The captivating world of Japanese constellation names offers a unique perspective on the night sky, steeped in tradition and symbolism.
Importance of Japanese Constellation Names
Cultural Heritage
Japanese constellation names are a treasure trove of cultural heritage, connecting generations through the tales written in the stars.
Celestial Navigation
These names have not only served as storytelling tools but also aided in celestial navigation for centuries.
What are the Constellation Names in Japanese?
Now, let’s explore the constellation names and their meanings.
Names from Ancient Mythology
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hikoboshi | ๅฝฆๆ | Hikoboshi | The Cowherd Star |
| Orihime | ็นๅงซ | Orihime | The Weaving Princess |
| Kengyu | ็ฝ็ | Kengyu | The Cowherd |
| Shokujo | ็นๅฅณ | Shokujo | The Weaver |
| Seiza | ๆๅบง | Seiza | Constellation |
| Ama-no-gawa | ๅคฉใฎๅท | Ama-no-gawa | The Milky Way |
| Suzumushi | ้ด่ซ | Suzumushi | The Bell Cricket |
| Inazuma | ็จฒๅฆป | Inazuma | Lightning |
| Tsubame | ็ | Tsubame | The Swallow |
| Kasasagi | ๅ้ณฅ | Kasasagi | The Magpie |
| Hototogisu | ใปใจใจใใ | Hototogisu | The Lesser Cuckoo |
| Hagoromo | ็พฝ่กฃ | Hagoromo | The Feathered Robe |
| Oushi | ใใใ | Oushi | The Bull |
| Tatsumi no sei | ใใคใฟใฎใใ | Tatsumi no sei | The Southern Stars |
| Takaraboshi | ใใใใผใ | Takaraboshi | The Treasure Star |
Names Rooted in Nature
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mizunoe | ใฟใใฎใ | Mizunoe | The Water’s Edge |
| Tsuchinohi | ใคใกใฎใฒ | Tsuchinohi | The Earth Day |
| Kanemochi | ใใญใใก | Kanemochi | The Rich One |
| Suijin | ใใใใ | Suijin | The Water Deity |
| Hoshi | ใปใ | Hoshi | The Star |
| Unsui | ใใใใ | Unsui | The Cloud and Water |
| Sengen | ใใใใ | Sengen | The Holy Summit |
| Ryugujo | ใใ ใใใใใ | Ryugujo | The Dragon Palace |
| Shiratori | ใใใจใ | Shiratori | The White Bird |
| Suzuran | ใใใใ | Suzuran | The Lily of the Valley |
| Tsubaki | ใคใฐใ | Tsubaki | The Camellia |
| Kawasemi | ใใใใฟ | Kawasemi | The Kingfisher |
| Yukinoshita | ใใใฎใใ | Yukinoshita | Under the Snow |
| Ibuki | ใใถใ | Ibuki | The Breath |
| Mimatsuri | ใฟใพใคใ | Mimatsuri | The Festival |
Zodiac Constellations
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nezumi | ใญใใฟ | Nezumi | The Rat |
| Ushi | ใใ | Ushi | The Ox |
| Tora | ใจใ | Tora | The Tiger |
| U | ใ | U | The Rabbit |
| Tatsu | ใใค | Tatsu | The Dragon |
| Mi | ใฟ | Mi | The Snake |
| Uma | ใใพ | Uma | The Horse |
| Hitsujishi | ใฒใคใใ | Hitsujishi | The Sheep |
| Saru | ใใ | Saru | The Monkey |
| Tori | ใจใ | Tori | The Rooster |
| Inu | ใใฌ | Inu | The Dog |
| I | ใ | I | The Boar |
Modern Constellations
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kujira | ใใใ | Kujira | The Whale |
| Hyoga | ใฒใใใ | Hyoga | The Panther |
| Paipu | ใฑใใท | Paipu | The Pipe |
| Kaiju | ใใใใ ใ | Kaiju | The Monster |
| Raion | ใใใใ | Raion | The Lion |
| Jigoku | ใใใ | Jigoku | The Hell |
| Kikanbou | ใใใใผใ | Kikanbou | The Telescope |
| Kani | ใใซ | Kani | The Crab |
| Toriton | ใจใใจใ | Toriton | The Triton |
| Pegasasu | ใบใใใ | Pegasasu | The Pegasus |
| Furiko | ใตใใ | Furiko | The Pendulum |
| Doragon | ใฉใใใ | Doragon | The Dragon |
The Significance of Choosing Constellation Names in Japanese
How a name can shape a person’s identity and personality:
Constellation names hold cultural and personal significance, reflecting stories and character traits.
The psychological and cultural factors that come into play when naming:
Naming constellations in Japan reveals deep-rooted beliefs and connections with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese constellation names often stem from ancient myths and folklore, where celestial bodies were believed to be deities and heroes.
Japanese constellation names focus on nature, animals, and legendary figures, while Western names often emphasize mythological characters.
Absolutely. They continue to be culturally significant, especially in traditional arts, festivals, and daily life.
Certainly. Exploring these names can deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and its connection with the cosmos.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japanese constellation names weave a rich tapestry of culture and mythology across the night sky. Each name carries a story, reflecting the deep connection between people and the celestial realm. Exploring these names offers a fascinating journey into Japan’s heritage and its enduring fascination with the cosmos.