In Hokkaido's far east, Nemuro feels nothing like a typical Japanese city. Mist and fog often shroud the area in the summertime. During July and August, while much of the country bakes in 30 degree-plus temperatures, it's just over 20 degrees in Nemuro.

As one approaches Nemuro from Kushiro by car, Russian-language signs appear, while at the souvenir shop in front of JR Nemuro Station, Russian goods are available for sale, and Russian visitors can be seen at local stores, purchasing a variety of daily goods.

Lying close to the four disputed islands occupied by Russia, Nemuro is on the front line of efforts to have them returned.