Travel

Sapporo Snow Festival Faces Cut in Giant Sculptures

SAPPORO, May 20 (News On Japan) - Starting in 2027, the number of giant snow sculptures produced by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for the Sapporo Snow Festival will be reduced from two to one, due to increasing demands on personnel for disaster response and winter training.

Each year, the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) has created two of the massive snow sculptures at the festival’s Odori site in response to a request from the City of Sapporo. However, on May 19th, the GSDF formally proposed reducing its involvement to just one sculpture beginning in 2027, citing the need to secure more time for training and disaster preparedness.

In addition to the two SDF-made sculptures, three others are usually created by nonprofit organizations and other groups, making a total of five. But Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto suggested that the overall number may fall to four, as replacing the SDF’s contribution with an additional private-sector sculpture could prove difficult.

"While we want to avoid reducing the number, realistically it may be very challenging for the private sector to take on another giant sculpture," said Akimoto.

Sapporo City plans to hold discussions with the festival’s executive committee to determine the path forward.

Source: 北海道ニュースUHB

Tighter Visa Rules Raise Fears for Curry Restaurants Across Japan

Japan tightened its "Business Manager" visa requirements in October 2025, prompting growing concern among foreign restaurant owners who fear the changes could force them out of business.

Mass Protest Outside National Diet Demands End to War

A citizens’ group advocating the preservation of Japan’s pacifist constitution held a large-scale rally in front of the National Diet on April 8th, drawing approximately 30,000 participants according to organizers, while similar events and street demonstrations were held across the country.

Japan Soccer Team Chooses Nashville as World Cup Base Camp

A modern training facility equipped with two natural grass pitches sits about a 25-minute drive from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, where Japan’s national soccer team will establish its base camp for the World Cup set to kick off in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Third Japanese Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz

A third vessel linked to Japan has been confirmed to have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, where a de facto blockade remains in place following heightened tensions in the region.

Trump Criticizes Japan for Lack of Support

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Japan over its response to a military operation involving Iran, stating that Japan "did not help" during the campaign.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Luxury Dining Train Returns for the First Time in 100 Years

Nankai Electric Railway will begin operating a new sightseeing train connecting Namba and Koyasan on April 24th, with the full details unveiled to the media on April 9th.

Tourists Pick Strawberries with Pets

A tourist farm in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture, is attracting growing numbers of visitors by offering the rare experience of strawberry picking together with pets.

Inside Japan’s Snowiest Hot Spring and Historic Mixed Bath

Deep winter conditions persist into April at Sukayu Onsen in Aomori Prefecture, with 8-meter snow walls still standing, while the facility’s main attraction, the expansive wooden bathhouse known as the "Hiba Sennin-buro," a rare mixed-gender bathing area, continues to draw visitors.

Polish Man Falls on Mount Fuji During Off-Season Climb

A 31-year-old Polish man was rescued by helicopter after falling near the New Seventh Station of Mount Fuji at around 11 a.m. on April 6th during an off-season solo climb, after calling emergency services to report that he believed he had broken his leg.