Their name is derived from Kunakoku, the name of a kingdom that is noted to have historically existed during Himiko's reign. Its ruler was a male named Himikoko, and his kingdom was noted to be south of Nakoku. According to the Weizhi Worenchuan, he lost his life in a military conflict with Himiko's forces. It's often noted as an ancient kingdom in Kyushu due to its relation with Nakoku, but Kunakoku has been argued to exist on other sections of the islands.