Where is hokkaido located. Hokkaido: a completely different Japan. Animal and plant world

Flag of Hokkaido Prefecture*

Hokkaido(Jap. 北海道 Hokkaido, "northern sea route", "way to the North Seas") - the governorship of Japan, located on the island of the same name, the second largest island in Japan. The northernmost of the 47 prefectures. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the Seikan Railway Tunnel. The administrative center of the governorate -. (Read more: wikipedia - Hokkaido [governorship], Hokkaido)

It was here, in the extreme southwest of the Oshima Peninsula, that the feudal principality of Matsumae, vassal from the shoguns, was established in 1604, in whose possession the entire island was given. It was called Ezo at that time, and its indigenous population was, the conquest of which stretched for more than two centuries.

Full-scale economic development of the island began only during the transformations in Japan in 1868. Significant in the history of the island was 1869. The island was then renamed Hokkaido, which can be literally translated as "province of the northern seas" or even for some time it became a single administrative unit with the rights of a governorship. In the same 1869 The government established the Hokkaido Colonization Office and took matters into their own hands. Government control over the development of Hokkaido continues to this day. It is carried out through the established in 1950. Hokkaido Development Agency, whose head has the rank of minister of the Japanese government.

Almost a third of the island's territory is covered with forests (71%). The unique nature of the island is protected in 6 national, 5 quasi-national and 12 prefectural parks-reserves. They occupy 10% of the total territory of the island. There are 10 large and many more small lakes of volcanic origin in Hokkaido.

The forest wealth of the island predetermined a significant share of the logging, timber processing and woodworking industries in the economy of Hokkaido.

From the minerals of Hokkaido the most famous are coal and iron ore, the development of which has been going on for more than a decade.

Plains of Hokkaido developed for agricultural production. Due to the more northerly location of the island, it differs from other regions of the country. In particular, it has a small share of rice (only 8% of the national production). Soybeans (84%), potatoes (78%), cereals (60%), onions (48%), carrots (27%) dominate. The island's dairy farms produce 40% of the country's milk.

Hokkaido, washed by the Pacific Ocean, as well as the Sea of ​​​​Okhotsk and the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bJapan, is traditionally famous for sea fishing (especially salmon fishing) and seafood. According to 1994 data, 1.7 million tons of fish and seafood were harvested here, which amounted to 1/5 of the total Japanese production. On the rivers where salmonids come to spawn, a powerful network of artificial breeding plants for salmonids has been created. The products of agriculture and sea fishing constitute a solid base for the developed food industry in Hokkaido.

32.8% of the total value of the island's production comes from the food industry, 16% from the logging and processing of timber, 6% from coal and oil extraction, 6.1% from metalworking, 3.9% from mechanical engineering, 4.5 % - electrical engineering, 3.3% - transport engineering, 3.4% - steelmaking. In addition, 5.8% comes from the production of ceramic products and stone processing. In total, Hokkaido provides 4% of the value of the total Japanese industrial output. Only 11.8% of Hokkaido's enterprises are oriented to the national and global market. Experts regard this feature of the island's economy as a sign of a certain economic backwardness, since the share of enterprises oriented to the national and world markets in the country as a whole is 43.1%, i.e. three times higher than in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido business community, relying on state support, are making a lot of efforts to eliminate this disproportion, paying special attention to the development of enterprises oriented to the markets of countries neighboring Hokkaido, including the Far Eastern regions of Russia. Large investments are being made in the creation of high-tech industries. The development of the tourism and recreation industry is also considered promising.

Satellite image of Hokkaido. January 2003

The largest industrial centers of Hokkaido are the cities of Sapporo, Tomakomai, Muroran and Otaru.

Hokkaido's foreign trade relations are also distinguished by their originality. If Japan as a whole has an excess of exports over imports, then in Hokkaido, on the contrary, imports significantly exceed exports.

Imports are mainly energy, timber, fish and seafood, grain and fertilizers. And the main exports are engineering products: nuclear reactors and equipment for nuclear power plants, railway cars, ships, as well as paper and paper products.

The main foreign trade partner of Hokkaido - both in imports and in exports - is the United States. In imports they are followed by Russia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, China. In export - Korea, Belgium, Spain, Taiwan.

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There are 212 municipalities in Hokkaido, including 34 large cities, 154 small towns, and 24 villages.

The administrative center of the island - (1.7 million inhabitants). The city became the capital of the island in 1869. Today Sapporo- the financial and commercial heart of the island.

The original settlement of the Japanese island of Hokkaido occurred about twenty thousand years ago. Then the Ainu lived here - one of the most ancient peoples of the Japanese islands. However, the history of the development of Hokkaido still holds many mysteries: after all, the first mention of the island, known to scientists today, appeared on the pages of the Japanese written monument “Hon Shoki”, dated to the eighth century. There is a widespread theory that according to it, the island of Watarishima, which is referred to in the annals, is Hokkaido, which was named so only in 1869.
Local residents were engaged in hunting and fishing, and trade relations with other islands allowed them to provide themselves with rice. The Ainu also bought iron from their neighbors.
However, their peaceful life was destined to end in the XIV-XV centuries, when the Japanese began to expand their spheres of influence. Gradually, they began to populate the Oshima Peninsula, located in the southwest of Hokkaido, which was aggressively perceived by the Ainu. The tension in relations between the peoples grew into a war, which ended in 1475 with the death of the leader of the Ainu. Japanese warriors did not seize the possessions of the vanquished, but received privileged rights to trade with the indigenous inhabitants of the island.
During the heyday of the Matsumae principality, whose main territories were located on the island of Oshima, Hokkaido became part of the possessions of local rulers. From that moment on, the long-term struggle between the Japanese, who claimed their rights to the territories, and the indigenous inhabitants of the lands flared up with renewed vigor on the island. Ainu uprisings took place until the second half of the 18th century, but they did not bring any results: in the face of a possible Russian attack from the west, the Japanese confidently held a strategically important island.
During the year (1868/1869), when Japan was engulfed in the Boshin War (a conflict between supporters of the feudal government led by the Tokugawa dynasty and representatives of the movement in support of the imperial power), the independent Republic of Ezo existed on the island of Hokkaido. It was proclaimed after the military defeat of the Tokugawa forces: thousands of military men moved to Hokkaido, who, as a result of the first elections in Japanese history, elected the head of the new republic, Admiral Enomoto Takeaki.
However, the emperor did not tolerate arbitrariness in his territories for long, and on March 20, 1869, a navy was sent to the shores of the island. The battle that followed soon was resolved not in favor of the fleeing warriors: the Ezo Republic was abolished, and its president was sentenced to serving a prison term.
In 1882, Hokkaido was divided into three prefectures: Hakodate, Sapporo, and Nemuro. Four years later, the island was merged into one prefecture, which by 1947 was equal to other Japanese prefectures.
The last years of the Second World War became a difficult test for Hokkaido. In 1945, its territories were bombed, as a result of which more than seventy cities and villages were badly damaged.
Hokkaido is located in the north of Japan, and its shores face the Sea of ​​Japan and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, as well as the Pacific Ocean. On the Nemuro Peninsula - the Hokkaido region - there is the easternmost point of Japan, Cape Nosappu-Saki. In terms of area, the island ranks 21st in the world, and in terms of population - 20th (however, in recent years, Hokkaido has faced serious problems of depopulation).
Approximately half of the island's territory is occupied by mountain ranges that stretch along the central axis of Hokkaido from north to south, while coastal lands are predominantly plains.
Huge spaces (more than 70%) on the island of Hokkaido are occupied by forests. Many forested areas are under state protection: there are six national parks, five quasi-national parks, and twelve prefectural natural parks. Their total area is approximately 10% of the area of ​​Hokkaido.
The climate in Hokkaido is humid continental and has slightly cooler temperatures throughout the year than other parts of Japan. Winters here are long, cold and snowy, but in summer the island does not experience the usual heat for Japanese lands, and therefore, in the summer, the popularity of Hokkaido cities among Japanese tourists from other prefectures increases. True, according to rough estimates, there are only about seventeen sunny days a year in Hokkaido, while there are about 272 snowy and rainy days a year.
However, special weather conditions do not prevent the inhabitants of Hokkaido from engaging in agriculture, moreover, quite successfully. Soybeans, potatoes, carrots, onions and cereals are grown on the lands of the island. The traditional crop for Japanese plantations - rice - is practically not cultivated here.
In general, the island of Hokkaido plays an important role in the Japanese economy. Along with agriculture, a developed industry has been built on the island. Iron ore and coal are mined here, equipment is produced (including for nuclear power plants). Traditionally, the coastal cities of the prefecture also serve as a source of fresh fish (especially salmon) and seafood for neighboring lands. Despite the large number of vacancies offered in industrial companies, most local residents work in the service sector (this sector accounts for about three-quarters of Hokkaido's GDP). Import volumes here significantly exceed export volumes.
From a legal point of view, the island of Hokkaido is part of the territories of the prefecture of the same name. It also includes the small islands of Rishiri, Okusuri and Rebun. In addition, according to the Japanese authorities, the prefecture also includes some of the islands of the group Kuril Islands.
The largest city islands - located in the west of Hokkaido and which is the administrative center of the prefecture of the same name. It is also the fifth largest city in all of Japan. Numerous industrial enterprises are concentrated here, including those specializing in the field of high technologies, the food industry, and paper production. Sapporo is also a popular resort. There are many hot springs on the island, which contributes to the development of tourism.

