noun
South Seas
Refers to the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, especially the area around Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. Often used in historical or geographical contexts.
彼は南洋の島々を旅した。
He traveled to the islands of the South Seas.
Compound of 南 (south) and 洋 (ocean, sea). The term has been used since the Meiji period to refer to the South Seas region.