city, Sakhalin oblast (region), far eastern Russia. It lies in the southern part of Sakhalin Island on the Aniva Gulf. Founded in 1853 as a fortified post, it was the first Russian military post on the island. Its port opened in 1909. The settlement was ruled by Japan from 1905 to 1945 and was called Ōtomari. In 1946 it became a city and was given its present name. It is the largest port on the island, with ship repairing and a fish-processing factory. Pop. (2006 est.) 35,526.