general information

Administrative division: 14 sub-prefectures within Hokkaido Prefecture as a whole).
Capital: Sapporo (1,915,542 people -2010).
Language: Japanese.
Ethnic composition: Japanese (98.5%). Koreans (0.5%). Chinese (0.4%), 0.6% - other (Ainu).
Religions: Shinto, Buddhism.
Currency unit: yen.
Largest cities: Sapporo, Tomakomai, Muroran, Otaru.
Major rivers: Ishikari, Tokachi.
Major airport: international Airport Chitose.

Numbers

Area: 83,453.57 km2.
Population: 5,507,456 (2010).
Population density: 65.9 people / km 2.
The most high point: Mount Asahi (2290 m).

Economy

Industry: food, paper, woodworking, mining of coal and iron ore, production of equipment (including for nuclear power plants).
Agriculture: growing soybeans, potatoes, carrots, onions, cereals, rice. Fishing.
Service sector: tourism, financial services, trade, transport.

Climate and weather

continental wet. It is characterized by cold snowy winters and cool summers.
July average temperature:+19.5°С.
January average temperature:-8°C.
Average rainfall: 800-1500 mm.

Attractions

■ Sapporo: Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the few buildings of the late 19th century that have survived in Hokkaido. in the American colonial style; Odori Boulevard - one of the central streets of the city: the Botanical Garden - it retained part of the forest that grew on the site of Sapporo; television tower (147 m) Sapporo; Nakajima park; Mount Moiwa - 8 km from Sapporo; Beer Museum (former sugar factory);
■ Hakodate: Five-bastion fortress (1864); Church of the Resurrection of the Lord; Koryuji Monastery; Higashi-Honganji Monastery, Momomachi Catholic Church;
■ National parks : Akan, Shiretoko, Kushiro-Shitsugen, Taiseiuzan, Shikotsu-Toya, Rishiri-Rebun;
■ Quasi-national parks: Onuma, Abashiri, Hidaka;
■ Akkeshi Prefectural Nature Park.

Curious facts

Hokkaido is roughly the size of Austria.

Sapporo is famous for the annual Snow Festival. It was first held in 1950, and then it was a small exhibition snow figures created by amateurs. However, the scale grew over time, and now the festival is held simultaneously on three sites, professional sculptors and beginners take part in it on an equal footing.

There are many hot springs in Hokkaido. The most interesting of them is Jigokudani, or Hell Valley. The area received such an ominous name because of the numerous geysers periodically soaring above the ground. Great lovers of swimming in the geothermal waters of local sources are Japanese macaques. Here they can often be found in winter.

The Ainu, who once made up the main population of the island of Hokkaido, formerly also lived in the territories of Russia, in particular in the south of Kamchatka, on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. A distinctive feature of the Ainu - European appearance Today, about thirty thousand descendants of the Ainu live in Japan, but over many centuries they have managed to assimilate with the Japanese.

Since 1859, the mission of the Russian Orthodox Church has been operating in Sapporo, with the help of which one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Japan, the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord, was erected. Since 1983, it has been listed as a cultural heritage of Japan.

In addition to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions threaten the inhabitants of Hokkaido: there are five active volcanoes on the island.

