is a subprefecture of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. As of 2011, it had a population of 52,627 and an area of . The population density of the subprefecture, 13 people per km2, is very low compared to the rest of Japan. The population of Rumoi Subprefecture represents 0.96% of the overall population of Hokkaido. Geography Rumoi Subprefecture stretches broadly across the coast of the Sea of Japan in northwestern Hokkaido. Municipalities Mergers Rivers The Rumoi River flows from Mount Poroshiri in the Hidaka Mountain range to the Sea of Japan. History Mashike Subprefecture was established as part of the administrative reforms of Hokkaido during the Meiji period (1868 – 1912). The capital was moved to Rumoi in 1914, and the subprefecture was renamed to Rumoi Subprefecture in the same year. Toyotomi Town) in Teshio District transferred to Sōya Subprefecture in 1948, and Horonobe was transferred to Sōya Subprefecture in 2010. Economy The fishing industries dominates the economy of the area, and seafood processing remains a thriving industry. See also Sankebetsu brown bear incident References External links Subprefectures in Hokkaido