Omi

Omi may refer to several distinct topics in history, geography, and modern culture.

In historical Japan, Omi was a hereditary noble title (kabane) granted by the Yamato state to powerful clans. The title signified high rank within the court hierarchy and was used during the late Kofun period into the early Heian period. Omi was one of the upper ranks alongside other noble titles, and its political significance diminished as the ritsuryō system evolved and state structures changed.

Ōmi Province was a historical province of Japan located in what is today Shiga Prefecture, with portions at times associated with neighboring regions. The province encompassed areas around Lake Biwa and functioned as a strategic corridor between western and central Japan. It played a notable role in early state formation and regional politics.

In modern usage, Omi appears as a personal or stage name. The Jamaican-born singer Omar Samuel Pasley performs under the stage name OMI and gained international recognition with the 2015 hit Cheerleader. Beyond this, Omi can be found as a given name or surname in various cultures, reflecting its broader adoption outside historical contexts.

Omi may also appear in other niche uses, including geographic names or fictional works. The most widely recognized references are the ancient Japanese title, the historic province, and the contemporary artist who uses OMI as a stage name.