Over an area of ​​83,400 sq. km, it is the second in the state. Its population is about 5.5 million inhabitants. The Japanese island of Hokkaido is the northernmost of the state's four largest islands. It is separated from Honshu by the Sangar Strait.

The whole territory is divided into 14 districts. Under the control of Hokkaido there are several adjacent islands, for example, Rishiri, Rebun and others. There are nine main cities on the island: Sapporo, Hakodate, Kushiro, Asahikawa, Ebetsu, Otaru, Tomakomai, Obihiro and Kitami. Sapporo is the administrative center, it is home to about 30% of the population of Hokkaido. There are 39 colleges and 37 universities on the island.

Hokkaido is a popular destination for tourists. Most often, it is reached by ferry or plane; only a railway tunnel connects it with other islands of the state, which leads directly to the island of Honshu. The tunnel called "Seikan" is located at a depth of 240 meters.

History of Hokkaido

The first settlements arose 20 thousand years ago in Hokkaido. The islands of the central part of Japan are significantly different from the northern ones, where it is located. For a long time, the life and traditions of one culture were continued in others. Such continuity was observed in the Satsumon culture, which was a transformed post-Jōmon. It is Jomon that is considered the first culture that arose in Hokkaido. On the basis of Satsumon, the Ainu culture arose in the 13th century, which still exists today.

In the Middle Ages, the Japanese arrived on the island. Warring with the Ainu, they occupy the southern part of the territory. In the 17th century, the Japanese create a feudal principality, which establishes control over the entire island, without subjugating the Ainu to the end.

In the 19th century, the Hokkaido Administration was created, which performs the functions of a state body. The island is undergoing significant work to improve infrastructure. Railways and ports are being built, and a transport system between Hokkaido and Honshu is being established. There are steel, sawmills, paper mills, agriculture is developing. Since then, industry has been one of the important industries on the island.

Geography of Hokkaido

The islands of Japan are mostly of volcanic origin, Hokkaido is no exception. The territory of the island is formed by ophiolites and sedimentary-volcanic rocks. From the northern coast is the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. The island is also washed by the Sea of ​​Japan and the waters of the Pacific Ocean. In the south, Hokkaido is represented by the Oshima Peninsula. On this island there are two extreme points of the country at once: in the north it is Cape Soya, and in the east - Nosappu-Saki.

The terrain is mountainous and flat at the same time. Volcanoes and mountains stretch through the entire central part. The island is affected by seismic activity, and some volcanoes are considered active (Koma, Usu, Tokachi, Tarume, Mezakan). Asahi is the highest peak. This mountain on the island of Hokkaido reaches 2290 meters in height. The plains are located closer to the coasts.

Climate

Due to its length from north to south, the climatic conditions of Japan differ in different parts of the country. Cold temperatures are different in Hokkaido. The islands in the southwestern part, on the contrary, have warm conditions, as a subtropical climate has formed here.

Winters in Hokkaido are colder than in other regions of Japan, with snow on the island up to 120 days per season. On the mountain ranges, closer to the northern part of the island, snowdrifts can reach 11 meters, and almost two meters near the Pacific coast. In January, the average temperature is from -12 to -4 degrees. Throughout the winter from the side Sea of ​​Okhotsk there are many drifting ice floes.

Summers are usually cool too. The average August temperature is from 17 to 22 degrees. In summer, the number of rainy days averages up to 150, although this figure is much higher on other islands.

Animal and plant world

The nature of Hokkaido is the main reason why tourists visit it. Despite the large number of industrial enterprises, the government managed to preserve natural resources. Approximately 70% is occupied by forests. Coniferous trees grow in the northern part, they are represented by spruces, cedars, and firs. Broad-leaved trees grow in the southern part. Bamboo is also widespread in Hokkaido.

The animal world is quite diverse. It is home to the largest population of brown bears in Asia. Stoats, sables, foxes live on the island. Local lakes are full of fish, and in spring many birds fly here. One of the local residents is a flying squirrel called "ezo momonga", which can only be found in Hokkaido.

Attractions

The main attractions of the island are, of course, natural objects. Hokkaido has about 20 national, quasi-national parks and reserves. The island has a huge number of lakes, hot springs and picturesque mountains.

In the city of Kushiro there is a natural park of Japanese cranes, which are under special protection of the state. national park Akan, which is located on the shores of the lake of the same name, is famous for its hot springs.

