Most of Monbetsu's economy is dedicated to fishing for cold-water species such as crab. The city is also a center for research on sea ice.
During the summertime, when the icebergs melt, sailors from Russia are a common sight in the city. Many local businesses have banned Russian visitors for their supposed "unruly" behavior, which has led many to criticize Monbetsu as a hotbed of racial discrimination. (See also: Ethnic issues in Japan)
As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 27,764 and the density of 33.44 persons per kmē. The total area is 830.36 km².
Although a 2001 broadcast of TV show "Koko Ga Hendayo Nihonjin" showed Monbetsu bars refusing all foreigners on sight (http://www.debito.org/KokoGaHen1.html), we found back then that as long as we spoke Japanese, we were (after some initial refusals and character witnessing by our native Japanese counterparts) allowed in.
Eleven-year Monbetsu resident James Eriksson was recognized at the counter and waved in.
Monbetsu cityfolk put signs up they didn't understand to address a problem most of them had never experienced--only heard about in the classic style of the rumor mill.
Most of Monbetsu's economy is dedicated to fishing for cold-water species such as crab.
The crab from Monbetsu is reputably the best in Japan, and is such a source of town pride that a sculpture of a crab claw nearly 10m tall was built down by the waterfront.
The city is also a center for research on sea ice with an international conference held in February (usually the time of peak sea ice) each year.
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