Giant Snow Sculpture of Furukawa Memorial Hall Unveiled at the 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival

The 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival officially opened on Wednesday, February 4, marking the start of Sapporo’s most celebrated winter events. This year, visitors to Odori Park 7-chome (HBC Square) are greeted by a giant snow sculpture inspired by Furukawa Memorial Hall, a historic building on Hokkaido University’s Sapporo Campus.

The snow sculpture was created by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Northern Army Systems Signal Group (Read more about how the snow sculpture was created). To mark its completion, a ceremony was held to handover the sculpture to Hokkaido Broadcasting Company (HBC), the organization overseeing operations at the venue.

President Houkin gave his speech at the handover ceremony

Hokkaido University President Kiyohiro Houkin also attended the ceremony and expressed his appreciation to both JGSDF and HBC.

“The fine architectural details of the building have been reproduced with remarkable precision,” President Houkin said. “I’ve also heard that the sculpture will be illuminated at night. I hope many people will come to see it. The original Furukawa Memorial Hall is located nearby on our campus, so I encourage visitors to take the opportunity to see both.”

Following the handover, the opening ceremony of the Snow Festival was held at the same location, directly in front of the snow sculpture. The event attracted a large crowd and marked a lively and successful start to the festival.

The Furukawa Memorial Hall snow sculpture was created to commemorate Hokkaido University’s 150th anniversary in 2026. In conjunction with this milestone, Hokkaido University has set up a booth in front of the snow sculpture, where visitors can learn more about the university’s history and purchase original anniversary goods and sweets.

Original goods and sweets on sale at the Hokkaido University booth

The venue will also host stage performances by Hokkaido University student groups on weekends and public holidays, enhancing the festive atmosphere at the site.

Stage Performances Schedule

Saturday, February 7 | 14:30-15:00
Hokkaido University Cheerleading Squad, Cheer Brass Band, and Keiteki Dormitory
Sunday, February 8 | 14:30-15:00
Hokkaido University A Cappella Circle NoSeRA x Hokkaido University Choir
Wednesday, February 11 (Public Holiday) | 14:30-15:00
Hokkaido University Choir and Hokkaido University “En” (Japanese festival dance team)

Based on the original Japanese article by Ayumi Hasegawa, PRC
Photos by Ayumi Hasegawa, PRC