Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the second-largest and northernmost of Japan's four main islands. Together with its surrounding islands, it comprises the largest and northernmost prefecture, making up its own region. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, and the two islands are connected by railway via the Seikan Tunnel. Hokkaido was formerly known as Ezo, Ezochi, and Ezogashima. Although Japanese settlers ruled the southern tip of the island since the 16th century, Hokkaido was primarily inhabited by the Ainu people.
- Location
- Northernmost of Japan's four main islands
- Capital
- Sapporo
- Former names
- Ezo, Ezochi, Ezogashima
- Separated from Honshu by
- Tsugaru Strait
- Connected to Honshu by
- Seikan Tunnel
- Indigenous people
- Ainu
Lore & Background
The Ebetsu Kofun Cluster, dating from the latter half of the 8th century to the middle of the 9th century, provides evidence of Yamato people and trade between Hokkaido and Honshu before feudal Japan. An entry in the Nihon Shoki records a military campaign by Abe no Hirafu that forced the Ainu from Tohoku to Yezo (present-day Hokkaido).
Reader's Guide
Hokkaido's significance lies in its role as Japan's northern frontier and its complex history of colonization and assimilation of the Ainu people. In the 21st century, the Ainu are almost totally assimilated into Japanese society, leading to the near-erasure of their cultural practices, traditions, and language.
Did You Know?
- Hokkaido is separated from Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait and connected by the Seikan Tunnel.
- The largest city on Hokkaido is its capital, Sapporo, which is also its only ordinance-designated city.
- The Ainu call the region Kai, which influenced the name Hokkaido.
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