筑前
Chikuzen Province
筑前国 · ちくぜん
Province
Saikido Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Front築"
True Etymology
Like Chikugo (behind), Chikuzen (筑前) means 'front Tsuku/Chiku'—the section of the ancient Tsukushi territory closest to the capital. 'Tsukushi' was an ancient name for all of Kyushu, and the division into Chikuzen (front) and Chikugo (back) was an early administrative subdivision.
Alternative Theory
Chikuzen contained the ancient Dazaifu (太宰府), the government headquarters for all of Kyushu and Japan's interface with the Asian continent. As 'front Tsukushi,' Chikuzen was literally the face Japan presented to Korea and China.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Saikido |
|---|---|
| Reading | ちくぜん |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |