Takahiro Sakamoto 
The opening ceremony of the 75th Sapporo Snow Festival was held in front of a giant snow sculpture of the former Hokkaido Government Office building. February 4, Odori Park, Sapporo City.
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The 75th Sapporo Snow Festival began in Sapporo City on February 4. At the main Odori venue, 129 snow sculptures are currently on display, including five massive ones. The festival is hosting various events until February 11 at its three venues: Susukino, Tsudome, and Odori.
The opening ceremony began with a powerful performance by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) 11th Music Band. On stage, Brigadier General Yoshiki Adachi from the JGSDF's 11th Brigade, who also took part in snow sculpture making, presented the list of creations to Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto.
Mayor Akimoto expressed his gratitude, saying, "The record-low amount of snowfall and higher-than-usual temperatures caused some concern this winter. However, we were able to hold the festival thanks to the efforts of all involved."
Icons Made of Snow
Among the five giant snow sculptures at the main venue are characters from the popular manga and anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Other sculptures include the Hokkaido Government Office's former headquarters and monsters from the popular action game Monster Hunter World.
At the Odori 2-chome site, locals created their own snow sculptures. A sculpture of baseball player Shohei Ohtani and his pet dog seems to be especially popular.
Nighttime Illumination
An office worker from Kanagawa Prefecture visited the opening with his family of four. He said, "The weather is perfect for sightseeing — clear skies and not too cold."
His 14-year-old son, visiting the festival for the first time, commented, "The large snow sculptures are amazing. I think it must have been very difficult to make them."
Additionally, a dazzling array of 60 ice sculptures by renowned sculptors is on display at the Susukino venue. After sunset, the sculptures are illuminated by colorful neon lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
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Author: Takahiro Sakamoto, The Sankei Shimbun
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