Convert Japanese Sun to centimeters effortlessly
1 寸 x 3.0303 = 3.0303 cm
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Ever tried buying a traditional Japanese tatami mat or interpreting Edo-period blueprints? You’ve probably bumped into the Sun unit (寸), a measurement that’s been around longer than sushi. While Japan adopted the metric system in 1891, Sun persists in carpentry, tailoring, and martial arts. Let’s unravel this cultural measuring tape—literally.
Unit definitions
What is a japanese sun (寸)?
Description: The Sun is part of Japan’s Shakkan-ho system, based on body parts and natural objects.
Symbol: 寸
Common uses: Measuring fabric lengths, wooden joinery, and sword blade widths.
Definition: 1 Sun equals 1/10 of a Shaku (another traditional unit), approximately 3.03 centimeters.
What is a centimeter (cm)?
Description: The centimeter is a metric unit used worldwide for everyday measurements.
Symbol: cm
Common uses: Rulers, clothing sizes, engineering diagrams.
Definition: 1/100 of a meter, standardized through the International System of Units (SI).
Conversion formula
To convert Sun to centimeters:
Centimeters = Sun × 3.0303
For centimeters to Sun:
Sun = Centimeters ÷ 3.0303
Example calculations
- 5 Sun to cm:
5 × 3.0303 = 15.1515 cm
(You’d need about 15.15 cm of silk for a 5-Sun kimono trim.) - 20 cm to Sun:
20 ÷ 3.0303 ≈ 6.6 Sun
(A 20 cm wooden beam roughly equals 6.6 Sun in traditional terms.)
Conversion tables
Japanese Sun to centimeters
| Sun | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3.03 |
| 2 | 6.06 |
| 3 | 9.09 |
| 4 | 12.12 |
| 5 | 15.15 |
| 6 | 18.18 |
| 7 | 21.21 |
| 8 | 24.24 |
| 9 | 27.27 |
| 10 | 30.30 |
Centimeters to Japanese Sun
| Centimeters | Sun |
|---|---|
| 5 | 1.65 |
| 10 | 3.30 |
| 15 | 4.95 |
| 20 | 6.60 |
| 25 | 8.25 |
| 30 | 9.90 |
| 35 | 11.55 |
| 40 | 13.20 |
| 45 | 14.85 |
| 50 | 16.50 |
History
The Shakkan-ho system arrived in Japan from China during teh Asuka period (538-710 CE). Sun derived from the width of a thumb—practical for traders and artisans. By the Meiji era, Japan modernized its measurements to align with European standards, but Sun survived in niche areas. Fun tidbit: Samurai sword certificates still list blade lengths in Sun for authenticity.
Interesting facts...
- Body-based system: 1 Sun ≈ the width of an adult thumb at the base.
- Martial arts: Kendō practitioners use Sun to measure bamboo sword lengths.
- Architecture: Traditional tea rooms often follow Sun dimensions for harmony.
- Global cousins: Similar to the inch (2.54 cm) but rooted in Asian culture.
- Textile legacy: Kimono makers use Sun for sleeve lengths and obi widths.
FAQ
While Japan officially uses metric measurements, Sun appears in traditional crafts like carpentry and textile work.
Centimeters are globally recognized, making conversions helpful for international projects or academic research.
Though similar (1 Sun ≈ 3.03 cm vs 1 Cun = 3.33 cm), they belong to different measurement systems.
Not recommended—metric units ensure precision. Sun is better suited for cultural or historical contexts.
Shaku is larger—1 Shaku equals 10 Sun, about 30.3 centimeters.