周防
Suo Province
周防国 · すおう
Province
Sanyodo Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Surrounding Defense"
True Etymology
The characters mean 'surrounding/encircling' (周) and 'defense/protection' (防). The name may reference the natural defensive barriers—the mountains and Seto Inland Sea—that enclosed the province. Alternatively, it describes a frontier defense zone protecting the western approaches to central Japan.
Alternative Theory
Suō is famous for Suō washi paper and the historic city of Yamaguchi (former capital of the Ōuchi clan). The province's 'surrounding defense' name reflects its strategic position guarding the narrow straits between Honshu and Kyushu.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Sanyodo |
|---|---|
| Reading | すおう |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |