Heavy winds sent shockwaves through the 75th Sapporo Snow Festival on February 5, 2025, resulting in the dramatic collapse of one of its prized ice sculptures, the "Phantom Dragon." This stunning piece, measuring 2.5 meters high and weighing several tons, achieved runner-up status during the festival’s ice sculpture competition just hours before it was destroyed.
The incident occurred around 10:30 PM, when peak wind gusts of 15.5 meters per second (34.7 mph) swept through the Susukino venue, where the festival is held. Witnesses reported seeing the ice sculpture topple over immediately following one of these powerful gusts, crashing to the ground without injuring any bystanders. According to local authorities, the quick response prevented what could have turned catastrophic for visitors and participants alike.
The Sapporo Tourism Association confirmed there were no injuries related to the collapse. "There were no injured people," reported Hokkaido Newspaper on February 6, emphasizing the fortunate outcome of this incident. Following the occurrence, officials conducted emergency inspections of the festival, reassuring attendees and participants the remaining sculptures posed no risk of similar breakdown.
Despite the mishap, the festival continues to draw large crowds, showcasing over 200 ice and snow sculptures across various venues until February 11. The "Phantom Dragon," which won acclaim for its incredible artistry and design, involves extensive preparation and painstaking detail, making its sudden destruction all the more poignant for its creators. Epic witnesses shared sentiments of disappointment, voicing, "I suppose the creator must be very disappointed; everyone wanted to see it," adding emotional gravitas to the incident.
The cause of the dismantle incident has been preliminarily attributed to the fast-approaching weather warnings on the night of February 5, when the Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory issued advisories for strong winds and snowfall throughout the area. Sapporo reported wind speeds reaching the notable threshold of 15.5 meters per second just half-an-hour after the collapse, contributing to the festival’s pre-existing concern about the structural integrity of outdoor installations amid unpredictable weather.
Festival organizers are now left with the challenge of not only battling the elements but also managing the safety and enthusiasm of the thousands who visit Sapporo each winter for this iconic festival, often described as one of Japan’s greatest winter tourism draws. Snow-covered streets lined with illuminated sculptures contribute to motifs of grace and artistry—qualities the city hopes to maintain even against nature’s whims.
While the beloved "Phantom Dragon" may no longer awe visitors with its presence, it remains etched in local memory as part of the festival's storied legacy. Conversations and reflections continue to arise, as attendees and artists alike rally around the spirit of creativity and resilience. With hundreds of sculptures still on display, visitors can enjoy remaining artistry, with hopes of stronger support structures for next year’s festivity.
The Sapporo Snow Festival doesn’t just celebrate artistic achievement but also brings together communities, traditions, and experiences, couching its significance beyond mere spectacles of ice and snow. Next year, officials are determined to implement precautionary measures, ensuring the beauty of winter does not meet ruin at the hands of unforeseen gusts. With community involvement and artistic devotion, the festival is expected to thrive, with the ghosts of "Phantom Dragon" inspiring new creations to capture the magic of Hokkaido winters.