China, the Navy had a golden opportunity to spare Japan the humiliation of having to ''bargain with'' a species just a few steps above Negroes in the racial heirarchy... by striking at the Dutch and British. And, by extension (or so they thought, mistakenly) the USA.
** To the Japanese, the American war machine was an unstoppable monster that threatened the very survival of their small island.[[note]]A sentiment which would become allegorical in later ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'' media.[[/note]] Furthermore, America wouldn't settle for anything less than ''absolute'' surrender, which would not only have been a massive loss of face but also an engraved invitation for the militarists to stage a coup [[note]] Which in fact did end up happening. [[/note]]. Thus, surrender was not only disgraceful, but suicide. The last time the Japanese had faced [[UsefulNotes/{{Mongolia}} an enemy this powerful]], [[DeusExMachina two freak hurricanes appeared to stop them]]. The Army and Navy tried their very best to convince the rank-and-file that, as long as they continued to fight valiantly, [[Myth/JapaneseMythology the spirits of Japan]] would protect them. [[RealityEnsues That didn't happen, as their leaders knew damn well it wouldn't.]] Instead, they began looking for ways to surrender while presenting a unified front to their enemies. Ultimately, the Soviet declaration of war upon Japan and subsequent total destruction of Japan's armies on the Asian mainland put an end to all hopes of a negotiated peace, and the common soldiery's will to fight completely dissipated as the Americans [[NukeEm brought their own "Act of God"]].

** Japan's sudden and drastic shift from attempting to simply emulate the more advanced West to imperialism was caused by [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unequal_Treaties bigotry from the West]] that prevented them from being an equal. [[TemptingFate Following this treatment, Japan grew increasingly paranoid of foreign invasion and occupation]]. From their perspective, WorldWarI had just annihilated every single other empire beyond repair and thus empires like theirs were an endangered species. Traditionalists preached that the Emperor's sovereignty, unchallenged for more than 800 years, was a precious, divine gift that was now in mortal peril. This was their DarkestHour, and it was time to DieOrFly.
** Japan began annexing the rest of Asia soon after, staring with Manchuria. Being such a small nation, they had ''no'' [[LeeroyJenkins capability to maintain a long-term military empire]], and thus their only chance was to annex Asia ASAP and [[{{Plunder}} absorb its resources into the greater Japanese Empire.]] This meant that every nation that stood in their way had to be indoctrinated with Japan's imperial agenda ''fast'', and "strengthened" by erasing and replacing their culture with Japanese culture (which, unfortunately, eventually led to war rape). But in Japan's view, it was expected of a conquered culture to [[DefeatMeansRespect absorb the spirit of their conquerors]], [[TheChainOfHarm as Japan itself had when America forced it out of seclusion.]]
** Believing that competition was the key to growth and power, Japan's Army and Navy [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interservice_rivalry#Japan were locked in a funding war]] with ''each other'', with Japan directly rewarding merit with money. So each branch of its military was forced to outdo the other to get money needed to continue their campaigns. With the Japanese Army having such massive successes in China and Korea, the Navy knew that the only absolutely surefire way to top them was to take dominant control of the Pacific Ocean. But that meant [[AwakeningTheSleepingGiant throwing down with America]]. [[ForegoneConclusion We all know what happened after that.]]
** To create unquestioning loyalty in its troops, Japan turned around from bestowing the nation's highest honors to returning [=POWs=] by returning to a warrior culture which stated that death was preferable to surrender. Soldiers were expected to DieOrFly, and to cause as much damage as possible to the enemy if it looked as though there was no hope for victory. This strategy, while devastating early on, turned out to be unsustainable in the long term, as Japan began losing expensive manpower and weaponry faster than they could replace them--but the more bleak things turned, the more doggedly the virtue was pursued. That stubborn determination was quickly becoming its military's undoing.
** To the Japanese, the American war machine was an unstoppable monster that threatened the very survival of their small island.[[note]]A sentiment which would become allegorical in later ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'' media.[[/note]] Furthermore, America wouldn't settle for anything less than ''absolute'' surrender, which would not only have been a massive loss of face but also an engraved invitation for the militarists to stage a coup [[note]] Which in fact did end up happening. [[/note]]. Thus, surrender was not only disgraceful, but suicide. The last time the Japanese had faced [[UsefulNotes/{{Mongolia}} an enemy this powerful]], [[DeusExMachina two freak hurricanes appeared to stop them]]. They were convinced that as long as they continued to fight valiantly, [[Myth/JapaneseMythology the spirits of Japan]] would protect them. [[RealityEnsues That didn't happen.]] Instead, the Americans [[NukeEm brought their own "Act of God"]].

* [[HistorysStrongestDiscipleKenichi Kenichi]] is noted to have unparalleled persistence but his resolve for training sometimes wavers. This is because he reserves his resolve for protecting his friends and innocents. This is usually the key to his many DieOrFly moments where Kenichi defies his [[CowardlyLion usual cowardice]] and goes all {{Badass}} on an enemy. However his own masters note that his talent is practically nil; even with ''six'' excellent if eccentric mentors, Kenichi takes quite a while to improve to the point where he can reliably protect Miu who is his own age. His youngest master, Shigure, is less than ten years older than him.

At its most basic, Yamato-damashii implies pure merit and being or becoming "better". Japanese culture is rooted in a clan (or [[TrueCompanions in-group]])-based hierarchy system. Every person has a rank within their family, community, organisation, and class the same way that [[FixedRelativeStrength some protagonists are more powerful or gifted than others.]] Each family, organisation, and class then in turn has a rank in society as a whole, reflected by PowerLevels. By following Yamato-damashii, any person can [[TimeToUnlockMoreTruePotential increase their potential]], and thus status, climbing to a higher rank in society while their TrueCompanions help. This constant cycle of "Order" (academia, logic, safety) and "Chaos" (discovery, risk, conflict), [[NotQuiteForever complement and refine each other through constant change.]]

* '''Kakan''' (or Persistence) is a level of vigilance, [[SpiritedCompetitor competitiveness]] and [[HeroicWillpower willpower which overcomes]] the impossible just by [[HardWorkFallacy "trying harder"]]. [[note]]It's the [[TheDeterminator willingness to never give up]], to [[NextTierPowerUp push yourself higher than before]], to never, ever [[DespairEventHorizon feel despondent]] or [[SmugSnake overly complacent]], and [[TrainingFromHell to work your hardest.]] It's become codified as the "training arc" between battles or [[MadeOfIron the ability to survive fatal damage]] through sheer will alone.[[/note]]

If you've ever read, seen or heard of a Japanese story with even a hint of a ToBeAMaster or DefeatingTheUndefeatable plot, this probably sounds familiar. The strongest characters in the work will demonstrate some of the trope, but {{The Protagonist}}(s) will eventually become the epitome of it.

As we said above, this trope defines what is good about Japanese culture. Thus, in the finale, it's usually important to establish that Yamato-Damashii is superior and that the pseudo-clan-based hierarchy works. So, heroes that follow this are [[ThisIsSomethingHesGotToDoHimself likely to defeat the villain and solve their problems by themselves]], or only with indirect support. Others in a FiveManBand may help the hero reach their destination, [[PlotTailoredToTheParty deal with specific threats]] or fight the CoDragons, but they will [[InTheEndYouAreOnYourOwn barely do anything more than buy time or distract the villain]] for the FinalBattle. Further, [[HonorBeforeReason honor and pride are a higher priority than victory.]] When the villains are confronted, they will fight someone roughly the same position of them in the "clan hierachy", and the BigBad will typically achieve their OneWingedAngel form or have acquired the almighty MacGuffin. Thus, when the hero finally succeeds, it is always with the knowledge that the villain was completely crushed at their most powerful and despite every dirty trick. After all, if Yamato-Damashii has transformed the hero into a "better" person, then they have to prove it.

At its most basic, Yamato-damashii implies pure merit and being or becoming "better". Japanese culture is rooted in a clan-based hierarchy system. Every person has a rank within their family, community, organisation, and class the same way that [[FixedRelativeStrength some protagonists are more powerful or gifted than others.]] Each family, organisation, and class then in turn has a rank in society as a whole, reflected by PowerLevels. By following Yamato-damashii, any person can [[TimeToUnlockMoreTruePotential increase their potential]], and thus status, climbing to a higher rank in society while their TrueCompanions help. This constant cycle of "Order" (academia, logic, safety) and "Chaos" (discovery, risk, conflict), [[NotQuiteForever complement and refine each other through constant change.]]

For its rough American counterpart, see AmericanDream.

** Homura is persistence-incarnate, [[spoiler:relieving the same tragic month over and over until she achieves her goal]]
** Madoka is extremely talented but she needs to find her one wish that is worth fighting for and the persistence to fulfill it [[spoiler: through eternity]]

** The eponymous protagonist at first begins the story with being having nothing more but persistence in proving himself (being orphaned as a child and more or less having raised himself while the majority of the village feared and hated him for having the Demon Fox sealed in him.) He gains true HeroicResolve in his first real mission and begins to show his skills. While he was CursedWithAwesome, he was unaware for the first 12 years of his life and it took a while for him to be able to use the power. Also, his lack of actual technical skill or aptitude is constantly a plot point. [[spoiler:And later chapters reveal that he was always ''exceedingly'' talented even without the above curse, though not in the obvious ways or just went unobserved]] By the end of the series, Naruto's hard work has made him one of the single most talented shinobi in the series.

* Being a SpiritualSuccessor to the aforementioned Guilty Gear, ''VideoGame/Blazblue'' also displays these traits among its characters. Its arguably more prominent as Blazblue is definitely more eastern inspired than its predecessor.

* In ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar'', Kenshiro, like all masters of the North Star and South Star martial arts schools, has powers and abilities which make him extremely special and Talented. Further, the IncitingIncident which caused the series (his first duel and loss to Shin) has Shin specifically state that Kenshiro lost because he lacked Resolve. The desire for both [[RoaringRampageOfRevenge revenge]] and to [[RoaringRampageOfRescue rescue]] his fiancee are what push Ken to his peak. Even later, when Ken needs to unlock his ultimate technique, it turns out that he can only do it by embracing "the true nature of sorrow", demonstrating that the "Insight" and RightMakesMight parts of this trope are intact. Lastly, Kenshiro at first glance appears to avert the Persistence side of the trope because he's [[InvincibleHero so invincible that he never needs to do any training and rarely struggles against an opponent]]. However, it's revealed that all of the battles, lost friends and allies, and psychological trauma he's endured throughout the series has allowed him to perfect his abilities, thus fulfilling the Persistence angle after all.

** On the one hand, teamwork is a major focus of Konohagure and they way the construct teams. But on the other, virtually everything comes down to a one-on-one battle anyway, with [[CombatByChampion the best warrior of one side inevitably facing the best of the opposition]].
** Konoha, the central setting of the series, has a belief called the "Will of Fire" which basically insists that RightMakesMight and that love is the secret to strength and peace. This belief best manifests in [[SuperiorSuccessor in each successive generation becoming more powerful than the previous]].
** The eponymous protagonist at first begins the story with being having nothing more but persistence in proving himself (being orphaned as a child and more or less having raised himself while the majority of the village feared and hated him for having the Kyuubi sealed in him.) He gains true HeroicResolve in his first real mission and begins to show his skills. While he was CursedWithAwesome, he was unaware for the first 12 years of his life (despite it being the reason few wanted anything to do with him) and it took a while for him to be able to use the power. Also, his lack of actual technical skill or aptitude is constantly a plot point. [[spoiler:And later chapters reveal that he was always ''exceedingly'' talented even without the above curse, though not in the obvious ways or just went unobserved]] By the end of the series, Naruto's hard work has made him one of the single most talented shinobi in the series.

** Yet another example is when Yoruichi is training Ichigo to use Bankai (notice a pattern yet?). She tells us the quote above, which succinctly tells us what Yamato-Damashii is, in a nutshell.
** Another example of AntiIntellectualism, where spirit overcomes logic, happens when Gin and Aizen are walking through the Precipice World back to Soul Society, a Cleaner (a giant spiritual bullet train that destroys anything it touches) is seconds away from hitting them. When Aizen (in the first stage of his OneWingedAngel form) steps up to challenge the thing, Gin states that the Cleaner "belongs to the world of reason" and that [[{{Ki}} spirit energy is useless to defeat it]]. Aizen calmly walks up to the Cleaner, states that "Reason is only for those who must rely on it to survive", and destroys the Cleaner effortlessly.

*** However, subtext suggests a straighter interpretation. A large number of of Kenshin's opponents adopt non-Japanese technology (A Gatling gun, Shishio's ''Rengoku'' battleship [[spoiler: which he purchased from Enishi]], an arm-mounted Armstrong cannon), forms of dress (e.g. Soujirou's and Houji's clothing), and other mannerisms and influences (e.g. Enishi's dealings in China). Kenshin and his supporting cast are more traditional in garb and style, and occasionally described as belonging to the previous era (e.g. the phasing out of ''kenjutsu'' and swordsmanship, even Kenshin's own insistence that the ''hitokiri'' should've been left behind with the Bakumatsu), and Houji explicitly compares defeating Kenshin to taking over Japan.
** Patterns: Kenshin's gauntlets in the Kyoto and Jinchuu Arcs plays this completely straight - while Kenshin's supporting cast helps deal with the BigBad's henchmen (and may interfere in the final fight to little benefit), it's always up to Kenshin to take on the BigBad himself with minimal external aid, and the fight always boils down to pitting his use of the Succession Technique (as mentioned, a symbol of his resolve) against his opponent's strongest move - following which the opponent is both physically and psychologically defeated.