「八幡平市」と「平笠」土地の特徴を示す地名の由来　読み方で捉えられる地形が異なる「平」　岩手県 (24/11/21 11:35)

Hachimantai City, located in the northwestern part of Iwate Prefecture, is said to have place names that reflect the region's unique characteristics. We explore the origins of these names with Atsushi Shishido, a native of Oshu City who has spent many years researching place names throughout the prefecture and has written books about them. The mountains surrounding Hachimantai are designated as Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Atsushi Shishido: "The Hachimantai area is characterized by swamps and the surrounding wetlands. It's said that the name evolved from 'Yaha' (soft) and 'Ta' (place), which mean "soft place," to 'Yahata' and then 'Hachiman'." It's said that the name "Hachiman" comes from the marshes and swamps that characterize the area. Q: What is the origin of the "tai" (tai) in Hachimantai? Atsushi Shishido "The character 'tai' (平) has many different meanings depending on how it's pronounced. For example, the 'tai' in Hachimantai refers to a wetland or plateau in a mountainous region." The 'tai' in Hachimantai means wetland or plateau, and since 'Hachiman' also means wetland, it's safe to say that the area gives off a strong impression of wetlands. The kanji character 'tai' (平) can be interpreted as a different topography depending on how it's pronounced. In addition to 'tai,' other commonly used place names include 'taira,' which can be interpreted as a small flat area in a mountainous region, and 'hira,' which can be interpreted as a slope. Hachimantai City also has another place name using these kanji characters, "Hirakasa." The Hirakasa district stretches from the northeastern part of Mt. Iwate to its foothills, and is known for the "Hirakasa Naked Pilgrimage" by women, a rare event in Japan, and the Mt. Iwate Yakehashiri Lava Flow, which has been designated a Special Natural Monument by the country. Most of the part of "Hirakasa" that crosses Mt. Iwate is sloped, and the "flat" (hira) in the place name also reveals the characteristics of the terrain. Atsushi Shishido "Mt. Iwate resembles the shape of Hirakasa's cap. Perhaps the shape of this cap is one of the reasons why Hirakasa was named." "Maybe." The slope of this land and the majestic Mount Iwate. Perhaps the place name Hirakasa was born from views like this. At Yakehashiri International Village, on clear days, you can spend a relaxing time enjoying the spectacular view of Mount Iwate. Yakehashiri International Village offers a local dish called "Yakehashiri Lava Fried Chicken." The deep-fried chicken is pitch black, like lava. The black coating is achieved using bamboo charcoal. It is eaten with a curry-flavored sauce that resembles magma. One of the attractions of a place-name stroll is visiting place names and tasting the unique cuisine of each region.