薩摩
Satsuma Province
薩摩国 · さつま
Province
Saikido Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Thin Cloth"
True Etymology
The characters mean 'thin/fine' (薩) and 'cloth/hemp' (摩), but these are phonetic. 'Satsuma' likely derives from a pre-Yamato or southern island word of uncertain meaning. The province gave its name to Satsuma ware (pottery), Satsuma oranges, and the Satsuma Domain's crucial role in the Meiji Restoration.
Alternative Theory
The Shimazu clan ruled Satsuma for over 700 years—the longest unbroken domain rule in Japanese history. Their military strength, maintained through isolation and independent trade with the Ryukyu Kingdom, made Satsuma a driving force behind the Meiji Restoration.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Saikido |
|---|---|
| Reading | さつま |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |