In the 19th century, Takeshiro Matsuura explored Hokkaido, recording much of Ainu life and the natural environment. He established a close relationship with the Ainu and documented how they were oppressed by the mainland Japanese. He visited Tokachi in 1845 and 1858, and published his observations of the area in a book. As a government official of the settlers, Matsuura suggested regional names including “Hokkaido” and “Tokachi” in 1869.