Okhotsk Subprefecture

Okhotsk Subprefecture is a subprefecture of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. It was renamed from the earlier Abashiri Subprefecture on April 1, 2010. Abashiri Subprefecture was established in 1897.

Etymology

Abashiri Prefecture was named after the subprefectural office in Abashiri. However, the area was more commonly referred to as the Okhotsk region, as it faces the Sea of Okhotsk, and the name Abashiri was changed to the more commonly used Okhotsk during the administrative redivision of Hokkaido's 14 subprefectures to 9 subprefectural bureaus in April, 2010. The sea is named for the port of Okhotsk, itself named for the Okhota, whose name is derived from the Even word окат meaning "river".

Geography

Municipalities

Mergers