is a town located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. Kutchan lies slightly north of the volcano Mount Yōtei, and is approximately 50 kilometers west of Sapporo. The subprefecture government offices are located in this town, making it the capital of the subprefecture. As of April 30, 2017, the town has an estimated population of 15,573 and a population density of 60 persons per km². The total area is . Throughout Hokkaido, Kutchan is known for its proximity to the world famous Niseko powder snow region and for its production of quality potatoes and potato products. Among these products, Kutchan is most famous for manufacturing gosetsu-udon, a Japanese noodle made from potato flour. Jagata-kun, the skiing potato that is the cartoon mascot of Kutchan, indicates Kutchan's two most celebrated aspects. Jagata-kun roughly translates as, "little, fat potato boy". Geography Located approximately west of Sapporo. Kutchan lies in a valley surrounded by mountains, notably Niseko Annupuri and Mount Yōtei. Mountains: Yōtei (Shiribeshi Mountain) (Makkari-Nupuri in Ainu) (active volcano, 1898 m), Niseko Iwaonupuri (active volcano, 1116 m), Niseko Annupuri (1308 m) Rivers: Shiribetsu, Kutōzan Climate Kutchan has the distinction of being one of the snowiest towns on earth, with average annual snowfalls in excess of . At only above sea level the town receives greater amounts of snow than the world's leading ski areas such as Whistler, Aspen or Chamonix. Wintery weather lasts from early November through to early April with the snowiest month being January which averages . January is also the coldest month averaging . Kutchan has 4 very distinct seasons with reasonably short spring and autumn periods. The summer is mild with temperatures rarely getting above and the humidity that afflicts much of Asia at this time is only felt for a short period, usually in August. Neighboring municipalities Shiribeshi Abuta District: Kyōgoku, Niseko Isoya District: Rankoshi Iwanai District: Kyōwa Yoichi District: Niki, Akaigawa Kimobetsu and Makkari of the Abuta District lie on the southern side of Mount Yōtei. History Kutchan's name comes from the language of the Hokkaido's native Ainu people. It attempts to mimic the pronunciation of the Ainu word ku-shan-i (which roughly translates as “the place where the channel flows”), but some claim that the name is derived from kucha-an-nai (“stream of a hunting lodge”). 1892: Cultivation begins by colonizers from Tokushima Prefecture who had settled in nearby Yoichi. 1893: The village of Kutchan is established. It