Mythologies of the Yamato/Yamato-minzoku people

The less known indigenous ethnic groups of Japan

There were several ethnic groups in Japan prior to the rise of the Yamato Japanese majority population. These include: the Kuzu, the Tsukushi, the Suwa, the Koshi, the Uilta (Orokh), the Ryukyuans, the Izumo, the Hayato, the Kumaso, the Azumi, the Ainu, and the Mishihase.

The Yamato people (大和民族, Yamato minzoku, lit. 'Yamato ethnicity') or the Wajin (和人 / 倭人, lit. 'Wa people') is a term to describe the ethnic group that comprises over 98% of the population of Japan. Genetic and anthropometric studies have shown 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 archeologists, historians, and linguists have debated whether the word is related to the earlier Yamatai (邪馬臺). Around the 6th century, the Yamato clan set up Japan's first and only dynasty. The clan became the ruling faction in the area, and incorporated the natives of Japan and migrants from the mainland. 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. The term was eventually used as race propaganda. 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 Yamato Kingship (ヤマト王権, Yamato Ōken) was a tribal alliance centered on the Yamato region (Nara Prefecture) from the 4th century to the 7th century, and ruled over the alliance of noble families in the central and western parts of the Japanese archipelago. The age is from the 4th to the 7th century, later than the Yamatai Kingdom. After the Taika Reform, the ōkimi as an emperor, at that time, was in power, and the Yamato period ended. The time period is archaeologically known as the Kofun period. Regarding its establishment, due to the relationship between Yamatai and Yamato's succession to the king's power, there are very different views on it. The Yamato Kingship refers to the regime that emerged in the Nara region (Yamato region) since the 4th century. But the term does not imply the origin of Japan, which is disputed in Japanese history. At the same time as the rise of the Nara Kingship, there were probably several or even dozens of power centers in the Japanese archipelago. This is an issue that Japanese academia attaches great importance to. In the course of the development of the tribes from the state of separation to the direction of union between the 2nd and 3rd centuries, the Japanese royal power had become the center of the tribes. In order to establish its position as a united ally, the Japanese royal power attached importance to foreign relations, paid tribute to China's Eastern Jin and Liu Song dynasties, and made every effort to maintain close relations with the countries on the Korean peninsula (Baekje and Gaya), monopolizing various technologies imported by foreigners. In the second half of the 5th century, it was able to overwhelm the gentry in the capital and the local clans.

To understand the essence of the Yamato, we must delve into their origins and historical significance. The term “Yamato” traces its roots to ancient Japan, specifically to the Yamato Province, which served as the political and cultural center of the country during the Kofun period, from 250 to 538 AD. It was during this period that the Yamato clan emerged as a dominant force, laying the foundation for what would eventually become the Yamato ethnic group. Their influence expanded as they established centralised governance, introduced Buddhism, and fostered cultural exchange with neighbouring regions. Over time, the Yamato clan’s power grew, leading to the establishment of the Yamato Court and the emergence of Japan as a unified state. This pivotal moment in history marked the beginning of Yamato’s prominence as the predominant ethnic group in Japan. Despite their dominance, the Yamato have never been a homogenous group. Japan’s long history is characterised by waves of migration, cultural exchange, and integration, resulting in a diverse array of regional identities and subcultures within the Yamato ethnic group. From the indigenous Ainu of Hokkaido to the Ryukyuan people of Okinawa, Japan’s cultural landscape is a testament to the Yamato’s ability to embrace diversity and adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining a cohesive national identity. Today, the Yamato continue to play a central role in shaping Japan’s cultural, social, and political landscape. Their language, customs, and traditions permeate every aspect of Japanese society, from the arts and literature to cuisine and religious practices. But what truly defines the Yamato is their resilience in the face of adversity. Throughout Japan‘s tumultuous history, from feudal wars to foreign invasions and natural disasters, the Yamato have endured, drawing strength from their shared heritage and sense of community. This resilience is perhaps best exemplified by the concept of gaman, which roughly translates to “enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity.” It’s a philosophy deeply ingrained in Yamato culture, reflecting their ability to persevere in the face of hardship and adversity. As we conclude today’s article, I encourage you to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Yamato culture and history. Whether it’s exploring ancient landmarks, sampling regional delicacies, or immersing yourself in traditional arts, there’s always more to discover about Japan’s indigenous ethnic group

The Yamato people, also known as the Yamato-minzoku, are the dominant ethnic group in Japan, comprising approximately 98% of the country’s population. But beyond mere numbers, the Yamato carry a rich cultural legacy that has shaped Japan’s identity for centuries. To understand the essence of the Yamato, we must delve into their origins and historical significance. The term “Yamato” traces its roots to ancient Japan, specifically to the Yamato Province, which served as the political and cultural center of the country during the Kofun period, from 250 to 538 AD. It was during this period that the Yamato clan emerged as a dominant force, laying the foundation for what would eventually become the Yamato ethnic group. Their influence expanded as they established centralised governance, introduced Buddhism, and fostered cultural exchange with neighbouring regions. Over time, the Yamato clan’s power grew, leading to the establishment of the Yamato Court and the emergence of Japan as a unified state. This pivotal moment in history marked the beginning of Yamato’s prominence as the predominant ethnic group in Japan. Despite their dominance, the Yamato have never been a homogenous group. Japan’s long history is characterised by waves of migration, cultural exchange, and integration, resulting in a diverse array of regional identities and subcultures within the Yamato ethnic group. From the indigenous Ainu of Hokkaido to the Ryukyuan people of Okinawa, Japan’s cultural landscape is a testament to the Yamato’s ability to embrace diversity and adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining a cohesive national identity. Today, the Yamato continue to play a central role in shaping Japan’s cultural, social, and political landscape. Their language, customs, and traditions permeate every aspect of Japanese society, from the arts and literature to cuisine and religious practices. But what truly defines the Yamato is their resilience in the face of adversity. Throughout Japan‘s tumultuous history, from feudal wars to foreign invasions and natural disasters, the Yamato have endured, drawing strength from their shared heritage and sense of community. This resilience is perhaps best exemplified by the concept of gaman, which roughly translates to “enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity.” It’s a philosophy deeply ingrained in Yamato culture, reflecting their ability to persevere in the face of hardship and adversity. As we conclude today’s article, I encourage you to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Yamato culture and history. Whether it’s exploring ancient landmarks, sampling regional delicacies, or immersing yourself in traditional arts, there’s always more to discover about Japan’s indigenous ethnic group.

Yamato Tribe (ヤマト族 Yamato Zoku): Prince Geki and Burai's tribe, which worshiped the Tyrannosaurus and the Dragon. Its greatest treasure was the Dragon Armor. The Yamato Tribe is ruled by a king and queen; but in the period of 170 million years ago, they were forced to adopt a child due to not having their own. Without guidance of the king, the queen adopted Geki, the younger of the two sons of the Black Knight (a great warrior of the Yamato Tribe), to make as their heir against his will. The Black Knight was angered and waged war against the Yamato royalty, leading to his ultimate death by way of the king. While Geki remained tied to the Yamato royalty, the Black Knight's elder son Burai never forgot what he witnessed even after he was taken to live among the fairies and even as his younger brother entered cryogenic slumber after the initial defeat of Witch Bandora. During the final rebellion of Bandora against the dinosaur tribes, the Yamato King, Queen and their ten year old daughter were killed by the witch until the Guardian Beasts intervened to put a stop to her aspirations. As the prince of the Yamato Tribe and it's main survivor, Geki was made Tyrannoranger and placed into cryogenic slumber to awaken if Bandora were to return.

The Yamato period (大和時代, Yamato-jidai) is the period of Japanese history when the Imperial court ruled from modern-day Nara Prefecture, then known as Yamato Province. While conventionally assigned to the period 250–710, including both the Kofun period (c. 250–538) and the Asuka period (538–710), the actual start of Yamato rule is disputed. The Yamato court's supremacy was challenged during the Kofun period by other polities centered in various parts of Japan. What is certain is that Yamato clans had major advantages over their neighbouring clans in the 6th century. This period is divided by the relocation of the capital to Asuka, in modern Nara Prefecture. However, the Kofun period is an archaeological period while the Asuka period is a historical period. Therefore, many think of this as an old division and this concept of period division is no longer applicable. At the era of Prince Shōtoku in the early 7th century, a new constitution was prescribed for Japan based on the Chinese model. After the fall of Baekje (660 AD), the Yamato government sent envoys directly to the Chinese court, from which they obtained a great wealth of Confusican philosophical and social structure. In addition to ethics and government, they also adopted the Chinese calendar and many of its religious practices, including Confucianism and Taoism (Japanese: Onmyo).