Hoppokan & Bokyo no Ie

Located at Cape Nosappu, the easternmost cape on mainland Japan, Hoppokan & Bokyo no Ie was established to raise awareness of the Northern Territories issue and to serve as an emotional anchor for former island residents. The facility links two buildings—Hoppokan and Bokyo no Ie—and the second floor is an observation room.

Hoppokan is located at Cape Nosappu, the easternmost tip of the Nemuro Peninsula in Nemuro City, Hokkaido. Considered the starting point of the movement calling for the return of the Northern Territories, it offers exhibits and materials that explain how the issue began and its historical background, all while you look out over the Northern islands—territory regarded as inherently part of Japan—spreading out right in front of you.

The adjacent Bokyo no Ie displays townscapes from the islands and maps showing residential addresses, and serves as an emotional anchor for former island residents who were forced to leave the Northern islands.

Inside the facility, there are free binoculars and a large video display. At Cape Nosappu, where poor weather—especially dense summer fog—often blocks visibility, these are set up to help you visually experience the Northern Territories islands.