Habomai

The Habomai islands lie off the eastern end of Ezo, near the Nemuro Peninsula. Their name is explained from Ainu words describing small islands appearing as drift ice recedes. The surrounding waters yield kelp, a valued marine product. In 1832 the merchant Fujino Kihei opened kelp grounds in the Habomai area after sending Ainu fishermen and Japanese overseers to learn the trade in Hidaka, though the first venture failed to cover its transport costs.