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The Winter Asian Games in Sapporo have begun! A record number of countries and regions are participating.
The 8th Sapporo Winter Asian Games (Organizer: Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Gold Partners: NTT East, NTT DOCOMO Official Partners: Seiko Holdings, Sohgo Security Services; Official Sponsors: Actio, EC Pro, Kanamoto, Kamori Kanko, Sapporo Bankei, SECOM, ANA Holdings, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Toppan Forms, Japan Airlines, Fuji Xerox Hokkaido, Hokkaido Gas, Hokkaido Shimbun, Mizuno) opened on February 19.
The Games, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) – which has 45 member countries and regions in Asia – are a comprehensive international sports event held every four years to promote winter sports development in the region. This marks the third time Sapporo has hosted the Games, following the inaugural event in 1986 and the second in 1990.
Under the slogan "Beyond your ambitions. Connecting the world, this winter.", approximately 2,000 athletes and officials from a record 32 countries and regions are participating. Over eight days until the 26th, 64 events across five sports – skiing, skating, biathlon, ice hockey, and curling – will be held.
(Photo by Fort Kishimoto)
The opening ceremony was held at Sapporo Dome in Toyohira Ward on the first day of the Games.
During the first part of the ceremony, national teams marched in, led by China. As guest nations Australia and New Zealand entered with smiles, the final appearance of the Japanese team drew particularly loud cheers.
Organizing Committee Chairman Katsuhiro Akimoto (Mayor of Sapporo) stated in his address, "I pray this tournament will transcend national and regional boundaries, connect the people of Asia, and contribute to friendship and peace through the promotion of diverse cultural exchange and understanding." OCA President Ahmad remarked, "I am delighted to return to Sapporo, which can be called the home of the Winter Games. I hope the athletes will enjoy both the sports and the heartfelt hospitality in this blessed environment."
His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, representing His Majesty the Emperor, declared the Games open. Mari Motohashi, captain of the Japanese curling team, delivered the athletes' oath.
Part 2 featured uniquely Hokkaido welcome performances, including traditional dances by the Hokkaido Ainu Association, the spirited Yosakoi Soran dance, and lively dances by the younger generation. The torch relay featured former speed skater Hiroyasu Shimizu and others, culminating in former ski jumper Masahiko Harada lighting the cauldron as the final torchbearer.
Part 3 featured a special live performance by Dreams Come True, who sang the event's theme song "WINTER SONG ~DANCING SNOWFLAKES VERSION~." They passionately performed their hit songs with the Olympic flame as a backdrop. Their powerful stage energized the audience, and the entire venue united in wishing for the event's success.
During the Games, the "Fan Village" was set up in the Sapporo Station Underground Pedestrian Area. Event partners and sponsors exhibited booths promoting their products and services. Public viewing areas and an information center were also established.
■ "Fan Village" (Sapporo Station Underground Pedestrian Area)
■ Opening Ceremony Venue (Sapporo Dome)
NTT East exhibited a booth where visitors could take photos of themselves snowboarding. NTT Docomo set up a corner offering a virtual curling experience.
■ Snow Miku (Hatsune Miku)
A character supporting Hokkaido, she energizes the event alongside the tournament mascot "Ezo-mon." She was born after a pure white "Hatsune Miku" snow sculpture was created at the 2010 Sapporo Snow Festival.
Official Tournament Website: https://sapporo2017.org/
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