Former Provinces of Hokkaidō facts for kids
The Former Provinces of Hokkaido were special areas created by the Meiji period government of Japan in 1869. These areas didn't last very long. They were replaced when Japan created its modern prefectures.
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History of Hokkaido's Provinces
In 1869, the large island of Hokkaidō was divided into 11 different provinces. This was part of a big change happening across Japan.
Most of Japan's old provinces became prefectures between 1870 and 1876. But the Hokkaido provinces were a bit different.
The provinces in Hokkaido were officially ended in 1882. After that, they were replaced by three new areas: Hakodate Prefecture, Sapporo Prefecture, and Nemuro Prefecture.
Then, in 1886, these three prefectures were also changed. A new organization called the Hokkaidō Board of Administration (北海道庁, Hokkaidō-chō) took over. This board managed the entire island.
Finally, in 1947, the single Hokkaido Prefecture was officially created. Today, the old borders of these provinces can still be seen. They are very similar to the island's current subprefecture areas.
List of Hokkaido's Old Provinces
Even though the provinces of Hokkaido in the 1800s didn't last long, the way the island was divided back then is very much like how it is divided today.
Chishima Province
Chishima Province (千島国, Chishima-no kuni) covered the islands of Kunashiri and Etorofu. It also included the Kuril Islands.
Hidaka Province
Hidaka Province (日高国, Hidaka-no kuni) was located in the area that is now known as Hidaka Subprefecture.
Iburi Province
Iburi Province (胆振国, Iburi-no kuni) was in the region that is currently Iburi Subprefecture.
Ishikari Province
Ishikari Province (石狩国, Ishikari-no kuni) covered the area of today's Ishikari Subprefecture.
Kitami Province
Kitami Province (北見国, Kitami no kuni) included the areas of Sōya Subprefecture and Abashiri Subprefecture.
Kushiro Province
Kushiro Province (釧路国, Kushiro-no kuni) was in the region of Kushiro Subprefecture. It also included a part of Abashiri Subprefecture.
Nemuro Province
Nemuro Province (根室国, Nemuro-no kuni) covered the main land part of what is now Nemuro Subprefecture.
Oshima Province
Oshima Province (渡島国, Oshima-no kuni) was located in the southern part of Oshima Subprefecture and Hiyama Subprefecture.
Shiribeshi Province
Shiribeshi Province (後志国, Shiribeshi-no kuni) was in the southern part of Shiribeshi Subprefecture.
Teshio Province
Teshio Province (天塩国, Teshio-no kuni) covered the area of Rumoi Subprefecture. It also included the northern half of Kamikawa Subprefecture.
Tokachi Province
Tokachi Province (十勝国, Tokachi-no kuni) was located in the area that is now Tokachi Subprefecture.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Location of Oshima Province c. 1869.
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Location of Shiribeshi Province c. 1869.
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Location of Iburi Province c. 1869.
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Location of Ishikari Province c. 1869.
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Location of Teshio Province c. 1869.
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Location of Kitami Province c. 1869. Green highlighted area is Abashiri District from Kushiro Province c. 1881.
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Location of Hidaka Province c. 1869.
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Location of Tokachi Province c. 1869.
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Location of Kushiro Province c. 1869.
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Location of Nemuro Province c. 1869.
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Location of Chishima Province c. 1869.
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Location of Karafuto c. 1869.