At the Tomita farm in Furano, you can observe stunning beauties. Hectares of the territory are planted with various varieties of lavender. From June to July, the fields are decorated with lilac, white and other flowers. Sunflowers, poppies, and daffodils grow here.

One of the most popular places on the island is Blue Lake. Gray trunks of withered trees peep out of the bright blue water, creating a truly bewitching sight.

Resorts and festivals

Thanks to snowy winters and mountains, in November Hokkaido opens ski resorts. They operate in the city of Furano, Niseki, Biei. In addition, interesting festivals are organized on the island. In the main city of Hokkaido, the Snow Festival opens every year. At this time, huge snowdrifts become a real material for creativity. About two million people from all over the world come to compete in the ability to create sculptures from ice and snow. Another winter festival is organized in the city of Mombetsu, it is called the “Drifting Ice Festival”.

On the Furano farm we already know, the Lavender Festival opens every summer. This action is dedicated, of course, to the flowering of this plant. In total, more than a thousand different festivals and celebrations take place on the island. One of them, by the way, is very reminiscent of European harvest festivals, only everything happens near the seashores, and instead of gratitude for the fruit harvest, the locals thank nature for the generous catch.

Conclusion

Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku are the largest Japanese islands. Hokkaido is the second largest island. It is located in the northern part of the country, due to which its climate is colder and harsher than in the rest of Japan. Despite this, the island has a unique nature, which millions of people from different parts of our planet come to see.

In the old Russian transcription - Matsmai, Matsmay.

Encyclopedic YouTube

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  Hokkaido is located in the north of Japan. The northern coast of the island is washed by the cold Sea of ​​Okhotsk and faces the Pacific coast of the Far East of Russia. The territory of Hokkaido is almost equally divided between mountains and plains. The mountains are located in the center of the island and stretch in ridges from north to south. The most high peak- Asahi volcano (2290 m). In the western part of the island, along the Ishikari River (length 265 km), there is a valley with the same name, in the eastern part, along the Tokati River (156 km) - another valley. The southern part of Hokkaido is formed by the Oshima Peninsula, separated by the Sangar Strait from Honshu. Between these islands, the Seikan Railway Tunnel is built under the seabed.

  The easternmost point of Japan is located on the island - Cape Nosappu-Saki. Also located on it is the northernmost point of Japan - Cape Soya.

  The largest city of Hokkaido and the administrative center of the prefecture of the same name is Sapporo. The city area is 1121.12 km², population - 1,933,787 people (June 30, 2014), population density - 1724.87 people / km². This is the only million-plus city of the island, in the agglomeration of which lives up to 2/3 of the population of Hokkaido.

  Climate

  The climate of Hokkaido is noticeably colder than in other parts of Japan. The average annual temperature on the island on average (excluding mountains) is +8 °C. The proximity of the Pacific Ocean affects the fact that the island has an average of only 17 full sunny days a year, an average of 149 rainy days are recorded in summer, and 123 snowy days in winter. Despite the amount of rainfall, Hokkaido has drier summers than other parts of the country and colder winters. In Japan, the island is considered the "harsh North", because the climate of the island is strikingly different from that of other, more southerly islands of the country. On Mount Asahi, as well as in the mountains of the Shiretoko Peninsula, a subarctic climate dominates, which is unusual for Japan.

  Flora and fauna

  Most of Hokkaido is covered in forests. Coniferous forests of spruce and fir predominate, with dense thickets of bamboo in the undergrowth. Cedar and birch forests grow at a height, wastelands with shrubs are located. In the northern part, the border of forests of coniferous trees is at an altitude of 500 meters, in the south of the island, forests consist of broad-leaved trees. In the forests you can meet sable, ermine, weasel, brown bear, fox. Hokkaido bears are distinguished by their ferocious disposition.

  Historical information

  The oldest artifacts found in Hokkaido belong to the late Paleolithic era. These are stone flakes made by primitive man 25-20 thousand years ago. They were found at the mountain site Shukyubai-Sankakuyama (Japanese 祝梅三角山遺跡) of the city of Chitose and the Shimaki site (Japanese 嶋木遺跡) of the village of Kamisihoro. 15-12 thousand years ago, in the Mesolithic era, the technique of making stone blades spread to Hokkaido, which is associated with the emergence of a culture of microlithic tools. At the same time, the inhabitants of the island learned to use a bow and arrow.

