Archaic name for Japan, appearing in the Kojiki. Refers to the eight great islands of ancient Japan. Not used in modern language.
See also: 大八洲
The country name 'Ōyashimaguni' is recorded in the Kojiki.
Shorter form of the same archaic name, also meaning the eight great islands of Japan.
Standard kanji spelling for this archaic name.
Variant spelling using 島 instead of 洲.
Variant using the older character 嶋.
From 大 (ō, 'great') + 八 (ya, 'eight') + 洲 (shima, 'island') + 国 (kuni, 'country'). Refers to the eight great islands that made up ancient Japan according to the Kojiki.