Reference

In 1889, the strategic significance of Hokkaido was primarily related to its geographic location and its potential for development during the Meiji period in Japan. Hokkaido was seen as a frontier region, important for defense against potential threats from the north, particularly from Russia. This strategic importance was recognized as early as the Edo period. The Japanese government aimed to secure the area against Russian expansion by developing the island economically and militarily (source).

During the Meiji Restoration, there was a concerted effort to transform Hokkaido into a vibrant part of Japan's economy and defense infrastructure. The government encouraged migration and development in Hokkaido, recognizing its strategic and economic potential. It aimed to modernize the island by promoting agriculture and industry, as well as establishing a strong defense presence (source).

Therefore, in 1889, Hokkaido held significant strategic importance due to its location as a defense buffer and its potential as an economic resource. This period marked substantial efforts towards Japanese expansion and consolidation of territories for national security and development purposes (source).