愛媛 (Ehime Prefecture) – Japanese Kanji Design

Kanji Image Gallery

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愛媛, known as Ehime, carries a charming and poetic name that speaks of beauty and grace. It represents a region rich in natural splendor and cultural heritage, making it a unique geographical kanji.

Japanese Kanji

愛媛

Romaji Reading Ehime

Core Meaning Ehime Prefecture

Nuance Regional, Scenic, Citrus

Tattoo Suitability Rating

★★★☆☆

Good – Regional Significance

While not a universally profound concept like Zen or Bushido, Ehime represents a specific and cherished region of Japan. Its characters are moderately complex, allowing for clear legibility without concerns of ink spread, provided it is rendered by a skilled artist.

The Deep Meaning Behind 愛媛

The name “愛媛” (Ehime) literally translates to “lovely maiden” or “beautiful princess.” This name is deeply rooted in ancient Japanese mythology, specifically from the *Kojiki*, which recounts the birth of Japan’s islands. Ehime refers to Ehime-no-mikoto, one of the eight deities born from Izanagi and Izanami.

Located on the island of Shikoku, Ehime is renowned for its natural beauty, historical sites like Dogo Onsen (one of Japan’s oldest hot springs), and its world-famous citrus fruits, particularly mikan (tangerines). The kanji evokes a sense of gentle beauty and a connection to ancient Japanese heritage.

Kanji Breakdown

To fully appreciate the elegance of “愛媛,” let’s examine its individual kanji components.

愛

Meaning: Love, affection.

This character is composed of several elements. The central component, 心 (kokoro), signifies “heart” or “mind.” Above it, there are elements representing “receiving” or “feeling,” and below, 夂 (ashi), often related to “foot” or “action.” Together, these components convey the emotional experience of love, often implying affection that is felt deeply in the heart and expressed.

媛

Meaning: Princess, maiden.

The left radical is 女 (onna), meaning “woman” or “female,” which clearly establishes the character’s gender association. The right component, 爰 (en), is a phonetic element that also carries a nuance of “thus” or “here,” or “pulling gently.” In combination, 女 and 爰 form a kanji that traditionally refers to a noble young woman or a princess, implying grace and beauty.

Conclusion

“愛媛” embodies the serene beauty and historical depth of one of Japan’s enchanting prefectures. Its name, “lovely maiden,” offers a poetic connection to ancient mythology and the gentle spirit of the region.

For those with a special connection to Ehime, or an appreciation for Japanese geography and its mythical origins, this kanji makes for a thoughtful and elegant tattoo. It’s a subtle nod to a place of beauty and cultural significance.