North Western Pacific

The northwestern Pacific around the Kuril Islands is a cold maritime region of islands, deep water and exposed passages. Fishing, marine mammals and birds supported Indigenous communities, while boats connected settlements and hunting places. Strong currents and fog made navigation demanding; knowledge of seasons and safe landing sites was essential.

Before the nineteenth century, Ainu and neighbouring northern peoples maintained exchange ties linking Hokkaido, Sakhalin and the Kurils. Goods and information travelled through successive contacts. Japanese and Russian expansion later brought commercial and political pressure; fur trade, tribute demands and exploratory voyages increased outside attention, although effective administration remained uneven.