Collaboration between Hokkaido-based companies is set to shine at the 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival, promising to deliver both excitement and engagement through unique events. This year's festival will see the introduction of the 'JAL Sapporo Snow Sports Park 2025,' running from February 7 to 9, 2025, at the Sapporo Dome, sponsored exclusively by Tobu Top Tours Co., Ltd., based out of Tokyo. The festival not only aims to invigorate winter sports activities but also enhances the appeal of Sapporo as a prominent winter destination for both local residents and tourists alike.
Every winter, the Sapporo Snow Festival draws over two million visitors from Japan and abroad, making it one of the largest of its kind. The partnership between the festival and the JAL Sapporo Snow Sports Park is expected to leverage this audience, introducing them to exhilarating winter sports exhibitions. According to Yasuji Morita, President of Tobu Top Tours, "Through this sponsorship, we aim to contribute to the promotion of winter sports and the revitalization of Sapporo during winter." This initiative highlights the region’s commitment to winter sports and aims to solidify Sapporo’s status as an international sports hub.
The Snow Sports Park itself will feature various activities such as ski and snowboard competitions, as well as interactive entertainment options suitable for participants of all ages. With snow-related content such as sports, para-sports, art, and gourmet experiences on offer, the venue will provide safe and enjoyable participation as it is located both indoors and outdoors, ensuring activities can continue regardless of the weather.
Meanwhile, another fascinating addition to the festival is the participation of Century Games, which showcases their mobile strategy game titled 'Whiteout Survival.' This game places players in the role of leaders managing colonies struggling to survive amid rapid climate change. Their exhibit is part of the current Sapporo Snow Festival 2025, significantly utilized for promotional outreach. The company described the environmental backdrop of its game as ideal for the festival, allowing attendees to immerse themselves not only in the beauty of the snow sculptures but also within the themes of resilience and survival.
The gaming company has made headlines not just for their engaging gameplay but also by leveraging the social appeal of current events. "Discover the thrilling experience of survival strategies set against the backdrop of climate change," noted the Century Games press announcement, conveying how participants can connect with the game's narrative right at the festival.
At the festival grounds, visitors can enjoy impressive snow sculptures and enjoy engaging alongside community activities. Specific highlights include formidable ice statues located at venues like the Odori Park and Susukino Area, where Century Games has set up impressive displays. An eye-catching snow sculpture of 'Powerful Girl Jasmine' will greet festival-goers at the central venue, reflecting the synergy between game content and interactive experiences.
Attendees can also expect local cosplayers representing characters from 'Whiteout Survival' throughout the festival, offering ample photo opportunities. There'll be free merchandise giveaways and various engaging activities organized for participants regardless of whether they are gamers or not, creating all the more reasons to visit the festival.
The excitement built around gaming culture and the Winter scene exemplifies the dual engagement approach Stage Events have taken for this year's Snow Festival, celebrating both local heritage and modern interactions. It's clear these partnerships are set to breathe new life and excitement not only for the players but for the entire community during this unique winter spectacle.
Through these collaborations, Hokkaido aims to not only promote its local culture but also secure its future as hosts for international winter sports events, blending the cooperation of travel, leisure, and cultural heritage with the dynamically engaging landscapes of winter.