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Shibetsu is located N of Asahikawa and NNE of Sapporo. It is situated by the Shibetsu River in the north and its valley.
The name comes from the Ainu word for "great river".
Climate
Climate data for Shibetsu (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1976−present)
Shibetsu is accessed by the Hokkaidō Expressway. The Shibetsu-Kenbuchi Interchange opened on October 4, 2003, connecting the expressway with Route 40. The bypass is not yet planned.
Culture
Mascots
Sahocchi, Mei-chan, Mi-chan and Janpun, the city's mascots
Shibetsu's mascots are Sahocchi (さほっち), Mei-chan (メイちゃん), Mi-chan (みーちゃん) and Janpun (ジャンプん).
Sahocchi, whose real name is Kurosuke Hitsujida (羊田 黒助), is a cheerful and friendly ram. His birthday is July 1. On 24 August 2014, he married Mei-chan at Tsukumosuigo Park.[3]
Mei-chan, whose real name is Mei Hitsujida (羊田 メイ), is a shy yet kind, kind, cheerful and energetic ewe. Her birthday is May 5.[4]
Mi-chan, whose real name is Miu Hitsujida (羊田 未生), is a lamb who is the daughter of Sahocchi and Mei-chan. She was born on 1 January 2015.[5]
Janpun is a farmer boy from Asahi who loves to ski jump. He assists the Asahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Club. Sahocchi, Mei-chan and Mi-chan depend on him for any advice.[6]
