Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major island of Japan: Hokkaido is the second largest and northernmost of Japan's four main islands. It is located directly north of Honshu, the largest island.

Usage

• Hokkaido is used as a geographical name to refer specifically to this island. It functions as a proper noun and is always capitalized.
• Example:
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• "Hokkaido" as a modifier: The name can be used attributively to describe things originating from or characteristic of the island.
  • Example: Hokkaido dairy products, like milk and cheese, are famous throughout Japan.
  • Example: The Hokkaido shinkansen (bullet train) line connects the island with Honshu via the Seikan Tunnel.

Variants and Related Words

• Ezo: The historical name for Hokkaido, used before the Meiji Restoration.
• Hokkaidō: An alternative romanization that includes the macron, indicating a long vowel sound.

Synonyms

• Ezo (historical synonym)
• Yezo (alternative historical romanization)

Related Phrases and Contexts

• Hokkaido Prefecture: The island is coextensive with Hokkaido Prefecture, which is a political and administrative division of Japan. While closely related, "Hokkaido Prefecture" specifically refers to the governmental entity.
  • Example: The government of Hokkaido Prefecture promotes tourism to the island's national parks.

Noun

1. the second largest of the four main islands of Japan; to the north of Honshu