Tsugaru Strait

American  

[tsoo-gahr-oo streyt] / tsʊˈgɑr u ˈstreɪt /

noun

1. a strait between the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido in northern Japan, connecting the Sea of Japan with the Pacific Ocean. 100 miles (160 km) long and 15–25 miles (24–40 km) wide.

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Tsugaru Strait British  

/ ˈtsuɡɑˌru /

noun

1. a channel between N Honshu and S Hokkaido islands, Japan. Width: about 30 km (20 miles)

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Etymology

Origin of Tsugaru Strait

First recorded in 1870–75; from Japanese: literally, “port, haven, ferry, ford”

Example Sentences

Andy said crossing the Tsugaru Strait in Japan, which left him requiring hospital treatment, was the toughest leg despite being the second shortest of the challenge.

From BBC • Aug. 4, 2023

The ministry also found several Chinese intelligence ships near the Tsugaru Strait in northern Japan, just days after they were seen in waters off southern Japan.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 17, 2022

The Chinese and Russian vessels were first spotted last Monday passing through the Tsugaru Strait between Japan’s main island of Honshu and the northern island of Hokkaido.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2021

The Tsugaru Strait is an international strait which is open to foreign ships, including military vessels.

From Reuters • Oct. 19, 2021

Not far from Erimo Cape it meets a warm current from the China Sea, which passes through the Tsugaru Strait, and which in all probability is the Kuro-shiwo, or Japan current.

From Alone with the Hairy Ainu or, 3,800 miles on a pack saddle in Yezo and a cruise to the Kurile Islands. by Landor, A. H. Savage