The island, the northernmost major one in Japan, has
long served as a northern inlet for culture from Sakhalin
and Eurasia. Cultures of southern regions also arrived in
Hokkaido. Under these influences, Hokkaido developed a
unique culture while serving as a place of cultural
exchanges. During the Edo era (1603 - 1867), Japan's
feudal period, Russian and other international missions
arrived at Hokkaido ports for trade negotiations but were
not allowed to enter because of Japan's isolation policy.
In those days, the shogunate government was adamant
about protecting Japan's culture.
amidst the island's severe natural
environment. These people built the
foundation on which today's Hokkaido
has developed and modernized.