News On Japan

Hard to Digest Snow Sculpture

SAPPORO, Feb 09 (News On Japan) - A snow sculpture at the Sapporo Snow Festival replicating the human intestines is stopping people in their tracks, "How would anyone even think to create this?"

A visitor exclaimed, "You rarely see intestines represented like this... Is it opening up? Does it symbolize something?"

This unique piece was crafted by volunteers from the pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo. Annually, they've chosen the human body as their theme, creating sculptures of the heart, brain, stomach, bones, and last year, the lungs. This year, they chose the intestines.

The idea originated from the Hokkaido Medical Sales Department's manager, Toshikazu Ito, who modeled the intestines himself using clay.

Ito pondered, "It's one thing to model intestines with clay, but how will it turn out as a snow sculpture?"

Indeed, the complexity of replicating this in snow was a challenge.

A team member groaned, "This is tough..." as they felt the onset of muscle soreness.

Time flew by as the Daiichi Sankyo team dedicated themselves to the project over six days. On the final day, they faced a fierce blizzard, yet...

Takemura Koizumi, a manager at Daiichi Sankyo's Hokkaido Medical Sales Department, confidently stated, "I think it's perfect."

Their immense passion for accurately depicting the human intestines in snow was driven by a desire to contribute to a healthier and more prosperous life.

Source: ANNnewsCH

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

The economic policy bannered by Prime Minister Takaichi as “Sanaenomics” is beginning to take shape, with expectations centering on lower gasoline prices and the restart of electricity and gas subsidies even as critics say the program’s substance remains unclear and insufficiently developed.

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

A rare migratory bird seldom seen in Okinawa has become the talk of the town after appearing in Nago City. The bird, identified as a spoonbill, was spotted along the Nasada River in the city’s Kogachi district.

Georgia is a small country between Europe and Asia, known for its beautiful nature, rich history and warm hospitality. From high mountains to green valleys, from old churches to modern cities, Georgia offers something for every traveler.

As of November 4th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that a tropical depression near the Caroline Islands is expected to develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. The system is separate from Typhoon No. 25 (Haiyan) currently near the Philippines and is projected to move northwestward once it intensifies.

Local authorities in Shari, a town in Hokkaido, are seeking donations to preserve and promote an old Japan National Railways bridge that has been registered as a national tangible cultural property.

The Tenpyo Procession, in which participants don splendid period costumes and visit Todaiji Temple, was held in Nara on November 3rd. The event commemorates Emperor Shomu, who commissioned the construction of the Great Buddha, and Empress Komyo, known for her devotion to Buddhism.

The opening ceremony of the annual Osaka Festival of Lights was held on November 3rd along Midosuji, Osaka’s main street, transforming the city’s nightscape with dazzling illuminations as trees lining the boulevard glowed with countless lights.

Autumn foliage has reached its peak along the Irohazaka winding road in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, where maple, beech, and azalea trees are glowing in shades of red and yellow as streams of cars carrying tourists move slowly up the scenic route.

[03:00] Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) is currently located east of the Philippines and moving westward. It is expected to intensify while passing near the Philippines before entering the South China Sea and approaching Vietnam. Meteorological agencies say there will be no direct impact on Japan.