Yezo; Ezo region
Historical term for the northern frontier of Meiji-era Japan, primarily Hokkaido but also including Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. Used in historical and geographical contexts.
In the Meiji period, Yezo was renamed Hokkaido.
Ainu territory; Ezo (Edo-period Ainu lands)
Specifically refers to the Ainu-inhabited areas of Hokkaido during the Edo period, as distinct from Japanese-settled regions (和人地). Often contrasted with 和人地.
See also: 和人地
During the Edo period, the Ainu territory was under the control of the Matsumae domain.
From 蝦夷 (えぞ, 'Ainu' or 'Ezo') + 地 (ち, 'land'). The term 蝦夷 itself is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from an Ainu word or an old Japanese exonym.