Each February, for seven days in Sapporo, Japan millions of people gather to see the enormous ice sculptures of the Sapporo Snow Festival.  One of Japan's largest events, it includes teams from many countries each creating a work of art that is illuminated at night and often includes snow slides or benches for people to enjoy.  The teams must work in the traditional snow, but non competition statues are carved from ice or created with a mixture of building materials, snow, and ice. 

The event began in 1950 when six high school students built the first statues in the park. The activities of the students gained publicity in the local media, and many locals took their enthusiasm to heart. It took only a couple of years for the festival to become extremely popular in the local area. In 1955, just 5 years after the 6 students took their initiative, the soldiers from the Makomanai base of the newly established Self-Defense Force also began to participate. Initially this was done partly in order to give the men something to do, but it was quickly understood that making the sculptures was proving to be an excellent team work building exercise and a good way to test the leadership, problem solving skills and initiative of junior officers.  The soldiers who first built the now famous giant statues, and the wonderful snow slides for children and also the theme sculptures which helped the festival grow.  The festival found international acclaim during the 1972 Winter Olympics when television crews fell in love with the statues and broadcast them around the world.

The festival has grown to include an Ice Queen and her royal court as well as a variety of entertainment on stages throughout the festival.  Many companies have joined in the fun sculpting bars to serve their beverages, ice models of their cars, and other creative promotions.  Fun is still an important part of the festival with sledding, snow golf, snowmen contests, and so much more.

Ready to alter a snow man?  No?  How about be inspired by the gorgeous creations?