What Do These Japanese Characters on Old Paddle Say?

Posted on December 26, 2009 by admin

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk80/besunny/Japanesepaddle.jpg

It’s a small wood paddle. I’m sure a late relative picked it up in late ’45, while in Japan with the US Occupation Forces.

Don’t know if I have the words right side up or not. Appreciate any help in translating.

It says "Miyajima". It is an island name of Japan and known for wood paddles called "shamoji".

The sites below would help you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamoji

Hope this helps.

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2 Responses to What Do These Japanese Characters on Old Paddle Say?

  1. Hiro says:
    December 26, 2009 at 3:25 pm

    It says "Miyajima". It is an island name of Japan and known for wood paddles called "shamoji".

    The sites below would help you.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamoji

    Hope this helps.
    References :
    mother tongue

  2. ersatzjello says:
    December 26, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    Rotate 90 degrees to the right to get them right side up. The words say 宮島 (miyajima). This is a popular Shinto shrine in the Hiroshima prefecture. I’ve been there and it’s beautiful. I’m guessing that this "paddle" was a souveneer from this tourist attraction.
    References :
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima_Shrine