MIYAGI – Shrine & Castle 宮城県
No one knows for sure regarding the origin of the name “Miyagi.” There are multiple theories.
Theory 1: “Miya,” meaning shrine, might refer to Shiogama Shrine (塩釜神社) in Shiogama, Miyagi and “gi,” meaning castle, might refer to Taga Castle (多賀城) east of Sendai in Tagajo, Miyagi built in the Nara Period. Shiogama Shrine still exists, while Taga Castle is mostly gone. The castle site is a National Special Historic Site.
Theory 2: “Miya” refers to the Imperial Court’s government office, and “gi” simply means “place.”
Theory 3: It’s from the word “Miyake” (屯倉) which means Imperial Court domain. However, there is debate over whether an Imperial Court domain was actually in Miyagi or not. Backing this theory is the similar-sounding place name “Miake” (未明) in Osato-cho and Imperial Court pottery found in the area.
*This prefectural name is unrelated to the Okinawan Miyagi surname although the same kanji is used.
Old province name: Rikuzen-no-Kuni (陸前国), separated from Mutsu-no-Kuni (陸奥国).
*The AI-generated image is for illustrative purposes only and may not accurately depict any particular place in the prefecture.
Source: https://www.nhk.or.jp/sendai-blog/update/459647.html
Origin of other prefectural names (etymologies)
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