  It is believed that the first written mention of Hokkaido was made in the chronicle Nihon shoki completed in 720. According to the chronicle, Abe no Hirafu, who went north at the head of a large fleet from 658 to 680, came into contact with the Mishihase and Emishi tribes. Watarashima Island (jap. 渡島), visited by Hirafu, is considered modern Hokkaido.

  The island was known as Ezochi until the Meiji Restoration. Immediately after the end of the Boshin War in 1868, a group of shogunal supporters led by Enomoto Takeaki temporarily occupied the island, proclaiming the establishment of the Ezo Republic. (jap. 蝦夷共和國 ezō kyō: wakoku) , but the uprising was crushed in May 1869. Ezochi came under the control of the government of Hakodate Prefecture of Hakodate Prefecture (jap. 箱館府 hakodate fu) . Since 1689 and the formation of the Development Board (jap. 開拓使 kaitakushi) , the island became known as Hokkaido and was divided into the following provinces: Oshima, Shiribesi, Iburi, Ishikari, Teshio, Kitami, Hidaka, Tokachi, Kushiro, Nemuro and Chisima.

  The main goal of the administration was to secure the Hokkaido region from the possible advance of Russia in the Far East. Kuroda Kiyotaka stood at its head. His first step in office was a visit to the US during which he hired Horace Capron, Secretary of Agriculture under President Grant. From 1871 to 1873, Karpon tried to introduce Western methods of farming and mining, but, having not achieved great success, he was forced to return home in 1875. In 1876, another American specialist, William Clark, founded the Sapporo Agricultural College. (jap. 札幌農學校 sapporo no gakko) . Although Clark spent only one year in Hokkaido, he left a positive impression and contributed to the development of local agriculture, as well as to the spread of Christianity. Known in Japan for his call to students: "Guys, be ambitious!" (English) Boys, be ambitious!), these words can be found as inscriptions on buildings in Hokkaido to this day. During this decade, the population of Hokkaido has grown from 58 thousand to 240 thousand people.

  In 1882, the government was abolished and Hokkaido was divided into three prefectures: Hakodate Prefecture (jap. 函館県 hakodate ken) , Sapporo Prefecture (jap. 札幌県 sapporo ken) and Nemuro Prefecture (jap. 根室県 nemuro ken) . In 1886, after the prefectures were abolished, the region came under the jurisdiction of the specially created Hokkaido Agency. (jap. 北海道庁 hokkaido: cho:) . In 1947, after the entry into force of a new law on local autonomy, Hokkaido received the status of a prefecture. Under the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan, the Hokkaido Development Agency was established in 1949. (jap. 北海道開発庁 hokkaido: kaihatsu cho:) Prime Minister of Japan for direct administration of the territory. The agency was taken over by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2001. Hokaido Division (jap. 北海道局 hokkaido: kyoku) and Hokkaido Regional Development Division (jap. 北海道開発局 hokkaido: kaihatsu kyoku) under the ministry still play a big role in the development of infrastructure projects on the island.

  Demography

  Historical colonization

  The history of Japaneseization of Hokkaido began long before the Japanese landed on the island, where, according to rough estimates, up to 50,000 Ainu natives lived. In the X-XV centuries, the Japanese managed to conquer and largely assimilate the Ainu of the northern half of the island. Honshu from the city of Sendai, for a long time the former ancient center of the Ainu resistance to the city of Tsugaru, which, being located directly opposite Hokkaido, became a springboard for the development of the latter. According to the inventory of 1788, about 26.5 thousand Japanese already lived in the principality of Matsumae, but their number did not grow so fast in the 19th century: the rather cold (for the Japanese) local climate had a deterrent effect, to which only fishermen could adapt, but nothing not rice growers. But the rapid progressive development of the Japanese economy since the last third of the 19th century has led to rapid population growth and a constant shortage of raw materials in the form of wood, seafood, and minerals. Agrarian overpopulation southern islands also made itself felt.

