阿波
Awa Province (Shikoku)
阿波国 · あわ
Province
Nankido Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Foamy Waves"
True Etymology
The characters mean 'foamy/bubbly' (阿, used phonetically as 'a') and 'wave' (波). The name may describe the turbulent, wave-lashed Pacific coast of the province. Awa is famous for the Naruto whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮), some of the world's largest tidal vortices.
Alternative Theory
The Naruto whirlpools, formed in the Naruto Strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku, are a natural phenomenon that may have inspired the 'foamy waves' name. The province is also famous for Awa Odori, Japan's most famous dance festival.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Nankido |
|---|---|
| Reading | あわ |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |