Japanese Symbol for
魂tamashii
soul · spirit · ghost
Readings
Meaning
Soul, spirit, ghost. 魂 (tamashii) is the soul as a vital, animating spiritual force — distinct from the body. 霊魂 (reikon) is the soul that continues after death. 大和魂 (Yamato-damashii) means the "Japanese spirit."
Example words
霊魂
reikon
soul, spirit (after death)
大和魂
Yamato-damashii
the Japanese spirit
魂胆
kontan
ulterior motive, scheme (soul-gall)
闘魂
tōkon
fighting spirit, warrior soul
魂を込める
tamashii wo komeru
to put one's soul into something
鎮魂
chinkon
consoling the soul of the dead
大和魂 (Yamato-damashii — the Japanese spirit/soul) is a concept used to describe the essence of Japanese identity and resilience. 闘魂 (tōkon — fighting spirit) was famously associated with wrestler Antonio Inoki and became a cultural byword for never giving up. Japanese artisans speak of 魂を込める — putting one's soul into their craft.
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