  Subsequently, the number of Japanese colonists grew rapidly, and the Ainu decreased during conflicts and assimilation. From to , significant assistance to the Japanese in the development of the island was provided by the Americans, who, together with the Japanese, feared the strengthening of Russia in the Far East. This assistance gave certain results: in the 1870s, the Japanese population grew from 58,000 to 240,000. This allowed Japan to secure Hokkaido, but the country still did not have enough demographic resources to develop Sakhalin, so it

  
  For a change, Russia may demand Hokkaido from the Japanese.

  No sooner had Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to Japan come to an end than Tokyo took up its old ways and again raised the issue of belonging to the Kuril Islands. And he did it in a sharper, more radical format, mentioning the island of Sakhalin in the context. Russia's willingness to compromise on the territorial issue was seen as a weakness, and therefore a pretext for attacking actions on the diplomatic front. Adding to the heat of the debate is the imminent election, in which incumbent Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expects to win with a tough stance. Russia, although deploying an additional military contingent in the disputed territories, is more likely to lose politically, remaining on the defensive. A way out of the situation could be a symmetrical demand - the question of the ownership of the island of Hokkaido, where subjects of the Russian Empire once lived.
  
  Retired diplomat Yoshike Mine spoke in detail about the views of the Japanese political establishment on the problem of settling the so-called "northern territories" in an interview with the influential publication Toyo Keizai. According to him, the problem has two levels. “In a narrow sense, the issue of the ‘Northern Territories’ refers to four islands. In a broader sense, to Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands,” Mine noted. At the same time, he gave the Japanese name for Sakhalin - Karafuto. At the same time, the diplomat made a reservation that in the discussions in the parliament, the Japanese government is talking about only four islands: Habomai, Shikotan, Kunashir and Iturup. Mine also recalled that Russia had already declared its readiness to return Habomai and Shikotan. That is, the Japanese consider the transfer of the two southern islands a matter of principle decided. Wider territorial claims, including Sakhalin, is their maximum task.

  The fact that such speeches are made by a non-acting civil servant does not mean at all that his words should not be given importance. In the Western political tradition, it is considered normal to give odious ideas to formally inactive, but authoritative politicians. They are used as an element of pressure in negotiations and a subject for political bargaining. Let us recall the numerous foreign policy missions of Carter or Kissinger. The defeated Japanese learn from the winners - the Yankees. Arguing his position in an interview with references to historical treaties and post-war diplomatic conflicts, Mine seeks to create the impression that Russia has no right to the South Kuriles and, in conclusion, appeals to the United States as an external force, calling for Japan and Russia to intervene in bilateral negotiations.

  At first glance, the position of our Foreign Ministry is impeccable: the continuation of negotiations on the islands is possible only after Japan recognizes the results of the Second World War - Russian sovereignty over the "disputed territories" and the signing of a peace treaty. That is, “money in the morning - chairs in the evening”, and not vice versa. Although the transfer of Japan (suppose!) the two southern islands, albeit as a gesture of goodwill, is unlikely to find understanding among the Russians. Even if the notorious peace treaty is signed. The Japanese, however, are not satisfied with this, largely one-sided, option. Realizing this on the eve of his visit, Sergei Lavrov said that official Moscow demands clarity from Tokyo on this issue. However, the recent remark of the Russian president, told to journalists after a straight line that "a compromise can and will be found someday," seems to have once again inspired the politicians of the Land of the Rising Sun. Kommersant's sources at the Russian embassy in Tokyo also say the same.

  Diplomatic games are taking place against the backdrop of Russia strengthening its defense capabilities in the region. Earlier it was reported that the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation will deploy coastal missile systems "Bal" and "Bastion" in the Kuril Islands, as well as a group of new generation drones. This will happen as part of the planned rearmament of formations and military units stationed here. In addition, in April, sailors of the Pacific Fleet will set off on a three-month expedition to the islands of the Greater Kuril Ridge. The statement by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu that the strengthening of the Russian military infrastructure in the southern Kuriles "would be incompatible with the position of Japan" looks harsh and does not leave room for compromise. Deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation added fuel to the fire, proposing to use the image of the disputed islands on the new banknote introduced by the Central Bank. Obviously, in the case of such a fixing of the symbol, there can be no question of any transfer of the islands.

