Japan Exchange, outgoing, post #9

Hi,

     I've been thinking of some of the local place names in this part of Japan and what their meanings are.  I thought families might be interested, too.  Let's start with the name of the prefecture, Akita.  The 秋田 kanji tell us that the meaning is "autumn rice field."  
     The prefectures were named relatively recently -- when the country was politically reorganized in the run-up to the Meiji Isshin, the Meiji Reform/Revolution culminating with the re-establishment of the Meiji Emperor in Tokyo in 1868.  
       According to Harata Sensei, the old name for this part of the country is Michinoku, but I don't know why that is.  This area, like others, was part of a feudal domain before that time.

      Here is another name:  Moritake, 森岳 meaning "forest mountain." And then there's Koikawa, 鯉川 which is "carp river."  And, very famous in this area... Shirakami Sanchi, a rare wilderness forest in the mountains that supports an unusual environment for special plants, animals, and birds.  The kanji mean "white gods mountain earth"  白神山土.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.