Kemdikbud International
Home Public Figure Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 Japanese/Yamato People You Should Know

Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 Japanese/Yamato People You Should Know

Japan and its rich culture have produced many influential and famous individuals over the years. From actors to musicians, athletes to writers, here are 10 popular celebrities and notable people from Japanese/Yamato ethnicity:

  • Masaki Kobayashi: A renowned Japanese film director known for his critically acclaimed films, including “Harakiri” and “The Human Condition” trilogy.
  • Ichiro Suzuki: A legendary baseball player who achieved great success both in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league and in Major League Baseball in the United States.
  • Masaki Suda: A talented actor and singer, known for his roles in popular Japanese dramas and movies like “Kiseki: Sobito of That Day” and “Death Note: Light Up the New World.”
  • Mariya Takeuchi: A successful singer-songwriter known for her iconic 1984 hit song “Plastic Love,” which gained international popularity decades later.
  • Yayoi Kusama: A world-renowned contemporary artist known for her iconic polka dot artworks and immersive installations that explore themes of infinity and cosmic nature.
  • Nobuo Uematsu: A highly acclaimed video game composer known for his work on the beloved “Final Fantasy” series, creating emotional and memorable soundtracks.
  • Yoko Ono: An avant-garde artist, musician, and peace activist, known for her partnership with John Lennon and her innovative art installations and performances.
  • Takashi Murakami: A contemporary artist who blends traditional Japanese art with pop culture, creating vibrant and playful artworks that have gained immense global recognition.
  • Miyazaki Hayao: A world-renowned animator and director, known for his masterpieces such as “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro,” which have enchanted audiences worldwide.
  • Akira Kurosawa: One of Japan’s greatest film directors, known for his samurai films like “Seven Samurai” and “Rashomon,” which have influenced cinema globally and earned numerous awards.

These individuals have not only achieved great success in their respective fields but have also contributed to the promotion and preservation of Japanese culture on a global scale. Their talent, creativity, and dedication continue to inspire and leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.

Yamato-e (大和絵) is a style of Japanese painting inspired by Tang dynasty paintings and fully developed by the late Heian period. It is considered the classical Japanese style. From the Muromachi period (15th century), the term yamato-e has been used to distinguish work from contemporary Chinese-style paintings kara-e (唐絵), which were inspired by Chinese Song and Yuan-era ink wash paintings.
Characteristic features of yamato-e include many small figures and careful depictions of details of buildings and other objects, the selection of only some elements of a scene to be fully depicted, the rest either being ignored or covered by a "floating cloud", an oblique view from above showing interiors of buildings as though through a cutaway roof, and very stylised depiction of landscape.
Yamato-e very often depict narrative stories, with or without accompanying text, but also show the beauty of nature, with famous places meisho-e (名所絵) or the four seasons shiki-e (四季絵).  The pictures are often on scrolls that can be hung on a wall (kakemono), handscrolls (emakimono) that are read from right to left, or on a folding screen (byōbu) or panel (shōji). Although they received their name from the Yamato period, no yamato-e paintings from this period survive, nor from several centuries afterwards.  Yamato-e pictures rather stand for a style and are not restricted to a particular period.
There was a revival of the yamato-e style in the 15th century by the Tosa school, including a return to narrative subjects, and although the rival Kanō school grew out of the alternative tradition of Chinese-style works, the style it developed from the late 16th century for large paintings decorating Japanese castles included some elements of the yamato-e style.  In the 17th century, the simplified and stylised depiction of landscape backgrounds in yamato-e was revived as a style for large landscape works by the Rinpa school.  Later the narrative element of yamato-e, the interest in the depiction of everyday life, and the choice of oblique and partial views in a composition heavily influenced the ukiyo-e style, as well as the nihonga.

Most Famous Japanese/Yamato People

Japanese/Yamato’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Japanese or Yamato community has a rich and diverse heritage that dates back centuries. This community, which is largely concentrated in Japan and includes the ethnic majority of the country, boasts a fascinating history and a range of cultural traditions. Today, we will explore three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Japanese/Yamato heritage.

1. Samurai Culture

One of the most iconic and recognizable aspects of Japanese heritage is the samurai. These elite warriors, who emerged in feudal Japan during the 12th century, played a significant role in Japanese society and history. The samurai were skilled in martial arts and adhered to a strict code of conduct known as Bushido, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and self-discipline. Their influence can be seen in various aspects of Japanese culture, from literature and art to martial arts and even modern-day business practices.

  • Samurai training: Samurai underwent rigorous training from a young age, learning various martial arts and military strategies. They were skilled swordsmen and archers, and their expertise in combat was highly respected.
  • Bushido: The samurai code of conduct, Bushido, guided their actions and decisions. It promoted self-discipline, loyalty to one’s lord, and honor above all else. The spirit of Bushido still resonates in modern Japan.
  • Samurai armor and weaponry: The distinct armor and weaponry used by samurai, such as the katana sword and the elaborate armor known as “yoroi,” are iconic representations of their culture. These artifacts are celebrated and revered as symbols of Japan’s historical heritage.

2. Zen Buddhism

Zen Buddhism had a profound impact on Japanese culture and spirituality. Introduced from China in the 12th century, Zen emphasized meditation, mindfulness, and the search for enlightenment. It integrated with indigenous Japanese beliefs and practices, giving rise to a unique form of Buddhism that continues to shape the cultural landscape of Japan today.

  • Meditation practices: Zen Buddhism emphasizes meditation as a means to achieve self-realization and enlightenment. Various meditation techniques, including seated meditation (zazen) and walking meditation (kinhin), are still practiced in Zen Buddhist temples across Japan.
  • Tea ceremony: The Japanese tea ceremony, known as “chanoyu” or “sado,” incorporates Zen principles of mindfulness and simplicity. It is a highly ritualized practice that focuses on the meticulous preparation and consumption of matcha tea, promoting tranquility and presence of mind.
  • Garden design: Zen gardens, with their minimalist aesthetics and carefully arranged elements, were designed to inspire meditation and contemplation. They are characterized by raked gravel or sand, carefully placed rocks, and a balance of open space and vegetation.

3. Traditional Arts and Crafts

The Japanese/Yamato heritage is renowned for its traditional arts and crafts, which have been passed down through generations. These exquisite crafts not only showcase the creativity and skill of Japanese artisans but also reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Kimonos: The kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, is known for its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and flowing silhouette. It is worn on special occasions and embodies the elegance and refinement of Japanese fashion.
  • Origami: The art of origami, or paper folding, originated in Japan and has become a popular pastime worldwide. It requires precision and creativity, transforming a simple piece of paper into intricate three-dimensional objects.
  • Ikebana: Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, emphasizes simplicity, asymmetry, and the appreciation of natural beauty. Each element, from the choice of flowers and plants to the arrangement itself, is carefully considered to create harmony and balance.

The Japanese/Yamato heritage is a treasure trove of history and culture. From the samurai spirit to the Zen philosophy and the exquisite traditional arts and crafts, these three historical inheritances provide a glimpse into the unique and captivating world of Japan’s indigenous community.

Ethnic Factsheet: The Japanese/Yamato People

Demographics Distribution
Total population: Approximately 126 million
Major countries with Japanese population: Japan, United States, Brazil, Philippines, Canada
Percentage of Japanese population in Japan: 98.5%
Percentage of Japanese population outside Japan: 1.5%
Largest concentration of Japanese population outside Japan: United States (approximately 1.3 million)
Japanese diaspora: Significant populations in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Canada, Australia
The Yamato people (大和民族, Yamato minzoku, literally "Yamato ethnicity") or the Wajin (和人, Wajin, 倭, literally "Wa people") is a term to describe the ethnic group that comprises over 98% of the population of Japan. Genetic and anthropometric studies has showed that the Yamato are an admixture of the migratory Kofun and Yayoi, who arrived from mainland East and Southeast Asia via the Korean Peninsula, as well as the indigenous Jōmon that were already living on the Japanese archipelago for thousands of years prior.It can also refer to the first people that settled in Yamato Province (modern-day Nara Prefecture). Generations of Japanese historians, linguists, and archeologists have debated whether the word is related to the earlier Yamatai (邪馬臺). The Yamato clan set up Japan's first and only dynasty. The clan became the ruling faction in the area, and incorporated native Japanese, Chinese and Korean migrants. The clan leaders also elevated their own belief system that featured ancestor worship into a national religion known as Shinto.The term came to be used around the late 19th century to distinguish the settlers of mainland Japan from minority ethnic groups inhabiting the peripheral areas of the then Japanese Empire, including the Ainu, Ryukyuans, Nivkh, as well as Chinese, Koreans, and Austronesians (Taiwanese indigenous peoples and Micronesians) who were incorporated into the Empire of Japan in the early 20th century. After Japan's surrender in World War II, the term became antiquated for suggesting pseudoscientific racist notions that have been discarded in many circles. Ever since the fall of the Empire, Japanese statistics only count their population in terms of nationality, rather than ethnicity.

The Ancient Heritage of Japanese/Yamato Ethnic Groups

References to the Japanese/Yamato Ethnic Group

There are several references and resources available to dig deeper into the history, culture, and traditions of the Japanese or Yamato ethnic group. These resources provide valuable insights into the unique characteristics of this fascinating ethnic group.

Here are some references and resources to learn more about the Japanese/Yamato ethnic group:

  • Books:
    • The Japanese Chrysanthemum and the Western Rose: A Comparison of Cultures by Scott O’Connor
    • Japan: Its History and Culture by Scott W. Morton and J. Kenneth Olenik
    • The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture by Roger J. Davies and Osamu Ikeno
    • Japan: A Modern History by James L. McClain
  • Documentaries:
    • Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire
    • The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On
    • Japan: Inventing the Past
    • Tokyo Olympiad
  • Online Sources:
    • Japan Guide: A comprehensive online resource with information on Japanese culture, history, and travel.
    • Japan National Tourism Organization: Official website offering insights into Japanese culture, traditions, and tourism.
    • Asian Ethnology: An academic journal that focuses on Japanese society, culture, and religion.
    • Japan Today: Online news source covering various aspects of Japanese society, including culture and current events.

By exploring these references and resources, individuals can gain a better understanding of the Japanese/Yamato ethnic group, its rich history, cultural heritage, and its significant contributions to the world.

Explore other famous people with Ambundu, Cheyennes and Ekoi roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Delving into the lives of notable figures from various ethnic backgrounds associated with these Japanese/Yamato roots reveals the intricate web of connections between global cultures and their significant contributions to the world.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.

Comment
Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ad