In Japanese, particularly within a historical context, Eta (穢多) refers to a marginalized social class. The term itself essentially means 'filthy' or 'unclean'.
The word "Eta" should not be confused with the English acronym "ETA" (Estimated Time of Arrival). In Japan's feudal past, "Eta" denoted a specific group of people at the very bottom of the social hierarchy due to their perceived "impure" professions.
Historical Context of the Eta Class
During Japan's feudal eras, especially the Tokugawa period (1603-1868), society was rigidly structured. Below the four main classes (samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants) existed a distinct "outcaste" group. This group included individuals whose occupations were considered ritually unclean, impure, or associated with death by prevailing Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. The Eta were a primary component of this "bottom" social stratum.
- Meaning of the Term: The term Eta literally translates to "abundance of defilement" or "much filth," underscoring the societal perception of these individuals as impure.
- Nature of Occupations: Members of the Eta class were primarily engaged in occupations deemed taboo or undesirable by the general populace. These roles often involved death or the handling of animal products.
- Butchery and Tanning: Processing animal carcasses, leatherwork, and other tasks related to animal products.
- Executioners: Performing executions and handling bodies.
- Grave Diggers: Burying the deceased.
- Waste Disposal: Managing refuse and waste.
- Other "Impure" Tasks: Work in tanneries, sandal making, and specific forms of entertainment.
The Eta and Hinin: A Combined Underclass
The Eta were often grouped with another outcaste group known as the Hinin (非人), meaning "non-human." While both were ostracized, there were subtle differences in their status and origins:
| Term | Literal Meaning | Historical Societal Role |
|---|---|---|
| Eta | Filthy, Unclean | Hereditary class primarily involved in tasks considered "impure," such as butchery, leatherwork, and execution. Status was typically lifelong. |
| Hinin | Non-human | Often a temporary status for beggars, entertainers, ex-convicts, or wanderers. While discriminated against, their status could sometimes change. |
These groups, collectively referred to as Eta-Hinin, faced severe discrimination, living in segregated communities and subjected to numerous legal and social restrictions. Their existence highlighted the strict social stratification and the pervasive influence of religious purity concepts in feudal Japan.
Legacy and Modern Context
The feudal outcaste system, including the distinction of the Eta, was officially abolished with the Emancipation Edict of 1871 during the Meiji Restoration. Despite this legal abolition, the descendants of these groups, known as Burakumin (部落民), continued to face significant discrimination in education, employment, and marriage for over a century.
Today, while direct discrimination is illegal, the historical legacy of the Eta class remains a sensitive topic in Japan. The term "Eta" itself is now considered a derogatory and discriminatory word, reflecting a dark chapter in Japanese social history. Understanding its meaning provides crucial insight into the complex social structures and inequalities that once existed in Japan. You can learn more about this historical context by exploring resources on Japanese social history and the Burakumin issue.
