also: おうご
noun
A somewhat formal or literary term for the distant past. Often used in historical or philosophical contexts.
往古の人々は、自然と共に生きていた。
People in ancient times lived in harmony with nature.
この祭りは往古から続いている。
This festival has been handed down from ancient times.
Obsolete reading; it is out-dated or obsolete kana usage.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji 往 (past, former) and 古 (old) combine to convey the meaning of 'ancient times'.