Ideology

The Japanese Military was a strong force, not by weaponry, but because of an intense patriotism which was deeply engraved in the soul of each Japanese soldier. Serving the Emperor was a great honor for these warriors, even at the cost of one’s life.

The influence of Shintoism, the declared national religion in the Meiji period, was very powerful in creating this deep sense of nationalism. It is from this that the national moral spirit was given the name Yamato-Damashi, which meant Heart/Soul of Yamato. Yamato was an old province which brought forth many great emperors.

The Yamato-Damashi instilled the values of fighting with all of one’s strength and to never surrender. They valued honor the same way Samurai did and would rather perform Harakiri than be a prisoner of war.