Kumaishi, Hokkaidō

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The Kumaishi Coastline

Kumaishi (熊石町, -chō^?) was a town located in Nishi District, Oshima, Hokkaidō, Japan.

The town's name literally means bear rock after prominent rock that looks like a bear and cub on its coast.

In 2004, the town had an estimated population of 3,487 and a density of 15.82 persons per km². The total area was 220.38 km².

As many 'town' districts, Kumaishi itself is comprised of many smaller villages strung out along the coast facing the Sea of Japan. Its industry mainly comprises fishing, notably squid fishing and at night many lights of the squid fishing fleets can be seen far out in the sea. The area is beautifully scenic in many portions and provides some rare untouched Japanese wilderness although some of the coastline has seen the jJapanese style engineering and been decorated with the concrete 'tetrapods'.

[edit] History

The town merged with neighboring the neighboring Yakumo town in Oshima Subprefecture as a result of financial difficulties. Previously the town was part of Hiyama Subprefecture