Hokkaido formerly known as Ezo or Yesso is Japan’s second largest island and the largest, northernmost of its 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu. The two islands are connected by the underwater Seikan Tunnel. The capital city and also the largest is Sapparo. The island of Hokkaido is located at the north end of Japan, near Russia, and has coastlines on the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean. The center of the island is characterized by mountains and volcano plateaus, and there are coastal plains in all directions. Major cities include Sapporo and Asahikawa in the central region and the port of Harkodate facing Honshu. Hokkaido is known for its cooler summers and icy winters.

The service sector is responsible for most of the employment in Hokkaido. The light industries do provide a certain level of employment. The industries main produce is mainly for local consumption.

Hokkaido is Japan’s predominant agricultural area which also dominates the food industry. It leads the country in the production of rice and fish, and shares the lead in vegetable farming. Food production runs from the growing or obtaining of the raw materials to the processing of the final products. It can be divided into three sectors which are; the growing or obtaining of the raw material, the processing and finally the retail and wholesaling of the final products.

These provide a variety of job opportunities. In the production of rice and farming, farmers are required in the initial stage of production were the produce is being grown. Laborers are also required so as to assist in the planting and harvesting seasons. Farmers are required in the monitoring and controlling of pests and diseases and determine the harvest time. They also maintain the health and quality of the produce. In the processing plant the employment opportunities include food scientists, supervisors and technicians. In fishing fishermen are required in obtaining the fish and these if to be further processed are taken to a food processing plant with the same job opportunities mentioned above. Sapporo beer is processed in the area and provides employment for food scientists and technicians.

Tourism is an important industry; campers are attracted in the cool climate and hot springs are available. During the winter, skiing and other winter sports bring tourists, from al over Japan and increasingly international tourists, to Hokkaido. Guides are required in this sector for the tourists. Management teams are required at the several spots including maid and catering services for the tourists.