  Meanwhile, all these measures are more of a technical nature. Yes, the islands will be reliably protected, but once the USSR was not a weak power from a military point of view, but capitulated as soon as the weak General Secretary Gorbachev was at the helm. To consolidate the parity and assert its position, Russia would be helped by some kind of symmetrical demand on Japan of a political nature, which would balance the claims of Tokyo. And most importantly, it could be removed only in response to the withdrawn demands of the Japanese. Such a requirement could be the issue of the territorial belonging of the island of Hokkaido. Once the USSR intended to seize it from Japan, defeated in the war, but the resistance of US President Harry Truman prevented. There are historical arguments justifying Russia's claims to the island.

  Hokkaido is a Russian island

  At the moment, the Japanese side is appealing to the Shimoda Treaty of 1855. However, if we take previous events as a basis, the situation ceases to be ambiguous. Thus, the Spatial Land Description of the Russian State, compiled under Catherine II, included not only all the Kuril Islands, but also Hokkaido in the Russian Empire. The reason is that ethnic Japanese at that time did not even populate it. The indigenous population - the Ainu - following the results of the expedition of Antipin and Shabalin, were recorded as Russian subjects. They fought with the Japanese not only in the south of Hokkaido, but also in the northern part of the island of Honshu. The Cossacks themselves explored and taxed the Kuriles in the 17th century.

  The fact of Russian citizenship of the inhabitants of Hokkaido was noted in a letter from Alexander I to the Japanese Emperor in 1803. Moreover, this did not cause any objections from the Japanese side, let alone official protest. Hokkaido for Tokyo was a foreign territory like Korea. When the first Japanese arrived on the island in 1786, the Ainu came out to meet them, bearing Russian names and surnames. And what's more - Orthodox! Japan's first claims to Sakhalin date back only to 1845. Then Emperor Nicholas I immediately gave a diplomatic rebuff. Only the weakening of Russia in the following decades led to the occupation of the southern part of Sakhalin by the Japanese. It is interesting that the Bolsheviks in 1925 condemned the former government, which had given Russian lands to Japan.

  So in 1945, historical justice was only restored. The army and navy of the USSR resolved the Russo-Japanese territorial issue by force. Khrushchev in 1956 signed the Joint Declaration of the USSR and Japan, article 9 of which read: “The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, meeting the wishes of Japan and taking into account the interests of the Japanese state, agrees to the transfer of the Habomai Islands and the Sikotan Island to Japan, however, that the actual transfer of these islands of Japan will be produced after the conclusion of the Peace Treaty between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Japan. That is, now our Foreign Ministry proposes to do exactly what is recorded in Khrushchev's declaration.

  There is, however, some difference. Khrushchev's goal was the demilitarization of Japan. He was ready to sacrifice a couple of islands in order to remove American military bases from the Soviet Far East. Now, obviously, we are no longer talking about demilitarization. Washington clung to his "unsinkable aircraft carrier" with a stranglehold. Moreover, Tokyo's dependence on the United States has even increased. Abe's visit to Russia has just been canceled precisely because of pressure from Washington, as told by the head of the information department of the Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova. Well, if so, then the gratuitous transfer as a “goodwill gesture” loses its attractiveness. It is reasonable not to follow Khrushchev's declaration, but to put forward symmetrical claims based on well-known historical facts. Shaking ancient scrolls and manuscripts, which is normal and practice in such cases.

  An insistence on giving up Hokkaido would be a cold shower for Tokyo. We would have to argue in the negotiations not about Sakhalin or even about the Kuriles, but about our own territory at the moment. I would have to defend myself, justify myself, prove my right. Russia from diplomatic defense would thus go over to the offensive. You can also remember the opinion of the people and hold a referendum, or at least a VTsIOM poll on whether people agree with Nikita Khrushchev's decision to "meet the wishes of Japan and take into account the interests of the Japanese state." Our peasant people, for the most part, feel unmistakably that the land must never be given away. The answer is a categorical "no". The Russia Today TV channel and the Sputnik agency will inform the world about the will of the Russians.

  If official state structures cannot start such a campaign for diplomatic reasons, one of the informal patriotic organizations can do it. The state will support the initiative. This is how Americans sometimes act, calling it a public-private partnership. Why is Russia worse? To permanently remove the problem of belonging to the Kuril Islands, having previously "trolled" Tokyo with media and diplomatic attacks, is a worthy task for such a practice. The slogan of the campaign could be the words: "Hokkaido is a Russian island!".