下総
Shimosa Province
下総国 · しもうさ
Province
Tokaido Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Lower総"
True Etymology
As the counterpart to Kazusa (Upper Fusa), Shimōsa (下総) means 'Lower Fusa/Sō.' Despite being geographically north of Kazusa, it was 'lower' in the court hierarchy because it was further from the capital. The name reflects the administrative rather than topographic meaning of 'upper' and 'lower.'
Alternative Theory
Shimōsa contained the important port of Chiba and access routes to the eastern Kanto plains. The province was a key transit point for goods moving between eastern Japan and the capital.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Tokaido |
|---|---|
| Reading | しもうさ |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |