Japanese islands. Hokkaido Island. Hokkaido Island, Japan: description, detailed information, interesting facts and reviews The largest city of Hokkaido from the Kuril Islands

The northernmost of the major islands of Japan, where a variety of festivals take place throughout the year. A region rich in natural beauty.

Hokkaido is an island in the northern part of Japan, surrounded on all sides by seas. It accounts for 22% of the country's area. Low humidity makes the weather pleasant in summer, and winter sports can be practiced here during the cold season. The island is popular with tourists throughout the year.

In Hokkaido you will discover nature in all its splendor: Daisetsuzan National Park - the roof of Hokkaido; the secluded Shiretoko Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan; the Kushiro wetland, home to many animals and birds, including red-crowned cranes; Shikotsu-Toya National Park, where there are many volcanoes and lakes; The ever-changing coastline of Shakotan. There are many hot springs on the island, such as Noboribetsu, Jozankei and Sounkyo, where you can take a bath and wash away the fatigue of your long journey.

In winter, the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Mombetsu Ice Floe Festival take place. In the summer, travelers are treated to a lavender festival in Furano and festivals in every coastal town, during which fishermen ask the deities for a rich catch and safety. Hokkaido hosts more than 1,200 festivals and events throughout the year.

How to get there

From Tokyo:

By plane: 1 hour 30 minutes from Haneda Airport to Shin-Chitose Airport
By train: 17 hours from Tokyo to Sapporo by sleeper train

From Osaka:

By plane: 2 hours 10 minutes from Itami Airport or 1 hour 55 minutes from Kansai International Airport to Shin-Chitose Airport


With 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 entire territory is divided into 14 districts. Hokkaido controls several adjacent islands, such as 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 and is home to about 30% of Hokkaido's population. 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; it is connected with other islands of the state only by a railway tunnel that 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 central Japan differ significantly from the northern one, where it is located. For a long time, the way of life and traditions of one culture were continued in others. Such continuity was observed in the Satsumon culture, which was a transformed post-Jōmon culture. It is Jomon that is considered the first culture to arise in Hokkaido. Based on Satsumon, the Ainu culture arose in the 13th century, which still exists today.

In the Middle Ages, the Japanese arrived on the island. Enmity with the Ainu, they occupy southern part territories. In the 17th century, the Japanese created a feudal principality, which established control over the entire island, without completely conquering the Ainu.

In the 19th century, the Hokkaido Administration was created, which performs the functions of a government body. Significant work is being carried out on the island to improve infrastructure. Under construction railways and ports, the transport system between Hokkaido and Honshu is being established. Steel foundries, sawmills, paper mills appear, Agriculture. Since then, industry has been one of the important industries on the island.

Geography of Hokkaido

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

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

Climate

Due to the length from north to south climatic conditions Japan differs in different parts of the country. Hokkaido has cold temperatures. 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; snow on the island occurs up to 120 days per season. On mountain ranges, closer to the northern part of the island, snowdrifts can reach 11 meters, and almost two meters off the Pacific coast. In January the average temperature is from -12 to -4 degrees. Throughout the winter, many drifting ice floes are observed from the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.

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

Animal and plant life

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

The fauna is quite diverse. It has the largest population of brown bears in Asia. The island is inhabited by stoats, sables, and foxes. Local lakes are full of fish, and in the spring many birds come 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, of course, are natural objects. There are about 20 national, quasi-national parks and nature reserves in Hokkaido. On the island there is great amount lakes, hot springs and picturesque mountains.

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

The Tomita farm in Furano offers stunning beauty. Hectares of 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 dried trees peek out of the bright blue water, creating a truly enchanting sight.

Resorts and festivals

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

Every summer the Lavender Festival opens at the Furano farm, which we already know. This action is dedicated, of course, to the flowering of this plant. In total, the island hosts more than a thousand different festivals and celebrations. One of them, by the way, is very reminiscent of European harvest festivals, only everything takes place near the sea shores, 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 Island is the second largest. It is located in the northern part of the country, making its climate colder and harsher than the rest of Japan. Despite this, the island has unique nature, which millions of people come from different parts of our planet to see.

In Japan, one of the most beautiful areas of wildlife is Shiretoko - a peninsula on which untouched wild nature. Shiretoko is located on east coast Hokkaido islands. Its name means "end of the earth" and comes from the language of the Ainu people.

The peninsula is home to various animals such as foxes and brown bears. In winter, drifting ice floes can be seen from the coast of Shiretoko, as it becomes one of the southern points northern hemisphere. The reserve is protected by citizens of the country.

Shiretoko National Park was included in the UNESCO List world heritage in 2005. At this time, the idea arose of expanding the area of ​​the facility, adding to it the territory of a number of the Kuril Islands and turning the peninsula into a Japanese-Russian “Peace Park.”

Coordinates: 43.93081300,144.79570000

New Chitose Airport

New airport Chitose carries out both internal and international flights. This is the largest airport on the island of Hokkaido. It is located 5 kilometers from Tomakomai.

It was opened in 1988 and has 2 terminals: domestic and international. The domestic terminal is a semicircular building equipped with eighteen exits. International terminal It is very small and has only 6 exits, and the architectural style is similar to the Dallas airport.

In 2010, the airport was the 3rd busiest airport in Japan. The Chitose - Tokyo Haneda route is considered the busiest in the world with more than 9 million people. Do not forget that international flights from here operate only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The airport serves more than 20 airlines and operates flights to more than 15 destinations. It can be reached either by bus or by rail(to Sapporo Station).

Coordinates: 42.78752700,141.68174000

What sights of Hokkaido did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Hakodate Airport

Hakodate Airport is located just 8 kilometers from the city center. This bright building made of glass and reinforced concrete structures is externally consistent with modern urban style.

The airport opened in 1961, becoming one of the transshipment points organized by the state in Japan. It operates both domestic and international flights, and is also used for the needs of the country's coast guard.

The territory of this air terminal has everything you need to make waiting for your flight comfortable: shops, cafes, comfortable lounges.

Coordinates: 41.77534400,140.81424200

Mikasa is a Japanese battleship, the flagship of the Japanese fleet, currently a museum ship. Named after a mountain in Nara Prefecture. Ordered in 1898, built at the Vickers shipyard in Great Britain. Launched in 1900, entered service in 1902.

In terms of displacement, armament and size, Mikasa was close to the battleship Asahi, having a very similar silhouette, but differed from it in its armor system. At first it was assumed that the main armor protection on the ship would be a full belt of nickel steel, but the armor was made even 16% stronger.

The ship was the flagship of the Japanese fleet during the Russo-Japanese War and took part in the Battle of the Yellow Sea and the Battle of Tsushima. It sank as a result of a fire and explosion of powder magazines shortly after the end of the war (September 11, 1905). After several attempts, it was raised to the surface in August 1906 and, after two years of repairs, returned to service. During the First World War, he served to protect the Japanese coast.

In 1923, it was withdrawn from the fleet and turned into a museum ship; it was bombed by the Americans during World War II. After the end of the war, the weapons were removed from it, the battleship itself was in poor condition, and already in 1958-1961 restoration work was carried out on the ship.

Coordinates: 14.31520000,141.58500000

Port of Nemuro

The port city of Nemuro, located at the tip of Hokkaido, is very famous in Japan as a vibrant supplier of gifts of nature and the sea to the country's markets.

The city's population is about 40 thousand inhabitants. Area - 500 sq. km, this figure still includes 100 sq. km of eight islands of the Habomai ridge, which in 1946, after the Second World War, were included in the South Sakhalin region of the RSFSR. The city blocks themselves occupy only 5 square meters. km.

The most popular attractions of Hokkaido with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Hokkaido on our website.

When visiting Japan, you should definitely check out Hokkaido - you will get a lot of pleasure visiting the onsen. Onsens are specially designed natural hot springs. They are very popular both among the Japanese themselves, and are the highlight of the Japanese resort for foreigners (according to this, the residents of the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin are not surprised by this, but flying to the Kuril Islands is the same as flying to Japan), Hokkaido is also known for its ski resorts. Hokkaido's climate is very different from the other three islands.

A short excursion about the island:

The island of Hokkaido is only 40 km from Sakhalin, but these 40 kilometers are the surface of the sea. Hokkaido is an island in northern Japan, the second largest after. Hokkaido is connected to the island of Honshu by the Seikan Tunnel, which is laid at a depth of 240 meters and is located 100 meters below sea level. The length of the underwater part of the tunnel is 23.3 kilometers. The total length of the tunnel is almost 54 kilometers and today the Seikan railway tunnel is one of the most long tunnels in the world.

The island of Hokkaido is located in the very north of the country and is least developed in relation to other islands of Japan: Honshu, Kyushu and. This is due to such factors as: the harsher climate of Hokkaido, territorial remoteness, which was the reason for not so close communication with the main territory.

Until the mid-20th century, the lack of any means of crossing made communication between the islands quite expensive. Moreover, this part of the territory of Japan became seriously interested only at the end of the 19th century (1868-1869), when clashes occurred between the Japanese Empire and the Republic of Ezo, which existed at that time on the territory of the island, which bore the same name as the republic (Ezo Island, more early name - Matsumae). As a result of the military conflict, the Republic of Ezo ceased to exist and on August 15, 1869, the island of Ezo was renamed Hokkaido.

The island of Hokkaido is divided from the island of Honshu by the Sangar Strait, the width of the strait ranges from 18 to 110 kilometers, and the length is 96 kilometers. The shores of the islands (Hokkaido and Honshu, separated by a strait, are mountainous and covered with forest. The territory of the island of Hokkaido consists of fifty percent graceful and rocky mountains and fifty percent plain. In Hokkaido, unlike other islands, the ratio of plains to mountains is very high. Others The islands of Japan cannot boast of having plains, since almost 80-90 percent of the territory is occupied by mountains, which makes land in Japan especially valuable and expensive.

From the north, the island of Hokkaido is washed by the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, and the island is also washed by the Sea of ​​Japan and the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to the main islands of Japan, its territory includes more than 6,800 small islands, so the following islands stretch along the island of Hokkaido:

  • Rebun and Rishiri
  • Teuri and Yagishiri
  • Okushiri
  • Oshima
  • Kojima

These are full-fledged territorial units in which the infrastructure is also highly developed, agriculture, folk crafts, fishing and tourism are actively developing. The islands have transport links with the main islands of the country and have airports on their territory, sea ​​ports. Communication with the “ground” is maintained by airplanes, sea transport, and ferries. Municipal transport is well developed on the islands, there are all the necessary shops, hotels, and many onsen.

As a rule, the origin of the islands is volcanic, however, the territory of the islands contains a lot of vegetation, and national parks are located on some of the islands.

The area of ​​the island of Hokkaido is 83,500 square kilometers, the population is 5,600,000 people, the population density is one of the lowest in Japan - 67 people per square kilometer, for comparison on Honshu - 452 people per square kilometer.

The climate in Hokkaido, by Japanese standards, is very harsh, winters are snowy and long, the absolute minimum recorded on the island is minus 41 degrees (in the city of Asahikawa), although this was more than 100 years ago. But the average temperature on the island remains around 10 degrees below zero throughout the winter. Therefore, winter events were held here Olympic Games and the Asian Games were held several times. The Japanese themselves come here to ski resorts and enjoy participating in the snow festival, which is held in , annually in February. In summer it is rainy here, the air humidity is 95-99% and the air temperature reaches forty degrees Celsius.

The main nine cities of Hokkaido contain 60% of the island's population:

  • (approximately 1,920,000 people)
  • Asahikawa (approximately 350,000 people)
  • Hakodate (approximately 280,000 people)
  • Kushiro (approximately 180,000 people)
  • Tomakomai (approximately 170,000 people)
  • Obihiro (approximately 170,000 people)
  • Otaru (approximately 130,000 people)
  • Kitami (approximately 120,000 people)
  • Ebetsu (approximately 120,000 people)

The northern part of Hokkaido is covered with coniferous forests, mainly fir, cedar and spruce, the undergrowth is dominated by dense thickets of bamboo, birch trees and many shrubs also grow on the island, and broad-leaved trees grow in the southern part of the island. Among the animals that live on the island are: sable, ermine, weasel, brown bear, and fox. They say their bears are especially ferocious.

but they look so cute, they love it when they treat you to apples

photographs taken in national park Shikotsu-Toya

In Japan, everything is done for the people, you wanted to go to the mountains, but there they already laid out even paths and built a ladder for you so that your feet won’t get knocked down.

Japan is a country that almost constantly experiences minor earthquakes and a country that is constantly under threat natural disaster. But harsh climatic conditions do not prevent the Japanese from being cheerful and open people. Children are taught from early childhood how to behave in emergency situations. And in the event of a large-scale tragedy, which, unfortunately, has befallen the Japanese people more than once, they remain persistent, united and unbending.

And while the volcano sleeps, at its foot there is a city and local residents live their lives measuredly.

The photographs were taken in the village of Toyako, Iburi District, Hokkaido Governorate.

I offer you a short video about this amazing place.

Unlike the usual appearance of people of the Mongoloid race with dark skin, a Mongolian fold of the eyelid, sparse facial hair, the Ainu had unusually thick hair covering their heads, wore huge beards and mustaches (holding them with special chopsticks while eating), Australoid features of their faces in some ways they were similar to European ones.

[more photos at the end of the post]

No sooner had Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to Japan ended than Tokyo returned to its old ways - once again raising the topic of ownership of the Kuril Islands. And he did it in a sharper, radical format, mentioning Sakhalin Island in the context. Russia's readiness to compromise on the territorial issue was perceived as weakness, and therefore a reason for attacking actions on the diplomatic front. The debate is being further amplified by the upcoming elections, in which incumbent Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expects to win by taking a tough stance. Russia, although it deploys additional military forces in the disputed territories, is likely to lose politically by remaining on the defensive. [ I absolutely disagree with the author on this. - my note.] A way out of the situation may be a symmetrical demand - the question of ownership of the island of Hokkaido, where the subjects once lived Russian Empire.

Retired diplomat Yoshike Mine spoke in detail about the views of the Japanese political establishment on the problem of resolving the so-called “northern territories” in an interview with the influential Toyo Keizai publication. According to him, the problem has two levels. “In a narrow sense, the problem of the “northern territories” refers to four islands. More broadly, to Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands,” Mine noted. At the same time, he cited the Japanese name for Sakhalin - Karafuto. At the same time, the diplomat made a reservation that during the discussion in parliament the Japanese government was talking about only four islands: Habomai, Shikotan, Kunashir and Iturup. Mine also recalled that Russia has already announced its readiness to return Habomai and Shikotan. That is, the transfer of two southern islands The Japanese consider the matter to be settled in principle. Wider territorial claims, including Sakhalin, are the maximum task for them.

The fact that such speeches are not made by a current civil servant does not mean that his words should not be given importance. In the Western political tradition, it is considered normal to allow formally inactive but authoritative political figures to express odious ideas. 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 victors - 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 Kuril Islands and finally appeals to the United States as an external force, calling for intervention in bilateral negotiations between Japan and Russia.

At first glance, the position of our Foreign Ministry is impeccable: continuation of negotiations on the islands is possible only after Japan recognizes the results of the Second World War - Russian sovereignty over " 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 (let's say!) two southern islands to Japan, even as a gesture of goodwill, is unlikely to find understanding among the Russians. Even if the notorious peace treaty is signed. The Japanese are not satisfied with this largely one-sided option. Realizing this even on the eve of his visit, Sergei Lavrov said that official Moscow demands clarity from Tokyo on this issue. However, a recent remark Russian President, told reporters after a direct line that “a compromise can and will be found someday,” seems to have once again inspired the country’s politicians rising sun. Kommersant’s sources at the Russian embassy in Tokyo say the same.

The diplomatic games are taking place against the backdrop of Russia strengthening its defense capabilities in the region. Earlier it was reported that the Russian Ministry of Defense would deploy the Bal and Bastion coastal missile systems, as well as a group of new generation drones, in the Kuril Islands. This will happen as part of the planned rearmament of the formations and military units stationed here. In addition, in April, sailors of the Pacific Fleet will go on a three-month expedition to the islands of the Great Kuril Ridge. The statement by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu that strengthening the Russian military infrastructure in the southern Kuril Islands “will be incompatible with Japan’s position” looks harsh and leaves no room for compromise. Deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation added fuel to the fire by proposing to use the image of the disputed islands on the new banknote put into circulation by the Central Bank. Obviously, in the case of such a consolidation of the symbol, there can be no talk of any transfer of the islands.

Meanwhile, all these measures are rather technical in nature. Yes, the islands will be reliably protected, but once upon a time the USSR was also a strong power from a military point of view, but capitulated as soon as the weak and influenced Secretary General Gorbachev was at the helm. To consolidate parity and assert its position, Russia would be helped by some kind of symmetrical demand on Japan of a political nature, which would balance Tokyo’s claims. And most importantly, it could be lifted only in response to the withdrawn demands of the Japanese. Such a requirement could be the question of the territorial affiliation of the island of Hokkaido. Once upon a time, the USSR intended to seize it from war-defeated Japan, but the resistance of US President Harry Truman prevented it. There are historical arguments justifying Russia’s claims to the 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 into the Russian Empire. The reason is that ethnic Japanese did not even populate it at that time. The indigenous population - the Ainu - were recorded as Russian subjects following the expedition of Antipin and Shabalin. 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 Kuril Islands back 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, much less official protest. To Tokyo, Hokkaido was a foreign territory like Korea. When the first Japanese arrived on the island in 1786, they were met by Ainu bearing Russian names and surnames. And what’s more, they are Orthodox! Japan's first claims to Sakhalin date back to 1845. Then Emperor Nicholas I immediately gave a diplomatic rebuff. Only the weakening of Russia in subsequent decades led to the occupation of the southern part of Sakhalin by the Japanese. It is interesting that in 1925 the Bolsheviks condemned the previous government, which gave Russian lands to Japan.

So in 1945, historical justice was only restored. The army and navy of the USSR resolved the Russian-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 to Japan of the islands of Habomai and the island of Shikotan with the condition that the actual transfer of these islands to Japan will be made 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 stated 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 its “unsinkable aircraft carrier” with a death grip. Moreover, Tokyo’s dependence on the United States has even increased. Abe’s visit to Russia was just canceled precisely because of pressure from Washington, as stated by the head of the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova. Well, if this is so, then the gratuitous transfer as a “gesture of goodwill” loses its attractiveness. It is reasonable not to follow Khrushchev’s declaration, but to put forward symmetrical claims based on known historical facts. Shaking ancient scrolls and manuscripts, which is normal and practice in such matters.

An insistence on giving up Hokkaido would be a cold shower for Tokyo. We would have to argue at the negotiations not about Sakhalin or even about the Kuril Islands, but about our own this moment territories. I would have to defend myself, make excuses, prove my right. Russia would thus go from diplomatic defense to offensive. You can also remember the opinion of the people and hold a referendum or at least a poll by VTsIOM 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 unmistakably feel that the land can 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 government agencies cannot launch such a campaign for diplomatic reasons, one of the informal patriotic organizations can do so. The state will support the initiative. This is exactly how Americans sometimes act, calling it a public-private partnership. Why is Russia worse? Removing the problem of ownership of the Kuril Islands forever, having previously “trolled” Tokyo with media and diplomatic attacks, is a worthy goal for such a practice. The slogan of the campaign could be the words: “Hokkaido is a Russian island!”