A stunning display at the Sapporo Snow Festival turned alarming when one of the ice sculptures collapsed on February 5, 2025. The sculpture, named 'Phantom Dragon', had just recently earned the distinction of being the second-best work at the festival.
The incident occurred around 10:40 PM at the Susukino venue, where guests reveling at the annual winter celebration were treated to breathtaking ice art crafted by talented artists. The 'Phantom Dragon', measuring approximately 2.5 meters tall and spanning 2.5 meters wide, was revered for its intricacy and detail. Luckily, onlookers reported no injuries from the collapse.
According to the Susukino Ice World Executive Committee, strong gusts of wind were responsible for the collapse, with they suspect the recent rise in temperatures also playing a role. Their representative stated, "The strong wind caused the collapse. We believe the rise in temperature also contributed to it." Temperatures recorded at the festival were somewhat warmer than usual, with highs of around 5 degrees Celsius earlier during the festival's initial days.
Eyewitness accounts painted vivid scenes of the moments leading up to the fall. One spectator recounted how they heard a loud boom just after they felt the wind pick up. "I was just passing by when I heard this loud noise and turned to see it collapse. It all happened so fast," they told reporters.
Directly following the incident, the Executive Committee took swift action. They performed extensive checks on all remaining ice sculptures to confirm their stability and integrity, reassuring the public of their safety. “We will monitor the ice sculptures closely and will remove any at risk of collapse,” said another committee member, adding all precautions would be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
This year's Sapporo Snow Festival has been particularly eventful, showcasing numerous impressive ice and snow sculptures. One of the standout features has been the collaboration between local artisans and renowned artists, crafting pieces highlighting everything from cultural symbols to whimsical fantasy characters.
Despite the disruption, festival attendees have continued to express their enthusiasm. The annual celebration remains one of the largest of its kind, attracting both national and international visitors who come to marvel at the incredible sculptures. Social media has also been abuzz with images and reactions, as festival-goers share their experiences using specific hashtags related to the event.
Looking back at the incident, the Executive Committee expressed gratitude for the lack of injuries and vowed to improve safety measures. "I’ve never seen something like this happen before," one of the representatives remarked, indicating the unusual nature of such occurrences at the festival.
Moving forward, the Sapporo Snow Festival continues to thrive, creating distinct experiences for all attending guests amid the beauty of winter. The resilience of the festival organizers, coupled with their proactive safety measures, has sustained the festival's reputation as Japan's premier winter event.
With the event slated to continue until February 11, 2025, attendees will hopefully enjoy the captivating displays remaining on-site, appreciating the artistry and effort poured by the creators who dedicate their winter months to this spirited tradition. Visitors are encouraged to cherish the magic of the festival and be mindful of changing weather conditions.