Rice cultivation was introduced to Japan during the Yayoi period. After that, if rice cultivation developed and the number of rice fields increased, the number of villages increased in various places, and the central village was Nakamura. Then, depending on the direction of the newly created village, place names such as Higashimura, Nishimura, Ichimura, … Read More
1. It is a city located in the center region of Nagano prefecture. 2. Matsumoto is the 15th most common Japanese surname. There are about 620,000 people in Japan. It is as large as the population of Portland, Oregon. The most popular existing castle is Matsumoto Castle. It is located in Matsumoto City, also … Read More
Hello, Mr. Shimizu. This is an explanation of the origin of the surname Shimizu, which is shared by your ancestors and friends. Shimizu is the 20th most common Japanese surname. Shimizu means “the place where Shimizu springs”. Inoue is an artificial water source, while Shimizu is a natural water source. Therefore, it is thought … Read More
Hello, Mr. Inoue. This is an explanation of the origin of the surname Inoue, which is shared by your ancestors and friends. Inoue is the 16th most common Japanese surname. The etymology is on the well. Around the well. Since the well was an important base of life in ancient times, it is said … Read More
Hello, Mr. Hasebe. This is an explanation of the origin of the surname Hasebe, which is shared by your ancestors and friends. The most widely accepted theory regarding the origin of this surname is that it was given to people who managed the land allotted for the livelihood of Emperor Yūryaku (c. 456–479 AD) … Read More
Abbreviations for Prefecture and City Names A prefecture occupying roughly the central part of the Kinki region. Located near the center of Japan, the Nara Basin in the northern part of the prefecture was celebrated throughout the Asuka and Nara periods as the “heart of the nation” and the “land of plenty,” flourishing as … Read More
Generally referring to Osaka, but the kanji and readings vary by era and region. Naniwa An ancient name for present-day Osaka City and its surrounding areas. Also written as “浪速” or “浪華”. Before the Taika Reform, it flourished as a key maritime transportation hub. Notably, since the tributary missions from the Three Kingdoms of … Read More
The Origin of the Mōri Clan Name. A Sengoku daimyō and early modern daimyō. Their ancestor was Suemitsu, son of Ōe no Hiromoto, who resided in Mōri Manor in Sagami Province and adopted the Mōri name. In 1270, Tokichika inherited the position of jitō (land steward) of Yoshida Manor in Aki Province from his … Read More
The surname of a warlord who ruled the area around present-day Yamanashi Prefecture during the Warring States period. A renowned general known as the “Tiger of Kai.” Takeda Shingen was the surname of a warlord who governed Kai Province (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture) during the Warring States period (1467–1615). Not only for his military prowess, … Read More
Main Meaning of Uchiwa, It’s not just about the name of manga’s character or anime. A tool used to fan oneself for cooling during summer or to shield against strong sunlight. Generally circular, though some have unique shapes like shibu-uchiwa, kyo-uchiwa, or gunbai-uchiwa. Introduced to Japan from China during the Nara period, its use … Read More
Name of one of Tokyo’s 23 wards A special ward located in the western part of Tokyo’s central area. It borders Shinjuku Ward to the east, Suginami Ward to the west, Nerima Ward to the north, and Shibuya Ward to the south. Centered around Nakano Station on the JR Chuo Line, it features a … Read More
This surname is commonly found in western Japan, particularly prevalent from the Kinki region to Kyushu. It likely originates from place names There were places named Matsumoto in various areas of Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, such as Ichinari Matsumoto in Kagoshima Prefecture’s Kagoshima City, Kiboku Town. Records also indicate samurai bearing the Matsumoto surname … Read More
Abbreviation for Yamanashi Prefecture Yamanashi Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan. Its prefectural capital is Kofu. It has a basin-like topography, surrounded by many high mountains such as Mount Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, and the Southern Alps. It borders Tokyo Metropolis, Kanagawa Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, and Saitama Prefecture. The … Read More
Hello, Domoto. Nakano. This is an explanation of the origin of the surname Domoto, which is shared by your ancestors and friends. The Domoto surname is believed to be derived from place names. It is said to be found in Hyogo Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, and Wakayama Prefecture, with a distribution in Kitawada, Yamanami Town, … Read More
Hello, Mr. Kobayashi. This is an explanation of the origin of the surname Kobayashi, which is shared by your ancestors and friends. Kobayashi is the 9th most common Japanese surname. “Kobayashi” means a small forest, and there are forests that protect houses such as windbreaks and sandbreaks near the village. It is thought that … Read More
Hello, Mr. Takizawa. This is an explanation of the origin of the surname Takizawa, which is shared by your ancestors and friends. It is thought to derive from “a valley with a waterfall.” This stems from people living near a valley with flowing waterfalls adopting the place name “Takizawa,” which then became established as … Read More