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Monbetsu (紋別市; -shi) is a city located in Abashiri, Hokkaido, Japan, on the Sea of Okhotsk.
Most of Monbetsu's economy is dedicated to fishing for cold-water species such as crab. The city is also a center for research on sea ice.
During the summertime, when the icebergs melt, sailors from Russia are a common sight in the city. Many local businesses have banned Russian visitors for their supposed "unruly" behavior, which has led many to criticize Monbetsu as a hotbed of racial discrimination. (See also: Ethnic issues in Japan)
As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 27,764 and the density of 33.44 persons per km². The total area is 830.36 km².
Monbetsu does not have passenger rail service. There are buses to Sapporo and Asahikawa, as well as a daily flight to Tokyo from Monbetsu Airport.
The city was founded on July 1, 1954.
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Monbetsu is also a town in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.
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