Sumiyoshi

Sumiyoshi is a common surname in Japan. It is also the name of several geographical locations and a significant Shinto shrine complex. The Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine, located in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, is one of Japan's oldest shrines, founded in the 3rd century. It is the head shrine of the Sumiyoshi shrines, which number over 2,000 nationwide. These shrines are dedicated to the Sumiyoshi Okami, deities of the sea, safe travel, and national defense.

The Sumiyoshi districts within various Japanese cities, such as Sumiyoshi-ku in Osaka, are named after the local Sumiyoshi shrines. These areas often have a historical connection to maritime activities or trade. The surname Sumiyoshi is believed to have originated from these geographical locations or from a veneration of the Sumiyoshi deities. It is a name found across different social strata and regions of Japan.