city, Hokkaido ken (prefecture), eastern Hokkaido, Japan. It is situated along both banks of the Kushiro River where that river empties into the Pacific Ocean. The city was first settled by 537 Japanese immigrants in 1870. The natural harbour of the river mouth has since been developed into the largest commercial and fishing port of eastern Hokkaido. The Kushiro coalfield is worked near the city. Kushiro serves as the southern entrance to Akan National Park. Pop. (2005) 190,478.