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 spy vessel was seen sailing about 18 miles southwest of Cape Tappi before sailing through the Tsugaru Strait separating Honshu and Hokkaido.

From Washington Times • May 10, 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 Tsugaru Strait is an international strait which is open to foreign ships, including military vessels.

From Reuters • Oct. 19, 2021

One is in the north, namely, the Tsugaru Strait; the other is in the south, namely, the channel between the Korean peninsula and the Japanese island of Kyushu.

From A History of the Japanese People From the Earliest Times to the End of the Meiji Era by Brinkley, F. (Frank)