Ebetsu History
Ebetsu was first inhabited 8,500 years ago. The site must have been considered a good place to live because after the initial human presence the Ebetsu area appears to have been continually inhabited. There are about 100 ruins/historical sites preserving the lives of those who lived in the region. These sites include evidence of dwelling construction, weapons, tools and decorative items.
The Ainu people appear to have migrated into the region about 700 years ago. Unfortunately there is little remaining physical evidence of their life or culture before the influx of Japanese settlers. Originally some hundred Ainu people lived in the present area of Ebetsu. Unfortunately, with Japanese expansion came devastating new diseases and the permanant loss of fishing grounds so that by the end of the Edo period, only about 60 Ainu remained in the area.
The first Japanese to colonize the area were the Tondenhei, or farmer/soldiers. They arrived on October 5, 1878 and gave Ebetsu its present name. Ebetsu is thought to originate from the word Ibutsu meaning "an entrance to an important place", although other possibilities such as Epetsu "river water like bile", Ebekebetsu "a river with three mouths" and Yubeotsu "a river with sturgeons" have also been proposed. The Tondenhei - along with other Japanese immigrants - worked hard transforming the region, developing the areas of Ebetsu, Shinotsu, Nopporo through farming and forestry.
Ebetsu became an important trading route for goods because of its location on the Ishikari river plain next to Sapporo. As such, it continued to grow and to develop other industries such as steel and ceramics. The flat land and abundant water resources have also been most suitable for dairy farming.
Ebetsu has strived to protect the surrounding natural beauty of the forests and river area as an integral part of the city's charm. As well, it has maintained important industries, like the pulp mill, and continues to be an important center for information and education.
The modern development of Ebetsu city has been pursued in harmony with the city's history and natural surroundings. The city reflects this philosophy through the preservation and incorporation of historical symbols. The use of red bricks - for which Ebetsu is recognized in Hokkaido and further afield - is found in many of the city's modern public buildings and street fixtures. (See open air gallery, green mall, new Ceramic Center)
This balanced development around the themes of history, nature and technology is not restricted to Ebetsu and fortunately the city is involved in similar projects sponsored by the Hokkaido government. Ebetsu is a part of the Research Triangle North (RTN). This is a zone promoting efforts between the cities of Sapporo, an information center with excellent urban functions; Chitose, with an international airport; and Ebetsu, with its good living conditions, progressive education and cutting-edge research facilities.
As of August 1, 1995 Ebetsu had a population of 113,629 within a region of 187.55 square kilometers.