is a town located on Rishiri Island in Sōya Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of September 2016, the town has an estimated population of 2,169 and a density of 28 persons per km<sup>2</sup>. The total area is 76.49&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.

Rishiri Airport is located in nearby Rishirifuji.

The town's name originates from the ainu phrase "ri-sir", meaning "tall island" or "island with tall mountain", describing the island's 1721m tall Mount Rishiri

Geography

Rishiri is located on the western portion of Rishiri Island, facing the Sea of Japan. Mount Rishiri (also known as Rishirifuji), at 1721m, is located on the border with Rishirifuji.

Neighbouring municipalities

  • Sōya Subprefecture, Hokkaido
  • Rishirifuji

Climate

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Rishiri has declined in recent decades.

Education

  • Primary schools
  • Kutsugata Elementary School
  • Senhōshi Elementary School
  • Shinminato Elementary School
  • Junior high schools
  • Kutsugata Junior High School
  • Senhōshi Junior High School
  • High schools
  • Rishiri High School

Mascot

thumb|left|200px|Rishirin, the town's mascot

Rishiri's mascot is , who is a bright and energetic kelp with a Mount Rishiri motif. She helps Lip-kun and Lip-chan (the mascots of Rishirifuji) and Atsumon (the mascot of Rebun) research the nature of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. Her favorite foods are sea urchins and kelp. She was unveiled in 2011.

References

  • Official Website