By NOBUHIRO SHIRAI/ Staff Writer
February 4, 2019 at 15:55 JST
A humongous snow sculpture featuring characters of “Star Wars” draws numerous spectators in Sapporo’s Chuo Ward on the morning on Feb. 4. (Nobuhiro Shirai)
SAPPORO--A massive snow sculpture featuring characters from the iconic "Star Wars" movie franchise is one of the many attractions at this year's Sapporo Snow Festival, which kicked off on Feb. 4, a snowy day.
Other snowy creations at the 70th installment of the festival at the Odori Park main venue in the city's Chuo Ward include a JR train emerging from a tunnel and thoroughbred horses sprinting in the spirit of recovery for those affected by the earthquake in September. The animal is one of Hokkaido's symbols.
About 190 works are spread across three sites: Susukino in the ward, which opened the same day; Tsudome in Higashi Ward, which opened Jan. 31; and the main venue.
The "Star Wars" sculpture marks the upcoming release in December this year of “Episode 9” of the globally popular movie series.
All the venues will be open to visitors through Feb. 11.
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