As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 40,333 and a density of 85.6 persons per km2 (222 persons per sq. mi.). The total area is 470.94km2 (181.83sqmi).
It is the first Japanese city in alphabetical order.
Etymology
There are various theories about the origin of the name 'Abashiri' and, because of that, the origin is unknown. All of those theories are based on the Kanji interpretation of the Ainu language. These are the following theories.
Apasiri (アパシリ) which is translated as "leaking ground". The reason behind this is that there was a cave, and water drops were falling inside like raindrops.
Cipasiri (チパシリ). The name is based on an Ainu legend of a bird.
Chipasiri (チパシリ). There used to be a white rock in the shape of a person wearing a hat on the south bank of Lake Abashiri, and it is said that the Ainu worshiped it.
History
The origin of the city's name is not known for certain, but it is agreed that it was derived from an Ainu word. A few among several of the candidates include apa-siri (leakage/ground) and ci-pa-sir ("the land we discovered").
March 1872: Abashiri Village (アバシリ村) founded, being given the name of Abashiri District in Kitami Province.
1875: The village name is rewritten in kanji (網走村; same pronunciation).
1902: Abashiri Village, Kitami Town, Isani Village, and Nikuribake Village, all in Abashiri District, merged to form Abashiri Town.
1915: Notoro Village, Mokoto Village merged.
1921: Memanbetsu Village (later Memanbetsu Town, merged into Ōzora in 2006) split.
1931: Boundary with Memanbetsu Town modified.
February 11, 1947: Higashimokoto Village (merged into Ōzora in 2006) split. Abashiri Town becomes Abashiri City. All of the territories of Ōzora used to be a part of Abashiri.
The climate is humid continental with warm summer (Köppen: Dfb) as much of Hokkaido, similar to the south coast of New England. Despite its reputation for extreme cold, Abashiri is not actually the coldest major town in Japan, being less cold in the winter than Obihiro and warmer in summer than Nemuro or Kushiro. Abashiri receives less precipitation than any other city in Japan because its location on the drift ice-affected Sea of Okhotsk, which, however, causes Abashiri to receive less sunshine than the northeast coast since winter snowfall is heavier and fog less confined to the summer months when the Oyashio Current is strongest. During the winter, when Lake Abashiri freezes over, fog becomes a common occurrence. Also, the harbor closes when it ices over.
Climate data for Abashiri (elevation 37.6 m, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1889–present)
Per Japanese census data, the population of Abashiri has declined in recent decades.
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±%
1970
43,904
—
1980
44,777
+2.0%
1990
44,416
−0.8%
2000
43,395
−2.3%
2010
40,998
−5.5%
2020
35,759
−12.8%
Economy
Because of its short 130-day growing season, the crops in the region, such as oats, potatoes, and beans, are required to be hardy. Hay is also grown for local cows, horses, and sheep. The sea is an important part of the community as well as the economy, as fishing, oysters, and seaweed are important means of livelihood.
Hokkaido has a brewery called Abashiri which sells a range of beers, including Bilk, a blend of beer and milk. Abashiri is also home to a flower garden with a wide range of flowers.
In the winter, tourists visit the city to watch the drift ice.
Abashiri's mascot is Nipone (ニポネ). She is a plankton who has the ability to gain flight with her cape. Her job is to protect everyone from criminal activities (such as terrorism and corruption), outbreak of warfare, natural disasters, health crisis (such as disease outbreaks) or anything that pose a risk to everyone's lives. She usually rests with her "nipopo" (totem pole) helmet and loves ingredients produced from the city. Her birthday is November 22, 2012.
References
↑NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute, ed. (20 June 2025) [25 May 2016]. NHK日本語発音アクセント新辞典 (in Japanese) (15thed.). Shibuya, Tokyo: NHK Publishing. p.31. ISBN978-4-14-011345-5.
1234Kojima, Reikichi (1997). "Abashiri". In Johnston, Bernard (ed.). Collier's Encyclopedia. Vol.I A to Ameland (Firsted.). New York, NY: P.F. Collier. p.7.
