is a subprefecture of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. It was renamed from the earlier Abashiri Subprefecture on April 1, 2010. Abashiri Subprefecture was established in 1897. Etymology Abashiri Prefecture was named after the subprefectural office in Abashiri. However, the area was more commonly referred to as the , as it faces the Sea of Okhotsk, and the name Abashiri was changed to the more commonly used Okhotsk during the administrative redivision of Hokkaido's 14 subprefectures to 9 subprefectural bureaus in April, 2010. Geography Municipalities Mergers External links Subprefectures in Hokkaido 2010 establishments in Japan