noun
Japan as an island nation; the Japanese Isles
A poetic, classical term for Japan, emphasizing its island nature. Rare in modern usage; found in historical or literary contexts.
古い和歌には「大和島根」という表現がよく見られる。
The expression 'Yamato-shimane' is often seen in old waka poems.
Compound of 大和 (Yamato, ancient name for Japan) and 島根 (shimane, 'island country' or 'island roots'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; it appears in classical poetry as a poetic name for Japan.