This is not about the date indicating a specific time and date, but rather an explanation of the Japanese word “Date.”
The meaning of this word as “Date”
- To flaunt one’s spirit or chivalry. Also, the manner of doing so.
- To wear flashy clothing or behave ostentatiously to attract attention. To put on airs. Also, the manner of doing so.
- Having refined tastes. Possessing a sophisticated way of thinking.
Regional Names
- A city occupying the eastern half of the Fukushima Basin in northeastern Fukushima Prefecture. Birthplace of the Ōshū Date clan.
- A city in southwestern Hokkaido facing Uchiura Bay. Its former central area was called Monbetsu.
Date as a surname
- A samurai retainer and daimyo from the Kamakura to Edo periods. Descended from the Northern Branch of the Fujiwara clan. Originated when Asamune, a member of the clan, was granted the Date District in Mutsu Province (present-day Tohoku region) for his service in Minamoto no Yoritomo’s campaign against the northern provinces. This is considered the primary lineage.
- Approximately 17,000 people nationwide, most concentrated from Osaka Prefecture to the Sanyo region.
Explanation of this calligraphy by Domoto
The top row is in hiragana, the middle row in kanji, and the bottom row in katakana, all written horizontally.
