Nemuro (根室) is a subprefecture of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. The Japanese claim the disputed Southern Kurile Islands (known as the Northern Territories in Japan) as part of this subprefecture.

As of July 31, 2004, the subprefecture has an estimated population of 86,152 and a (claimed) area of 8533.96 km².

History

• November, 1897 Nemuro Subprefecture established
• November, 1897 Shana Subprefecture established
• December, 1903 Shana Subprefecture and Nemuro Subprefecture merged
• August, 1945 Soviets occupy the Kuril Islands
• April 28, 1952 San Francisco Treaty comes into effect, Japan renounces Kuril Islands north of Etorofu.

Geography

Cities

1. Nemuro (capital)

Districts

• Notsuke

2. Betsukai

• Shibetsu

3. Nakashibetsu

4. Shibetsu

• Menashi

5. Rausu

Districts in the Northern Territories/Southern Kurile Islands (occupied and administered by Russia, claimed by Japan)

• Shikotan

6. Shikotan

• Kunashiri

7. Tomari

8. Ruyobetsu

• Etorofu

9. Rubetsu

• Shana

10. Shana

• Shibetoro

11. Shibetoro

Districts renounced in San Francisco Treaty

• Uruppu
• Shimushiro
• Shumushu

Islands marked on map

A. Habomai Rocks

B. Shikotan Island

C. Kunashiri

D. Etorofu