also: おうご
A somewhat formal or literary term for the distant past. Often used in historical or philosophical contexts.
People in ancient times lived in harmony with nature.
This festival has been handed down from ancient times.
from ancient times; from time immemorial
in all ages; since antiquity
Standard kanji form for this word.
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'.