noun
Archaic poetic name for Japan, often associated with classical literature and waka poetry. The name literally means 'dragonfly island' and is rarely used in modern speech.
古事記には「秋津島」が日本の呼び名として登場する。
In the Kojiki, 'Akitsushima' appears as a name for Japan.
noun
Archaic name for Yamato Province (modern Nara Prefecture), used in classical texts. This sense is even rarer than the general name for Japan.
「秋津島」が大和国を指す用例は、万葉集などに見られる。
Examples where 'Akitsushima' refers to Yamato Province can be found in the Man'yōshū.
Variant using 洲 (sandbank/island); less common than 秋津島.
Rare kanji form using 蜻蛉 (dragonfly).
Rare kanji form combining 蜻蛉 and 洲.
The name 秋津島 (Akitsushima) is of ancient origin, literally meaning 'dragonfly island'. According to traditional accounts, Emperor Jimmu likened the shape of Japan to a dragonfly. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term appears in early Japanese chronicles and poetry.