【Reading】かみて

【English Name】Kamite

"Kamite/Uwate/Joto" is a Japanese word with multiple readings and meanings, and is also used at sushi restaurants and in Japanese dining settings.

When read "kamite," it means the higher-ranking direction within a space. On the stage it refers to the right side as seen from the audience, called "stage left" in English. In a traditional Japanese space, the kamiza (seat of honor) direction—near the tokonoma alcove, away from the entrance—is expressed as kamite. It is also used for the upstream of a river or the windward direction, in which case it is also read "uwate."

In the reading "uwate," it indicates that one's ability or standing surpasses the other party's. In sumo, it refers to the state of grasping the belt from the outside of the opponent's arm, and is also used in technique names such as uwate-nage (overarm throw). In go and shogi, the stronger player is called the uwate.

When read "jozu," it becomes a word of praise indicating mastery of a skill. "Jozu no te kara mizu ga moreru" (water leaks even from a master's hand) is known as a proverb meaning that even an expert makes mistakes. On the other hand, "o-jozu" can sometimes mean mere lip-service flattery. "Te" (hand) carries meanings of skill and direction, while "jo/kami" (upper) includes meanings such as something important or a starting point.