Exploring Snow Culture, Digital Innovation, and Creative Exchange in Japan’s Northern Capital
As a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, Sapporo is renowned for its blend of natural beauty, winter culture, and digital creativity. From snow festivals to international art showcases, the city is shaping a unique vision of creative tourism rooted in both tradition and innovation. We spoke with representatives from Sapporo to learn how the city is leveraging culture and technology to foster sustainable urban development.
“Sapporo aims to revitalize the city, enhance its urban brand, and contribute to an increase in the exchange between people through tourism and economic activities.”
HIRAKAWA Norimichi, six-petal automata
Photo by MOMMA Yusuke
Q: Could you briefly introduce Sapporo’s cultural and creative DNA?
A: Sapporo is shaped by its snowy winters and clearly defined seasons. The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the city’s most iconic events and symbolizes what we call “snow culture”—a celebration of the beauty and creativity that winter brings. Beyond that, Sapporo is home to a vibrant arts scene supported by facilities like the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, Sapporo Art Park, and major events such as the Pacific Music Festival (PMF) and the Sapporo International Art Festival (SIAF). These platforms encourage cultural exchange and creativity throughout the year.
Q: Why did Sapporo choose to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network?
A: Joining the network reflects our commitment to promoting culture through both public-private collaboration and international exchange. We wanted to strengthen industries that draw on cultural resources and to actively connect with other cities pursuing similar goals. The UCCN has provided valuable opportunities to share ideas and grow through partnerships.
Q: What are some of the key cultural or creative projects currently active in the city?
A: One major initiative is the Sapporo Community Plaza, which opened in 2018. It includes several cultural spaces:
- hitaru, a theater for opera, ballet, and other large-scale performances;
- SCARTS, a space for artists and citizens to create and collaborate;
- Sapporo Municipal Library and Information Center, which provides educational resources in a relaxed setting.
We also continue to develop signature events like the Pacific Music Festival, which brings world-class music to local venues, and the Sapporo International Art Festival, a triennial event showcasing contemporary and media art across the city.
Photo by KOMAKI Yoshisato
Q: How does Sapporo define creative tourism in its local context?
A: For us, creative tourism is about using cultural arts and digital creativity to enrich urban life and promote sustainable development. It connects industries, encourages innovation, and strengthens the city’s identity—ultimately enhancing the visitor experience while benefiting the local community.
Q: What are the main creative tourism assets that support this vision?
A: Sapporo’s snowy environment is a major draw in itself. We also focus on media arts, digital innovation, and cultural infrastructure like the Community Plaza. Our history and indigenous Ainu culture add rich layers to the city’s identity, making it a meaningful place for cultural exploration.
Q: Can you share a successful initiative that illustrates your approach to creative tourism?
A: The Sapporo International Art Festival is a strong example. It provides opportunities for locals and visitors to engage with contemporary art while aligning with our unique winter climate. Its timing alongside the Snow Festival creates a powerful synergy that highlights both natural beauty and creative expression.
Q: What challenges has the city faced in promoting creative tourism, and how are they being addressed?
A: One challenge was limited local awareness of what creative tourism entails, especially in the area of media arts. To address this, we’ve increased public-facing events and encouraged wider participation from citizens and businesses to build a stronger cultural base.
Photo by KUSUMI Erika
Q: What role does digital innovation play in your creative tourism strategy?
A: It’s central to what we do as a City of Media Arts. During the 2024 SIAF, students were introduced to programming and digital art, helping the next generation engage with new forms of creative expression. At the Snow Festival, we’ve also implemented AR and VR technologies to enhance the visitor experience in innovative ways.
Q: Looking ahead, what are Sapporo’s future goals in creativity and tourism?
A: We aim to continue building international collaborations through networks like the UCCN, while also raising public awareness of media arts and digital culture. Strengthening Sapporo’s brand as a creative city is a key priority, alongside fostering inclusive, sustainable growth through culture and tourism.
Video: SIAF2024 ダイジェスト / Highlights
