安芸
Aki Province
安芸国 · あき
Province
Sanyodo Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Peaceful Skilled"
True Etymology
The characters mean 'peaceful' (安) and 'skilled/artisan' (芸), but these are likely phonetic. 'Aki' may derive from a pre-Yamato word for the autumn season or for the mountain terrain. The province is most famous for Hiroshima, established in the province in 1589.
Alternative Theory
Aki Province contains Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, one of Japan's Three Views. The shrine's iconic torii gate standing in the sea makes Aki one of Japan's most visually distinctive provinces, regardless of the modest etymology of its name.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Sanyodo |
|---|---|
| Reading | あき |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |