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Hokkaidō prefecture

Hokkaido
北海道
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
 • Japanese 北海道
 • Rōmaji Hokkaidō
Ainu transcription(s)
 • Ainu アィヌ・モシ
 • Rōmaji Ainu-Mosir
Flag of Hokkaido
Flag
Official logo of Hokkaido
Symbol of Hokkaido
Location of Hokkaido
Country Japan
Region Hokkaido
Island Hokkaido
Capital Sapporo
Government
 • Governor Harumi Takahashi
Area
 • Total 83,453.57 km2 (32,221.60 sq mi)
Area rank 1st
Population (June 30, 2016)
 • Total 5,381,711
 • Rank 8th
 • Density 64.49/km2 (167.0/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code JP-01
Districts 74
Municipalities 179
Flower Hamanasu (rugosa rose, Rosa rugosa)
Tree Ezomatsu (Jezo spruce, Picea jezoensis)
Bird Tanchō (red-crowned crane, Grus japonensis)
Fish Sea bream
Website www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp
Hokkaido (island)
Native name: 北海道(本島)
Geography
Location Boundary between northwestern Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan, and Sea of Okhotsk
Coordinates 43°N 142°E / 43°N 142°E / 43; 142
Archipelago Japanese archipelago
Area 77,981.87 km2 (30,108.97 sq mi)
Highest elevation 2,290 m (7,510 ft)
Highest point Asahi-dake
Administration
Japan
Prefectures Hokkaido
Largest settlement Sapporo (pop. 1,890,561)
Demographics
Population approx. 5,600,000
Ethnic groups Ainu, Japanese

Hokkaido (北海道 Hokkaidō?, literally "Northern Sea Circuit") (Japanese: [hokkaidoː]), formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is the second largest island of Japan, and the largest and northernmost prefecture. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu. The two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel. The largest city on Hokkaido is its capital, Sapporo, which is also its only ordinance-designated city. About 43 km north of Hokkaido lies Sakhalin island, Russia, whereas to its east and north-east are the disputed Kuril Islands.

Hokkaido (北海道) was settled by the Ainu,Nivkh, and Orok before recorded history. The Nihon Shoki, finished in 720 AD, is often said to be the first mention of Hokkaido in recorded history. According to the text, Abe no Hirafu led a large navy and army to northern areas from 658 to 660 and came into contact with the Mishihase and Emishi. One of the places Hirafu went to was called Watarishima (渡島?), which is often believed to be present-day Hokkaido. However, many theories exist in relation to the details of this event, including the location of Watarishima and the common belief that the Emishi in Watarishima were the ancestors of the present-day Ainu people.


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Wikipedia

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