三重
Mie
三重 · みえ
Prefecture
Chubu
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Triple Layer"
True Etymology
The name's origin is uncertain. The literal meaning is 'three layers' or 'triple fold.' One theory holds that the landscape of the region—mountains, foothills, and coastal plains stacked in three visible tiers—inspired the name. Another theory points to ancient earthworks or terraced fields arranged in triple layers near the original settlement.
Alternative Theory
A folk etymology connects the name to a legend about a deity who wound a rope around the land three times. The 'triple' meaning may also reference three overlapping provincial boundaries that converged in the area.
Key Facts
| Capital | Tsu |
|---|---|
| Region | Chubu |
| Reading | みえ |
| Pre-Meiji Domains | Tsu Domain, Kuwana Domain, Uji-Yamada (Ise) |
| Domain Lords | Todo clan (藤堂氏), Matsudaira clan (松平氏) |
| Established | 1871-present |