History Main / JapaneseSpirit

{{Ki|Manipulation}}, or some other equivalent [[TheForce Force]], is often the manifestation of Yamato-Damashii and is almost all-powerful. 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 a measurable quantity]] that one person can have "more" or "less" of in a hierarchy of power.

For its rough American counterpart, see UsefulNotes/TheAmericanDream. Also, see ItCantBeHelped.

In traditional Japanese philosophy, '''Persistence''' (hard work, hope, and spirit) was considered the most important and desirable of the three virtues, but takes time to develop. '''Resolve''' (moral rectitude and honor) appears once the hero finds something to fight for. Of the three, '''Talent''' is the most powerful, but ''least'' virtuous or important; with enough Presistence and Resolve, most heroes find that [[ItWasWithYouAllAlong they actually had it all along]]. Damato-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.

** ''Anime/DragonBallSuper'' is returning to subverting this trope with the Universe Survival Arc. It begins with Goku's simpleminded Persistence and Resolve causing [[spoiler:him to become the main villain for everyone else's point of view]]. Its also clear that teamwork and tactics will be just as important as effort, talent, and brute force.
*** Probably the strongest subversion though, is in the "Future Trunks" arc. The heroes fight valiantly to defend what they believe in against an arrogant villain who feels he has a right to kill whomever he wishes simply due to his station and in the end [[spoiler:[[TheBadGuyWins the villain is proven to be completely right]] as [[ShootTheShaggyDog everything the heroes do ends up being totally pointless]] as a last minute AssPull allows the villain to instantly merge with the universe, become the embodiment of justice (Which was his goal from the start) and kill all the humans the heroes had been fighting to protect. Only divine intervention stops the villain, at the cost of the entire universe.]] While previous arcs subverted Japanese virtues like hard work, determination, courage, honor, and self-improvement. The [[DownerEnding final episode]] of the Future Trunks arc seems to go out of its way to show that [[SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids all of these virtues are absolutely worthless]] in the face of [[CosmicHorrorStory divine power]].

** 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.

** [[ThePiratesWhoDontDoAnything Considering that they are criminals and all]], the Straw Hat Pirates end up doing the morally right thing a lot more often than the marines sided with [[TheGovernment the corrupt]] [[OneWorldOrder World Government]].

In traditional Japanese philosophy, '''Persistence''' (hard work, hope, and spirit) was considered the most important and desirable of the three virtues, but takes time to develop. '''Resolve''' (moral rectitude and honor) appears once the hero finds something to fight fore. Of the three, '''Talent''' is the most powerful, but ''least'' virtuous or important; with enough Presistence and Resolve, most heroes find that [[ItWasWithYouAllAlong they actually had it all along]]. Damato-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.

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 tropes, 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 the Japanese Spirit. This is why most villains/threats in shonen [[DefeatingTheUndefeatable appear unbeatable at first]] and why [[TheWorfBarrage the surer of their power a hero seems, the more doomed they are.]] They represent a something can save you.

In traditional Japanese philosophy, '''Persistence''' (hard work, hope, and spirit) 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.

Rivals and antagonists, on the other hand, will be lacking in at least one virtue in comparison to the protagonist. [[NotSoInvincibleAfterAll Even an antagonist that starts out invincible will wind up defeated when this flaw is exposed.]] Sometimes, the Hero will reach their peak only via an EleventhHourSuperpower against the BigBad. [[note]]Which is lifted directly from the concept of ''musubi'' (or, the power of creation), which is the divine spark that all souls have, but is only unlocked by the truly prosperous.[[/note]] This victory is usually temporary, however, as [[SortingAlgorithmOfEvil after conquering that level of power]], The Hero [[LookWhatICanDoNow has studiously trained to master their abilities]], [[SoLastSeason only to find that there is a much wider range of techniques to learn]], and thus they must lead the "clan" to ever-higher horizons.

{{Ki|Manipulation}}, 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" of in a hierarchy of power.

As stated 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 hierarchy", 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.

* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'', oddly enough, applies the virtues to the Swords of the Cross, which are ''Christian'' in origin (albeit one of the swords is a katana [[spoiler:which is actually {{Kusanagi}}, meaning that [[CrossoverCosmology it was created for the use of Shinto gods and their descendants]]]]). Each of the Swords corresponds to a virtue and can "level the playing field" against supernatural enemies for a wielder who embodies that virtue.

** Konoha village, 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]].

* ''Manga/OnePiece'' has incredibly strong themes of idealism and dreams which naturally tie themselves into this concept. Every one of the protagonists, and plenty of antagonists, are sailing the high seas because they have a dream to fulfil or an ideal to uphold, and often sacrifice much to persistently pursue that dream at all costs. [[TheAce Luffy]] in particular has an ultimate 'To Be a Master' aim, to become the King of the Pirates, and has such a strong resolve to achieve this goal that 'I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!' is basically the kid's catchphrase.

Compare how well the concept fits into TheHerosJourney. Also, compare with stories that follow a ThudAndBlunder plot. The main character can also very easily be categorized as an {{Ubermensch}}, with his or her 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.

* ''Manga/OnePiece'':

** There exists a force known as Haki which actually means "ambition". [[TheHero Luffy]] is gifted with the rare Conqueror's Haki with which you can literally knock out WeakWilled opponents ''with sheer spirit alone''.

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 tropes, 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 the Japanese Spirit. This is why most villains/threats in shonen [[DefeatingTheUndefeatable appear unbeatable at first]] and why [[TheWorfBarrage the surer of their power a hero seems, the more doomed they are.]] They represent a dsomething can save you.

** Ryuko Matoi is unbelievably determined, even at the start of the show. She's driven by a desire to find the person who killed her father and believes that Satsuki Kiryuin is either that person or knows who is. However, in the beginning, she is no match at all for [[ClothesMakeTheSuperman Goku Uniforms]], even with the enchanted scissor she wields and winds up retreating or needing to be saved multiple times in the beginning. But when Ryuko gains access to Senketsu, her superpowered sailor uniform, her true powers and talents come to light. At that point, she is more than a match for Two-Star Uniforms, and she even gains new abilities/skills as she fights the Three-Star Uniforms and stronger opponents. Satsuki herself expresses admiration for Ryuko's spirit. Much later in the show, it turns out that [[spoiler:Ryuko is a BornWinner, with a body that is infused with Life Fibers that allow her to handle a Kamui (essentially the equivalent of a Ten-Star Uniform), where 50% is enough to drive most people insane. However, [[TomatoInTheMirror finding her horrific origins]] sends her into a massive HeroicBSOD.]]

** Ryuko Matoi is unbelievably determined, even at the start of the show. She's driven by a desire to find the person who killed her father and believes that Satsuki Kiryuin is either that person or knows who is. However, in the beginning, she is no match at all for [[ClothesMakeTheSuperman Goku Uniforms]], even with the enchanted scissor she wields and winds up retreating or needing to be saved multiple times in the beginning. But when Ryuuko gains access to Senketsu, her superpowered sailor uniform, her true hidden powers, and talents come to light. At that point, she is more than a match for Two-Star Uniforms, and she even gains new abilities/skills as she fights the Three-Star Uniforms and stronger opponents. Satsuki herself expresses admiration for Ryuko's spirit. Much later in the show, it turns out that [[spoiler:Ryuko is a BornWinner, with a body that is infused with Life Fibers that allow her to handle a Kamui (essentially the equivalent of a Ten-Star Uniform), where 50% is enough to drive most people insane. However, [[TomatoInTheMirror finding this out]] sends her into a massive HeroicBSOD.]]
** Satsuki Kiryuin is not only willing to take risks but believes that the power of sheer badassery will allow her to overcome any challenge (and it ''does''). [[spoiler:This is despite the fact that she is not as infused with Life Fibers as Ryuko is because she was too old to accept them at the time of the experiment while Ryuuko was experimented on from the moment she left the womb.]] She also fits the archetype of the Japanese Spirit villain[=/=][[TheRival Rival]] like a glove. She generally believes in a very cynical and harsh worldview and looks down on anyone who doesn't fit her ideals. [[spoiler:However, it's revealed that her LongGame involves waiting for the perfect moment to betray her mother, the true BigBad. Further, her worldview isn't completely unjustified; she needs soldiers with enough spirit and resolve to resist being controlled by Life Fibers, and doesn't have time to waste on "half-baked allies".]]

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, organization, and class the same way that [[FixedRelativeStrength some protagonists are more powerful or gifted than others.]] Each family, organization, and class has, in turn, 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 tropes, 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 the Japanese Spirit. This is why most villains/threats in shonen [[DefeatingTheUndefeatable appear unbeatable at first]] and why [[TheWorfBarrage the surer 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.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Real Life]]
* Deconstructed in the UsefulNotes/WorldWarII:
** 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 equal. [[TemptingFate Following this treatment, Japan grew increasingly paranoid about foreign invasion and occupation]]. From their perspective, UsefulNotes/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.
** Japan began annexing the rest of Asia soon after, starting 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 expand. Two plans were made, being that of ''Hokushinron'', which meant fighting off the Russian front and establishing bonds as brothers in arms with the rest of Asia, or that of ''Nanshinron'', which meant forcibly annexing Asia ASAP and [[{{Plunder}} absorb its resources into the greater Japanese Empire.]] Due to infighting and extremely strained relations between the army and the navy, this lead to Nanshinron, and 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 and outright discrimination). 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 the money needed to continue their campaigns. Unfortunately, this was not a 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 stop them was to take dominant control of the Pacific Ocean. After botching help on purpose when the Army enacted the initial steps in Hokushinron, the Navy were given the green light to go through with their plan of Nanshinron and in turn, decided to [[AwakeningTheSleepingGiant throw 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, which at best was a case of NostalgiaGoggles. Soldiers were expected to perform [[DeathOrGloryAttack suicidal attacks]] to cause as much damage as possible to the enemy, even 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 hurricanes as if sent by the gods 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 again and call up another divine force of nature to intervene. [[CallItKarma That didn't happen.]] Instead, the Americans, for a number of political and economic reasons, [[NukeEm brought their own "Act of God"]].
* Reconstructed in the American Occupation during TheForties and [[TheFifties Fifties]].
** When Japan finally ''did'' surrender, the people once again dedicated themselves to absorbing the "spirit" of their conquerors. Japan's defeat and the [[WarIsHell devastating toll it took on Japanese life]] forced the Japanese people to rethink militarism and their reverence for the Samurai culture of the past. This national identity crisis was encouraged by Americans (led by General UsefulNotes/DouglasMacArthur), who began rebuilding Japanese society from scratch based on American values.
** Overall, the infusion of democracy, capitalism, and human rights into Japanese society (which had been attempted before, but was eventually consumed by the military engine) was seen as a boon by most. Thus, the idea of DefeatMeansFriendship was given new validity. Further, the horror of nuclear war convinced Japanese society that the military was not only unnecessary but self-destructive. They were thus encouraged to push their unique talents for competitiveness and work ethic into consumer culture.
** [[HistoryRepeats Similar to events in the Edo Period]], being decades removed from major military conflict has caused somewhat of a [[NostalgiaFilter resurgence of interest in Samurai culture]]. Although many of these virtues never completely disappeared, during the fifties, sixties, and part of the eighties, any sort of positive outlook on militaristic or warrior culture was strongly discouraged. However, from the late seventies on, many Japanese media became more violent and revived many of the romantic ideals of the past. Shounen manga, in particular, slowly crept in more and more tropes that were inspired by heroic Samurai legends. [[HowWeGotHere And that leads us to the present.]]

* ''Manga/ShokugekiNoSoma'':
** Cooks like Erina and Akira have an innate ''talent'', their tongue and nose respectively make them stand out and helps them refine their dishes.
** Megumi's greatest strength is her ''resolve'' - her concern for the people she is cooking for. Her hospitality can be felt in her food and touches the hearts of her customers.
** And thirdly is Soma's ''persistence''. As Isshiki explains to a dumbfounded Eizan, what makes Soma stand out and the reason why most people in the school look down on him is that, despite his accomplishments in the short time he has spent in Tootsuki, if they were to acknowledge him, they would accept that they themselves did not put enough effort in their cooking. Soma's hard work and never faltering spirit is what makes him a great cook.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Anime & Manga]]

** Japan began annexing the rest of Asia soon after, starting 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 expand. Two plans were made, being that of ''Hokushinron'', which meant fighting off the Russian front and establishing bonds as brothers in arms with the rest of Asia, or that of ''Nanshinron'', which meant forcibly annexing Asia ASAP and [[{{Plunder}} absorb its resources into the greater Japanese Empire.]] Due to infighting and extremely strained relations between the military and the navy, this lead to Nanshinron, and 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 and outright discrimination). 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.]]

* Interestingly, ''Manga/DragonBall'' [[UnbuiltTrope did not follow this trope at first]]. In fact, Creator/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.

%%Please list examples in alphabetical order.

[-[[caption-width-right:350:[[http://fav.me/d7kqh5b Comic]] by [[https://iisuperslothii.deviantart.com/ Supersloth]]]]-]

* For a good Western example that lacks the specifically Japanese elements but has virtually everything else about this trope, the ''Franchise/{{Rocky}}'' franchise stands out quite well, as do the many [[SportsStories sports movies]] that follow the formula it laid down. The finer details of Rocky Balboa's resolve vary between films, but it usually comes down to a desire to prove and defend his honor after another fighter underestimates and dismisses him, often ignoring the people around him who warn him, quite reasonably, that he might get himself crippled or [[CasualtyInTheRing worse]] in the process. His persistence... well, there's a reason why the TrainingMontage is such an iconic part of the series, as he prepares to fight foes with far more resources behind them. Rocky's talent, finally, is that he's a hell of a fighter who can [[MightyGlacier withstand a lot of punishment]] and [[GradualGrinder slowly beat down his foes]] (the latter also going back to persistence). On the flip side, Apollo Creed, the villain of the [[Film/{{Rocky}} first two]] [[Film/RockyII films]], was ultimately brought down in the second by his own hubris despite his superior fighting skill, and in [[Film/RockyIII the third]], [[DefeatMeansFriendship he becomes Rocky's trainer and friend]], such that the plot of [[Film/RockyIV the fourth]] is in large part about Rocky's quest to avenge his death at the fists of Ivan Drago. An anime or manga adaptation would have to change precisely nothing except the setting in order to make for a perfect example of Japanese spirit.

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[-[[caption-width-right:350:[[http://fav.me/d7kqh5b Image]] by [[https://iisuperslothii.deviantart.com/ Supersloth]] ]]-]

[[folder: Attack On Titan]]
* Each of the three main characters of ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' exhibit strong examples of all three virtues, although with their own failings in some ways. [[spoiler: Their {{Evil Counterpart}}s, the three Titan Shifter spies, also represent these but are ultimately dark examples that falter along the way]].
** Eren is flat out stated in the story to be more '''Persistent''' than anyone. Unfortunately, [[FearlessFool his ego writes checks that his body can't cash]]. He's an example of a character who has strong willpower but not the raw talent or insight to go with it, and as a result, he repeatedly suffers injury, failure, and setback, which makes even ''his'' strong willpower constantly falter. True to the Japanese Spirit archetype, he has a number of hidden "talents/powers" which ''only'' work if he holds on to his persistence even in the face of death. [[spoiler: His EvilCounterpart, Reiner, is similarly stated to be a soldier with incredible willpower. He teaches Eren the importance of using his strength of will for a greater purpose.....and is ultimately defeated by Eren when his own resolve wavers.]]
** Mikasa is described as one of the most '''Talented''' soldiers of all time. But she's somewhat lacking in the resolve and persistence departments. While, yes, she will do anything to save Eren from danger, this is due more to him being a LivingEmotionalCrutch and not because she has any particular goals of her own. If nothing else, she's the epitome of what women traditionally used Japanese Spirit for (helping the man they most treasured above all else). [[spoiler: EvilCounterpart Bertolt is also noted to be an exceptionally talented individual, with great potential to master anything he's taught. However, his lack of confidence greatly hinders his ability to live up to his potential and he spends much of his time crippled by insecurity.]]
** Armin's '''Insight''' is pretty much the ray of hope that our protagonist holds onto. He's physically weak, but he's called one of the most brilliant soldiers, and his strong idealism to see the outside world still motivates his friends. [[spoiler: EvilCounterpart Annie also possesses incredible insight, providing insight to others on human nature as well as the potential of those "Special" people that hold on to their ideals. It is when she falters, hesitating to kill Armin and later allowing him to emotionally manipulate her, that leads to her downfall.]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Blazblue]]
* Being a SpiritualSuccessor to the aforementioned Guilty Gear, ''VideoGame/{{Blazblue}}'' also displays these traits among its characters. It's arguably more prominent as Blazblue is definitely more eastern inspired than its predecessor.
** Ragna the Bloodedge is persistence incarnate. Despite how many times he gets knocked down, he's quick to get back up and continue trying until he succeeds. But he lacks insight as he's mostly motivated by anger than a truly righteous cause.
** His younger brother Jin Kisaragi embodies Talent. An exceptionally skilled fighter who single handily ended a war graduated top of his class and became the youngest major within his military. Staying true to his status as TheRival though, he lacks any sort of drive to succeed or improve mostly due to a combination of apathy and arrogance.
** Noel Vermilion definitely has Insight. She has a steadfast belief in her friends and family, which is her primary motivation to succeed. However, since she's a ShrinkingViolet, she doesn't have much stubbornness to keep pushing.
** What's interesting is that all three characters undergo CharacterDevelopment that helps them develop other parts of the trope and become much better individuals: Ragna gains a nobler cause to fight for, Jin finally has some conviction to succeed, and Noel develops much stronger abilities to help her.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Bleach]]
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'' plays it absolutely straight with Ichigo as the poster boy.

** Another example is during a training session against his [[EnemyWithin Inner Hollow]]. The hollow berates Ichigo for trying to rely on ''logic'' to defeat his enemies and says that doesn't work.
** 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 the Japanese Spirit is, in a nutshell.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Disgaea]]
* Played almost totally straight in ''Videogame/DisgaeaHourOfDarkness''.
** ThePowerOfLove and ThePowerOfFriendship are {{Anvilicious}}ly repeated throughout the story and is what unites and eventually motivates the protagonists (even if [[{{Tsundere}} Laharl doesn't want to believe it]].
** However, demons have their own expression of it. Laharl and Etna are steadfastly against any form of complacency or taking an easy path to success. They [[BoisterousBruiser gladly pick a fight]] with opponents even if the fight seems hopeless, value any {{Worthy Opponent}}s for their strength, and will recruit (read:"vassalize") any strong persons they defeat.
** Nowhere is it demonstrated better than in the battle against Kurtis, where the characters [[LampshadeHanging specifically wait for Kurtis to give his life story]] so that they can compare how their ideals match up to his. Captain Gordon ('''Defender of Earth!''') even states that Kurtis was fighting for what he believed was right, but that it was NotQuiteTheRightThing. Upon being defeated, Kurtis says he feels the [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything "Defender Spirit"]] within Gordon and makes a HeelFaceTurn, [[spoiler:followed by a HeroicSacrifice]].
** Also demonstrated in the last battle the party has against [[spoiler:Mid-Boss, who is [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness uncharacteristically serious]] during this battle]] and specifically fights them to "test their resolve". After losing, he [[GracefulLoser gracefully bows out]], but not before reminding them of everything they learned on their journey.
** The DefeatMeansFriendship and NotQuiteTheRightThing aspects are subverted against [[spoiler:Vulcanus]]. Vulcanus is convinced that his goals are selfless and benevolent, but he really just wants to TakeOverTheWorld. The party tries to convince him that he's wrong and to see it their way, but he absolutely refuses.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Dragon Ball]]
* Interestingly, ''Manga/DragonBall'' [[UnBuiltTrope did not follow this trope at first.]] In fact, Creator/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.

*** Probably the strongest subversion though, is in the "Future Trunks" arc. The heroes fight valiantly to defend what they believe in against an arrogant villain who feels he has a right to kill whomever he wishes simply due to his station and in the end [[spoiler: [[TheBadGuyWins the villain is proven to be completely right]] as [[ShootTheShaggyDog everything the heroes do ends up being totally pointless]] as a last minute AssPull allows the villain to instantly merge with the universe, become the embodiment of justice (Which was his goal from the start) and kill all the humans the heroes had been fighting to protect. Only divine intervention stops the villain, at the cost of the entire universe.]] While previous arcs subverted Japanese virtues like hard work, determination, courage, honor, and self-improvement. The [[DownerEnding final episode]] of the Future Trunks arc seems to go out of its way to show that [[SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids all of these virtues are absolutely worthless]] in the face of [[CosmicHorrorStory divine power]].
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fist of the North Star]]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Future Diary]]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Guilty Gear]]
* In ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear'', though Japan and its culture remain only in fragments thanks to its destruction by the Gears, its virtues still exist, as shown through the three main characters, which personify its individual aspects.
** Sol Badguy represents Talent. Being a Gear, he has a large amount of power. However, he lacks persistence and insight due to his BrilliantButLazy attitude and his general personality.
** Ky Kiske represents Persistence, since he has contributed greatly to mankind’s victory against the Gears and is the driving force behind humanity's recovery, but is somewhat lacking in the Insight department, as shown in the drama CD where Ky falls prey to I-No's manipulation, leading to his death and a future where humanity is losing soon afterward.
** Dizzy represents Insight. She tries to have the Humans and Gears peacefully coexist and easily is among the most idealistic in the cast, but lacks the Persistence thanks to being hunted down as a Gear and living in a secluded life.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Hajime No Ippo]]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Hunter X Hunter]]
* The general structure of the trope appears a lot in ''Manga/HunterXHunter''.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Kill La Kill]]
* Anime/KillLaKill:
** Ryuuko Matoi is a textbook example of a JapaneseSpirit hero:
*** She is unbelievably determined, even at the start of the show. She's driven by a desire to find the person who killed her father and believes that Satsuki Kiryuin is either that person or knows who is. However, in the beginning, she is no match at all for [[ClothesMakeTheSuperman Goku Uniforms]], even with the enchanted scissor she wields and winds up retreating or needing to be saved multiple times in the beginning.
*** But when Ryuuko gains access to Senketsu, her superpowered sailor uniform, her true hidden powers, and talents come to light. At that point, she is more than a match for Two-Star Uniforms, and she even gains new abilities/skills as she fights the Three-Star Uniforms and stronger opponents. Satsuki herself expresses admiration for her Ryuuko's spirit.
*** Much, much later in the show, it turns out that [[spoiler:Ryuko is a BornWinner, with a body that is infused with Life Fibers that allow her to handle a Kamui (essentially the equivalent of a Ten-Star Uniform), where 50% is enough to drive most people insane. However, [[TomatoInTheMirror finding this out]] sends her into a massive HeroicBSOD.]]
** This is to say nothing of Lady Satsuki herself:
*** She is not only willing to take risks but believes that the power of sheer badassery will allow her to overcome any challenge (and it ''does''). [[spoiler:This is despite the fact that she is not as infused with Life Fibers as Ryuko is because she was too old to accept them at the time of the experiment while Ryuuko was experimented on from the moment she left the womb.]]
*** She fits the archetype of the Japanese Spirit villain[=/=][[TheRival Rival]] like a glove. She generally believes in a very cynical and harsh worldview and looks down on anyone who doesn't fit her ideals. [[spoiler:However, it's revealed that her LongGame involves waiting for the perfect moment to betray her mother, the [[TheManBehindTheMan Woman Behind The Woman]]. Further, her worldview isn't completely unjustified; she needs soldiers with enough spirit and resolve to resist being controlled by Life Fibers, and doesn't have time to waste on "half-baked allies".]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:The Legend of Zelda]]
* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' codifies the three virtues as Power (''Chikara''), Wisdom (''Chie'') and Courage (''Yuuki''). The [[CosmicKeystone Triforce]], embodying all three, can grant wishes to "one whose heart is in balance". The series also plays with the Triforce and its relation to these virtues in the following ways:
** In most games Link starts out as the weakest of the three central characters, but the most strongly associated with Courage.[[note]]It's possible that these play on themes mentioned in the Code of the Samurai, which explains that even the weakest and dumbest idiot can achieve greatness if he has enough courage.[[/note]] However, he [[OnlyTheWorthyMayPass must pass trials themed after each of these virtues]] (or more abstractly, [[ElementalPowers their corresponding elements]][[note]][[FireIsRed Fire/Earth]] for Power, [[WaterIsBlue Water/Ice]] for Wisdom, [[WindIsGreen Forest/Wind]] for Courage[[/note]]) before he can achieve victory. Starting with ''[[Videogame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast A Link to the Past]]'', Link usually must gather three {{Plot Coupon}}s which symbolize these virtues before he can wield [[SwordOfPlotAdvancement The Master Sword]]. Also note that in ''[[Videogame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Ocarina of Time]]'', the Master Sword was the final key to receiving the Triforce, which symbolizes all three used together to create {{Omnipotence}}.
** The other two major recurring represent the other virtues for the trope, but also symbolize their flaws. Princess Zelda, although wise and possessing powerful magic, usually cannot solve the conflict of the plot or find the Triforce herself. The main antagonist, Ganon, is a BornWinner who embodies only Power, which (directly or indirectly) always prevents him from gaining full control of the Triforce.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Madoka Magica]]
* The girls in ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'' are personifications of individual aspects. [[spoiler:In many respects, the normal interpretations are subverted or deconstructed, though it's mostly played straight in the ending, where Madoka sacrifices herself to become a deity of hope and persistence.]]
** Sayaka has strong convictions and is willing to sacrifice her life for them, but she lacks talent. [[spoiler:This leads to her downfall because her limited talent cannot support her overzealous ideals.]]
** Kyoko, Sayaka's antithesis, is talented but has lost her faith and ambition; though she is (unwittingly) inspired by Sayaka's determination. [[spoiler:After Sayaka becomes a witch, Kyouko attempts the supposedly impossible task of turning her human again. But that turns out to be truly impossible, so she [[TogetherInDeath joins Sayaka in death]] instead.]]
** Homura is persistence-incarnate, [[spoiler:relieving the same tragic month over and over until she achieves her goal. Subverted in that she ultimately fails to "protect Madoka" as she intended, but, see below]].
** Madoka is extremely talented but she needs to find her one wish that is worth fighting for and the persistence to fulfill it [[spoiler:by spending eternity rescuing other magical girls. Her talent, it turns out, comes mostly from Homura's perseverance, making it appropriately noble]].
** ''[[TheMovie Rebellion]]'' [[spoiler:turns the trope on its head, as Homura uses her persistent spirit to become even more powerful than Madoka... [[AmbitionIsEvil and evil]].]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder: My Hero Academia]]

* After his fight with Bakugo, Izuku incorporates the latter's ''Resolve'' to win every battle and prove himself as the strongest.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Naruto]]
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' zig-zags between whether it wants to follow this trope or not.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: One Piece]]
* ''Manga/OnePiece'' plays it absolutely straight.
** Firstly, even with the rather intricate ElementalRockPaperScissors system, HeroicResolve tends to be the factor that decides the fights in favor of the heroes.
** Secondly, [[ThePiratesWhoDontDoAnything considering that they are criminals and all]], the Straw Hat Pirates end up doing the morally right thing a lot more often than the marines sided with [[TheGovernment the corrupt]] [[OneWorldOrder World Government]].
** And thirdly, there exists a force known as Haki which actually means "ambition". [[TheHero Luffy]] is gifted with the rare Conqueror's Haki with which you can literally knock out WeakWilled opponents ''with sheer spirit alone''.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Pokemon]]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Rurouni Kenshin]]
* As a manga about [[JidaiGeki swordsmen during the Meiji Restoration]], it's no surprise that ''Manga/RurouniKenshin'' uses and discusses aspects of this trope extensively.

*** '''Koyuu''': The main character, most of his supporting cast, and the majority of antagonists in the series all have some gift or trait that makes them stand out as fighters. Kenshin, by far, shows himself to be the most talented of all in skill, and starts off the series having attained the title of "the strongest". [[spoiler: This is subsequently deconstructed as the series shows the toll that his style of swordsmanship takes on his body, in spite of his talent.]]
*** '''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 UsefulNotes/WorldWarII is described, suggesting that Kenshin's fight may have been in vain.]]

*** However, subtext suggests a straighter interpretation. A large number of Kenshin's opponents adopt non-Japanese technology (A Gatling gun, Shishio's 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 traditional swordsmanship, even Kenshin's own insistence that the ''hitokiri'' should've been left behind with the Bakumatsu), and Houji explicitly compares defeating Kenshin from taking over Japan.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Saint Seiya]]
* ''Manga/SaintSeiya'' often uses this. In the ''Saint Seiya'' universe, the Cosmo is the BackgroundMagicField that Saints manipulate. Some people are born naturally Cosmo aware ("Koyuu"). In order to use the Cosmo, you must use what can basically be summed up as a combination of "Chie" and "Kakan".

** 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.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Shokugeki no Soma]]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: World Trigger]]

[[folder: World War II]]
* UsefulNotes/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 equal. [[TemptingFate Following this treatment, Japan grew increasingly paranoid about foreign invasion and occupation]]. From their perspective, UsefulNotes/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.
** Japan began annexing the rest of Asia soon after, starting 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 expand. Two plans were made, being that of ''Hokushinron'', which meant fighting off the Russian front and establishing bonds as brothers in arms with the rest of Asia, or that of ''Nanshinron'', which meant forcibly annexing Asia ASAP and [[{{Plunder}} absorb its resources into the greater Japanese Empire.]] Due to infighting and extremely strained relations between the military and the navy, this lead to Nanshinron, and 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 and outright discrimination). 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 the money needed to continue their campaigns. Unfortunately, this was not a 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 stop them was to take dominant control of the Pacific Ocean. After botching help on purpose when the Army enacted the initial steps in Hokushinron, the Navy were given the green light to go through with their plan of Nanshinron and in turn, decided to [[AwakeningTheSleepingGiant throw 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, which at best was a case of NostalgiaGoggles. Soldiers were expected to perform [[DeathOrGloryAttack suicidal attacks]] to cause as much damage as possible to the enemy, even 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 hurricanes as if sent by the gods 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 again and call up another divine force of nature to intervene. [[CallItKarma That didn't happen.]] Instead, the Americans, for a number of political and economic reasons, [[NukeEm brought their own "Act of God"]].
* American Occupation during TheForties and [[TheFifties Fifties]], in a way, then became a {{Reconstruction}}:
** When Japan finally ''did'' surrender, the people once again dedicated themselves to absorbing the "spirit" of their conquerors. Japan's defeat and the [[WarIsHell devastating toll it took on Japanese life]] forced the Japanese people to rethink militarism and their reverence for the Samurai culture of the past. This national identity crisis was encouraged by Americans (led by General UsefulNotes/DouglasMacArthur), who began rebuilding Japanese society from scratch based on American values.
** Overall, the infusion of democracy, capitalism, and human rights into Japanese society (which had been attempted before, but was eventually consumed by the military engine) was seen as a boon by most. Thus, the idea of DefeatMeansFriendship was given new validity. Further, the horror of nuclear war convinced Japanese society that the military was not only unnecessary but self-destructive. They were thus encouraged to push their unique talents for competitiveness and work ethic into consumer culture.
** [[HistoryRepeats Similar to events in the Edo Period]], being decades removed from major military conflict has caused somewhat of a [[NostalgiaFilter resurgence of interest in Samurai culture]]. Although many of these virtues never completely disappeared, during the fifties, sixties, and part of the eighties, any sort of positive outlook on militaristic or warrior culture was strongly discouraged. However, from the late seventies on, much Japanese media became more violent and revived many of the romantic ideals of the past. Shounen manga, in particular, slowly crept in more and more tropes that were inspired by heroic Samurai legends. [[HowWeGotHere And that leads us to the present.]]

[[folder: Others]]
* Aang, Katara, and Zuko in ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' exhibit talent, insight, and persistence respectively, and each of them gains more of the other two virtues. Aang is born a prodigy and the last of a lost people, but his lack of insight caused him to run away from his responsibilities. Katara helps guide Aang with her own insight, and through him and a little of her own persistence is able to find a waterbending master, and becomes a master herself. Zuko was not a firebending prodigy like his relatives, but this helped to fuel his persistence later in his quest to capture Aang, and through his own journey gains the insight on the world he had been lacking, as well as finding talents he had aside from firebending, such as swordsmanship and eventually leadership. Toph, Sokka, and Suki could even be seen to represent Talent, Insight, and Persistence, with Toph as the most powerful Earthbender before she was even a teenager, Sokka possessing a clever mind and ideas, and Suki being brave and courageous and taking great risks to help her friends.
* ''Manga/BakiTheGrappler:'' Baki is another FightingSeries about a martial artist named [[ProtagonistTitle Baki]] who wants to defeat his father, Yujiro Hanma, the WorldsBestWarrior. The show follows this trope implicitly in most battles, with many fights coming down to whose martial arts style is superior, and whose spirit is stronger. Unlike most others on this list, Baki follows one point raised under the Talent section in the description. That is to say, even during the final battle, Baki never defeats Yujiro (and in fact, gets curbstomped). Instead, Yujiro simply concedes to Baki after witnessing Baki's [[{{Determinator}} indomitable spirit]] and resolve. Baki's greatest Talent, in the end, was an overabundance of Resolve and Persistence.
* ''VideoGame/{{Civilization}}:'' In Civilization 5, one of the two unique abilities of the Japanese is based on Seishin. Japanese military units will continue to deal full damage to enemies no matter how damaged they themselves are (as opposed to all other countries units, which deal less damage the lower their health is).
* In ''Manga/{{Claymore}}:'' Made explicitly clear during [[spoiler:Teresa's]] KirkSummation in Chapter 154. Her own raw talent and phenomenal power becomes combined with [[spoiler:Clare's heart]], forged with pure determination to form a power that dwarfs everything else seen thus far in the setting.

* This shows up a number of times in ''Manga/{{Eyeshield 21}}'', especially in the Fall Tournament arc. The Amino Cyborgs' clinical approach to football is no match for the teamwork and enthusiasm of the Devil Bats, leading to them getting stomped in the first round of the fall tournament. Meanwhile, JerkJock Agon Kongo is seemingly untouchable with Talent out the wazoo, but he ultimately loses to Sena because he doesn't have the latter's Resolve and Persistence.
* ''VideoGame/{{Hakuouki}}'' examines the concept, and Shiranui even uses the phrase "yamato-damashii" when he quotes his friend [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takasugi_Shinsaku Takasugi Shinsaku]]. It's very much viewed in the context of the EndOfAnAge, and to some extent deconstructed: when the Boshin War breaks out, Hijikata grimly acknowledges that the day is long past when "fighting spirit" was enough to overcome the vast disadvantage in numbers, equipment, and training that they face compared to their enemies. Kondou's failure to come to the same realization leads to a crushing defeat at the battle of Koufu-Katsunuma and causes Harada and Nagakura to break ties with the group. Nevertheless, resolve and persistence in particular are virtues to which Hijikata and the Shinsengumi remain utterly devoted.
* In ''Manga/HikaruNoGo'', this is examined with regard to Akira Touya. When he asks his father if he has talent at go (Koyū), his father responds,
-->'''Kouyou Touya:''' Talent at Go? I'm not sure if you have that or not. But even if you don't, you have two much greater talents. One is [[{{Determinator}} your willingness to try harder than anyone else.]] The other is [[ThePowerOfLove your undying love of Go.]]
** Thus, Akira doesn't necessarily show much Koyū, but his Chie and Kakan are enough to make him the strongest player of his generation.
* In the ''Anime/IronMan'' manga, Tony Stark works hard to curtail his American sensibilities (especially his womanizing) while in Japan, knowing it won't win him any points with the locals. His behavior, however, more closely resembles what a [[WeAllLiveInAmerica Japanese writer would GUESS an American hotshot would act like.]] For example, at one point, he is sparring with a Japanese fighter and compliments the man on his JapaneseSpirit...before [[CombatPragmatist cheating]] and then proclaiming that as an American, he instead has "Pioneer Spirit". Not only is JapaneseSpirit something most Americans have ''vaguely'' heard of, at best, but no American would ever use the term "Pioneer Spirit". The "American Way", maybe, but in this context, even that's a stretch.
* Kenichi from ''Manga/KenichiTheMightiestDisciple'' 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.
* ''LightNovel/LogHorizon'': Japanese Spirit is subjected to a DeconReconSwitch in this series. Atypical of most anime, the main character is not an IdiotHero or BookDumb, and thus the story does not bend over backward to make sheer Determination the highest virtue possible. In fact, the Training Camp arc goes out of its way to demonstrate how fighting spirit and TrainingFromHell alone are a recipe for disaster. At the same time, however, it's still shown that Resolve has its purpose, and that although strategy is absolutely necessary, there are times when you need to act. At one point, they even paraphrase a {{Samurai}} mantra which states that failure to act when necessary makes one no better than those already dead. Thus far, the Japanese Spirit trope is kept in delicate balance with actual pragmatism.
* In ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'', the eponymous main character combines all aspects of this trope and can be said to be an unique case. She already begins extremely powerful, being a [[PowerLevels AAA mage]] right off the bat, proceeding towards [[RankInflation S rank]] at ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'' and having acquired the nickname [[RedBaron Ace of Aces]], as she is by that time one of the most powerful mages in the universe. She is also an undefeated {{Main/Determinator}} who will not lose to anyone; career ending injuries will only take her out of the action for a year at most and things like having a hand stuck through her chest will not stop her from casting her most powerful spell. However, the TrainingFromHell she endured to become that powerful did come to [[HeroicRROD bite her]] during the TimeSkip. Her case is relatively unique because this trope normally applies only to males, and she is a girl who fights in a white dress and twin ponytails, while firing pink rays of doom; she even won one round in the SaiGar 2007 tournament, where the manliest character of anime would be chosen. Her FanNickname of White Devil is not an understament
* ''Webcomic/OnePunchMan'' is a comedic take on the concept, but mostly plays it straight. Saitama wanted to become a hero through diligence, and did so; except the TrainingFromHell he underwent turns out to have been mundane, less than what a real-life athlete would go through, yet somehow it gave him god-like power. Apparently he really just has [[SuperpowerLottery excessive talent]], and when superheroism becomes pathetically easy for him, he becomes lackadaisical (but still manages to save the day over and over without really trying). He does still have a strong sense of heroic morality, though this only comes out in the rare occasions where he faces someone who puts up a bit of a fight. Metal Bat's Fighting Spirit ability where he gets stronger the longer the fight is dragged on is also based around this trope.
* Played straight in ''Videogame/{{Persona 3}}'' & ''Videogame/{{Persona 4}}'', where the main characters tend to fit this trope quite well. The Protagonist's social links tend to characterize him/her as TheAce, and (s)he typically has stats like Academics, Understanding, Diligence, and Courage that exemplify this. And almost always, the BigBad is defeated by the hero alone with the aid of an EleventhHourSuperpower.
* For a good Western example that lacks the specifically Japanese elements but has virtually everything else about this trope, the ''Franchise/{{Rocky}}'' franchise stands out quite well, as do the many [[SportsStories sports movies]] that follow the formula it laid down. The finer details of Rocky Balboa's resolve vary between films, but it usually comes down to a desire to prove and defend his honor after another fighter underestimates and dismisses him, often ignoring the people around him who warn him, quite reasonably, that he might get himself crippled or [[CasualtyInTheRing worse]] in the process. His persistence... well, there's a reason why the TrainingMontage is such an iconic part of the series, as he prepares to fight foes with far more resources behind them. Rocky's talent, finally, is that he's a hell of a fighter who can [[MightyGlacier withstand a lot of punishment]] and [[GradualGrinder slowly beat down his foes]] (the latter also going back to persistence). On the flip side, Apollo Creed, the villain of the [[Film/{{Rocky}} first two]] [[Film/RockyII films]], was ultimately brought down in the second by his own hubris despite his superior fighting skill, and in [[Film/RockyIII the third]], [[DefeatMeansFriendship he becomes Rocky's trainer and friend]], such that the plot of [[Film/RockyIV the fourth]] is in large part about Rocky's quest to avenge his death at the fists of Ivan Drago. An anime or manga adaptation would have to change precisely nothing except the setting in order to make for a perfect example of Japanese spirit.
* ''Manga/SengokuYouko'': The three greatest members of the Dangaishuu are said to be [[KnightTemplar Jinun]] who has [[WorldsStrongestMan the greatest power]], [[EvilutionaryBiologist Yazen]] with [[EvilGenius the greatest wisdom]], and [[BoisterousBruiser Douren]] with [[WorldsBestWarrior the greatest technique]].
* In the ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' franchise, RyuAndKen share the aspects of this trope, with Ken further on the "Talent" end and Ryu further to the "Persistence" end. Ken is a BornWinner and natural athlete that takes to everything he tries easily (including martial arts), but fighting shares a spot on Ken's list of priorities alongside his wife and child. Ryu is a SpiritedCompetitor who trains and seeks challenges day in and day out and constantly walks the path of the warrior; while not as talented as Ken, Ryu is so focused on the fight that he's pushed the basics beyond mastery. As stated in the description, the series tends to place a slight priority on Ryu's methods, as Ryu ''is'' Japanese. Of the two, Ryu is the only one that has tapped into the [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Satsui no Hado]] (which Ryu has to resist with great HeroicResolve), and according to ''Videogame/StreetFighterIII: Third Strike'', Ryu has a slight edge over Ken in terms of wins. However, in several media (including ''Anime/StreetFighterIITheAnimatedMovie''), the two are at their peak when they either fight with, or ''against'', each other.
* ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann'' 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.

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 has in turn 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, hope and spirit) 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.

As stated 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 from {{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 be categorized as an {{Ubermensch}}, with his or her 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.

Contrast with the TheGift, where a character is extremely talented and may need little to no struggle to be strong; usually these characters are defined by their talent and showcase the difference between the protagonist and his or her rival/antagonist.

See Wiki/TheOtherWiki for more information on [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamato-damashii yamato-damashii.]] Also read our own [[Analysis/JapaneseSpirit Analysis page]] for how the trope overlaps with [[Myth/JapaneseMythology Shintoism]] and other media.

For its rough American counterpart, see UsefulNotes/TheAmericanDream. Also see ItCantBeHelped.

** Eren is flat out stated in the story to be more '''Persistent''' than anyone. Unfortunately, [[FearlessFool his ego writes checks that his body can't cash]]. He's an example of a character who has strong willpower but not the raw talent or insight to go with it, and as a result, he repeatedly suffers injury, failure and setback, which makes even ''his'' strong willpower constantly falter. True to the Japanese Spirit archetype, he has a number of hidden "talents/powers" which ''only'' work if he holds on to his persistence even in the face of death. [[spoiler: His EvilCounterpart, Reiner, is similarly stated to be a soldier with incredible willpower. He teaches Eren the importance of using his strength of will for a greater purpose.....and is ultimately defeated by Eren when his own resolve wavers.]]

* 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.
** Ragna the Bloodedge is persistence incarnate. Despite how many times he gets knocked down, he's quick to get back up and continue trying until he succeeds. But he lacks insight as he's mostly motivated by anger than a true righteous cause.
** His younger brother Jin Kisaragi embodies Talent. An exceptionally skilled fighter who single handily ended a war, graduated top of his class, and became the youngest major within his military. Staying true to his status as TheRival though, he lacks any sort of drive to succeed or improve mostly due to a combination of apathy and arrogance.
** Noel Vermilion definitely has Insight. She has a steadfast belief in her friends and family and are her primary motivation to succeed. However, since she's a ShrinkingViolet, she doesn't have much stubbornness to keep pushing.

** Ichgo is a BornWinner gifted with ungodly high reiatsu, guided by a superb moral compass, and persistent enough to never give up and risk everything by rushing into [[LeeroyJenkins sure-death scenarios]] with abandon.

** 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 Japanese Spirit is, in a nutshell.

** ThePowerOfLove and ThePowerOfFriendship are {{Anvilicious}}ly repeated throughout the story, and is what unites and eventually motivates the protagonists (even if [[{{Tsundere}} Laharl doesn't want to believe it]].
** However, demons have their own expression of it. Laharl and Etna are steadfastly against any form of complacency or taking an easy path to success. They [[BoisterousBruiser gladly pick a fight a fight]] with opponents even if the fight seems hopeless, value any {{Worthy Opponent}}s for their strength, and will recruit (read:"vassalize") any strong persons they defeat.

*** Probably the strongest subversion though, is in the "Future Trunks" arc. The heroes fight valiantly to defend what they believe in against an arrogant villain who feels he has a right to kill whomever he wishes simply due to his station and in the end [[spoiler: [[TheBadGuyWins the villain is proven to be completely right]] as [[ShootTheShaggyDog everything the heroes do ends up being totally pointless]] as a last minute AssPull allows the villain to instantly merge with the universe, become the embodiment of justice (Which was his goal from the start) and kill all the humans the heroes had been fighting to protect. Only divine intervention stops the villain, at the cost of the entire universe.]] While previous arcs subverted Japanese virtues like hard work, determination, courage, honour and self improvement. The [[DownerEnding final episode]] of the Future Trunks arc seems to go out of it's way to show that [[SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids all of these virtues are absolutely worthless]] in the face of [[CosmicHorrorStory divine power]].

* Deconstructed in ''Manga/FutureDiary''. In a ThereCanBeOnlyOne plot involving ScryVsScry, the protagonist is not talented (at least, no more so than the other characters), does not have resolve, and can barely be considered to have anything resolving willpower. But his good heart is what causes the female lead, Yuno, to develop a MadLove for him, and Yuno ''certainly'' everything this trope dictates. She's exceptionally talented, insightful, and determined. [[spoiler:But the zigs and zags keep coming throughout the story--Yuno is only TheAce because of her AbusiveParents, and is actually an empty broken person inside who needs Yuki to validate herself. And later on, when Yuki's parents are murdered, he finally gets the resolve he needed...but it starts to slowly erode his willpower and push him into madness to the point that he would rather die than kill Yuno. In the end, Yuno betrays him because of this and it's revealed that she's actually the BigBad, having manipulated everything to this conclusion. Since Yuki won't kill her and become God, then it wouldn't make sense for them to commit a lovers' suicide; she can travel back in time and be with his past self all over again (as she did last time after SHE became God). In the end, Yuki and Yuno become horribly broken people, and it's only through the intervention of others that the story even manages to avoid an outright DownerEnding.]]

** Sol Badguy represents Talent. Being a Gear, he has a large amount of power. However, he lacks the persistence and insight due to his BrilliantButLazy attitude and his general personality.
** Ky Kiske represents Persistence, since he has contributed greatly to mankind’s victory against the Gears and is the driving force behind humanity's recovery, but is somewhat lacking in the Insight department, as shown in the drama CD where Ky falls prey to I-No's manipulation, leading to his death and a future where humanity is losing soon afterwards.

* ''Manga/HajimeNoIppo'' not only follows this trope, but was localized in the West as "Fighting Spirit". The story specifically calls out Japanese Spirit by name more than once.

* Anime/KillLaKill follows this trope to a T.

*** She is unbelievably determined, even at the start of the show. She's driven by a desire to find the person who killed her father, and believes that Satsuki Kiryuin is either that person or knows who is. However, at the beginning, she is no match at all for [[ClothesMakeTheSuperman Goku Uniforms]], even with the enchanted scissor she wields, and winds up retreating or needing to be saved multiple times in the beginning.
*** But when Ryuuko gains access to Senketsu, her superpowered sailor uniform, her true hidden powers and talents come to light. At that point, she is more than a match for Two-Star Uniforms, and she even gains new abilities/skills as she fights the Three-Star Uniforms and stronger opponents. Satsuki herself expresses admiration for her Ryuuko's spirit.
*** Much, much later in the show, we learn that. [[spoiler:Ryuuko is a BornWinner, with a body that is infused with Life Fibers that allow her to handle a Kamui (essentially the equivalent of a Ten-Star Uniform), where 50% is enough to drive most people insane. However, [[TomatoInTheMirror finding this out]] sends her into a massive HeroicBlueScreenOfDeath.]]
** This is to say nothing of Lady Satsuki herself.
*** She is not only willing to take risks, but believes that the power of sheer badassery will allow her to overcome any challenge (and it ''does''). [[spoiler:This is despite the fact that she is not as infused with Life Fibers as Ryuuko is, because she was too old to accept them at the time of the experiment while Ryuuko was experimented on from the moment she left the womb.]]
*** She fits the archetype of the Japanese Spirit villain[=/=][[TheRival Rival]] like a glove. She generally believes in a very cynical and harsh world view, and looks down on anyone who doesn't fit her ideals. [[spoiler:However, it's revealed that her LongGame involves waiting for the perfect moment to betray her mother, the [[TheManBehindTheMan Woman Behind The Woman]]. Further, her worldview isn't completely unjustified; she needs soldiers with enough spirit and resolve to resist being controlled by Life Fibers, and doesn't have time to waste on "half-baked allies".]]

** Sayaka has strong convictions and is willing to sacrifice her life for them, but she lacks talent. [[spoiler:This leads to her downfall, because her limited talent cannot support her overzealous ideals.]]

* The prime example in ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'' is its main character, Izuku Midoriya. In his world and time, all humans are born with special abilities, so-called ''Quirks'', and those who train their abilities can become licensed heroes and combat the evil and villains in the world. Izuku however is one of the rare people who are not born with a Quirk, which shattered his dreams to become a hero like his idol, All Might, the No. 1 hero in the world. Izuku is basically not born with any ''Talent'', but still can enter the hero academy and pursue his dream, because All Might passes his Quirk on to Izuku, after the latter trained his body to inherit it and showed that he did not want to become a hero for money or fame, like other licensed heroes, but because he wants to save people, no matter how powerless he is. Izuku's ''Resolve'' and ''Persistence'' earn him the respect of his idol and even ArcVillain Stain, [[WellIntentionedExtremist the Hero Killer]], who deems Izuku worthy of becoming a hero and ends up saving him from another villain.
* After his fight with Bakugo, Izuku incorporates the latter's ''Resolve'' to win every battle and prove himslf as the strongest.

** Firstly, even with the rather intricate ElementalRockPaperScissors system, HeroicResolve tends to be the factor that decides the fights in the favor of the heroes.

* Ash Ketchum of ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' fits each of these tropes above. At first, it seems "Talent" is his exception, but Ash is stated several times to have an unusual ability to create deep bonds with Pokémon due to his extremely good heart and persistence. For example, Pikachu started out hating him, but quickly grew to love Ash when Ash faced a flock of Spearow to protect him,and Charizard warmed up to him after he burned his hands taking care of it while injured.

** There's even an instance in the first season of the series where Ash is facing an opponent who's turned Pokémon battles into a "science", relying upon data and statistics to win. His attitude upsets his family, and offends Ash, who states that fighting spirit and instinct are the only true things that determine the outcome of a Pokémon battle.

*** '''Kakan''': Starting from the second half of the manga, Kenshin's pivotal fights are decided by two things: the [[DangerousForbiddenTechnique Succession Technique]], and the inability to die thanks to sheer force of will. Sanosuke has his own TrainingArc, and Yahiko spends most of the manga pushing his limits in order to become stronger. The Succession Technique is even explicitly stated to be affected by the user's will to live and resolve.

*** Subverted on the surface. Kenshin doesn't fight for Japan, but for his own ideals and to protect the weak, having learnt the cost of getting politically involved during his career in the Bakumatsu. Shishio, ''the villain'' of the Kyoto Arc, seeks the rise of Japan as a great power and intends to shape it in his own ideals.
*** However, subtext suggests a straighter interpretation. A large number of of Kenshin's opponents adopt non-Japanese technology (A Gatling gun, Shishio's 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 traditional 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.

[[folder: Shokugeki no Soma]]
* ''Manga/ShokugekiNoSoma'' shows all three forms.
** Cooks like Erina and Akira have an innate ''talent'', their tongue and nose respectively makes them stand out and helps them refine their dishes.

** And thirdly is Soma's ''persistence''. As Isshiki explains to a dumbfounded Eizan, what makes Soma stand out, and the reason why most people in the school look down on him, is that, despite his accomplishments in the short time he has spent in Tootsuki, if they were to acknowledge him, they would accept that they themselves did not put enough effort in their cooking. Soma's hard work and never faltering spirit is what makes him a great cook.

* In ''Manga/WorldTrigger'', this is a Zig-zagged trope.
** Team Mikumo each embodies one of the virtues roughly (Yuma = Talent, Osamu = Insight, Chika = Persistence) but in reality it isn't so neat and tidy. Osamu is not just insightful but persistent, lots of people not that it's Yuma's battle experience which makes him dangerous and not just natural talent, and Chika is a BornWinner with more Trion than 100 ordinary people put together. Further, though the team does work together to get stronger, the story doesn't use the TraumaticSuperpowerAwakening or EleventhHourSuperpower tropes.

*** The match commentators specifically discuss this trope, and Tachikawa defies it. He says that strength and strategy are greater deciding factors in a battle than spirit. Sure, spirit is great and it's fun to watch when it works out, but overall, if the difference in skill and strategy are too high, spirit won't work.

** 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, UsefulNotes/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.
** 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 expand. Two plans were made, being that of ''Hokushinron'', which meant fighting off the Russian front and establishing bonds as brothers in arms with the rest of Asia, or that of ''Nanshinron'', which meant forcibly annexing Asia ASAP and [[{{Plunder}} absorb its resources into the greater Japanese Empire.]] Due to infighting and extremely strained relations between the military and the navy, this lead to Nanshinron, and 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 and outright discrimination). 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. 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. After botching help on purpose when the Army enacted the initial steps in Hokushinron, the Navy were given the green light to go through with their plan of Nanshinron and in turn, decided to [[AwakeningTheSleepingGiant throw down with America]]. [[ForegoneConclusion We all know what happened after that.]]

** 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 hurricanes as if sent by the gods 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 again and call up another divine force of nature to intervene. [[CallItKarma That didn't happen.]] Instead, the Americans, for a number of political and economical reasons, [[NukeEm brought their own "Act of God"]].

** When Japan finally ''did'' surrender, the people once again dedicated themselves to absorbing the "spirit" of their conquerors. Japan's defeat, and the [[WarIsHell devastating toll it took on Japanese life]] forced the Japanese people to rethink militarism and their reverence for the Samurai culture of the past. This national identity crisis was encouraged by Americans (led by General UsefulNotes/DouglasMacArthur), who began rebuilding Japanese society from scratch based on American values.
** Overall, the infusion of democracy, capitalism, and human rights into Japanese society (which had been attempted before, but was eventually consumed by the military engine) was seen as a boon by most. Thus, the idea of DefeatMeansFriendship was given a new validity. Further, the horror of nuclear war convinced Japanese society that a military was not only unnecessary but self-destructive. They were thus encouraged to push their unique talents for competitiveness and work ethic into consumer culture.

* Aang, Katara, and Zuko in ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' exhibit talent, insight, and persistence respectively, and each of them gain more of the other two virtues. Aang is born a prodigy, and is the last of a lost people, but his lack of insight caused him to run away from his responsibilities. Katara helps guide Aang with her own insight, and through him and a little of her own persistence is able to find a waterbending master, and becomes a master herself. Zuko was not a firebending prodigy like his relatives, but this helped to fuel his persistence later in his quest to capture Aang, and through his own journey gains the insight on the world he had been lacking, as well as finding talents he had aside from firebending, such as swordsmanship and eventually leadership. Toph, Sokka, and Suki could even be seen to represent Talent, Insight, and Persistence, with Toph as the most powerful Earthbender before she was even a teenager, Sokka possessing a clever mind and ideas, and Suki being brave and courageous and taking great risks to help her friends.