Hinamori (夷守) is a term that has a historical significance in ancient Japan. It refers to the act of protecting a borderland or important land that is far away from the capital. The term also refers to the place or person who is responsible for such protection.[1]

Ancient title edit

In ancient texts such as the "Wajinden", the term "hinamori" is mentioned as a crucial aspect of defending the country from external invasions. Some places in Japan still carry this name as a part of their geographical name, such as the city of Kobayashi. This city is situated on the periphery of a basin, surrounded by hills and mountains that reach heights of 300 meters above sea level. To the south of the city is the Kirishima volcano group, to the north is the Kyushu mountain range, and to the east and west are hilly areas that border the Tsukushi and Kakuto basins. Historically, this area was considered a borderland and was called Hina-mori, as mentioned in the "Engishiki" and was controlled by the Satsuma clan and the Shimazu clan in more recent times.[1]

Modern usage edit

In modern times, the term can also refer to the city of Kobayashi in Japan. The city is situated on the periphery of a basin, surrounded by hills and mountains that reach heights of 300 meters above sea level. To the south of the city is the Kirishima volcano group, to the north is the Kyushu mountain range, and to the east and west are hilly areas that border the Tsukushi and Kakuto basins. Historically, this area was considered a borderland and was called Hina-mori, as mentioned in the "Engishiki" and was controlled by the Satsuma clan and the Shimazu clan in more recent times.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c 日本国語大辞典,世界大百科事典内言及, 精選版. "夷守(ひなもり)とは? 意味や使い方". コトバンク (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-01-24.