岡山
Okayama
岡山 · おかやま
Prefecture
Chugoku
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Hill Mountain"
True Etymology
The name literally combines 'oka' (岡, hill or low elevation) and 'yama' (山, mountain). It describes the gentle hills and low mountains that characterize the terrain of the Kibi Plain and its surrounding area. The castle town of Okayama grew on one of these hills.
Alternative Theory
The specific hill referenced may be the location of Okayama Castle (built 1597), known as the 'Crow Castle' for its black exterior. The castle's hill gave its name to the surrounding city and later the prefecture.
Key Facts
| Capital | Okayama City |
|---|---|
| Region | Chugoku |
| Reading | おかやま |
| Pre-Meiji Domains | Okayama Domain, Tsuyama Domain |
| Domain Lords | Ikeda clan (池田氏) |
| Established | 1871-present |