【Historical Geography of Eastern Hokkaido】Ainu Place Names of Lake Abashiri and Memanbetsu This is a rare and in-depth study of Ainu place names in and around Lake Abashiri and Memanbetsu in Hokkaido. The author, Seiichi Ito, meticulously explains the origins and transitions of each place name based on extensive research and field surveys. This book is a must-read for experts and enthusiasts of geography and topography, as well as place name aficionados. From the mouth of the Abashiri River to Lake Abashiri and the Memanbetsu River basin, the author identifies where the place names of the time correspond to current maps, using a variety of sources including old maps, historical documents, and interviews. The book is visually appealing, with not only detailed descriptions but also numerous handwritten maps and historical photographs that help readers understand the transitions of place names and their geographical relationships. Published by the Okhotsk Cultural Museum, which is not a major publishing house, this book is not widely available in general bookstores. This specialized material, which delves deeply into a specific region and the specialized theme of Ainu place names, is a valuable resource for local historians and geographers, as well as a precious record of the Abashiri and Memanbetsu areas of the time. For example, the book explores place names related to salmon and trout spawning, such as "Itchan" and "Kucharo," and how the place names recorded in historical Japanese documents relate to modern place names. It goes beyond simple place name explanations, touching on cultural anthropological aspects and historical backgrounds, which greatly stimulates intellectual curiosity. November 1, 1990 Okhotsk Cultural Museum A5 size 165 pages #Click here for our curated travel guides and maps #Click here for other Hokkaido books and materials #Ainu Language #Ainu Place Names #Lake Abashiri #Memanbetsu #Abashiri River #Okhotsk #Hokkaido Geography #Local History #Place Name Research #Topography #Old Documents #Seiichi Ito #Okhotsk Cultural Museum #Limited Edition #Rare #Historical Materials #Northern Ethnic Groups #Rivers #Lakes and Marshes