NATIVEUK.COM LESSONS
February • Art & Environment
Sapporo Snow Festival
One of Japan's largest winter events, the Sapporo Snow Festival transforms the city into a winter wonderland of massive, intricate ice and snow sculptures. What started as a few high school students building sculptures in Odori Park has become a global attraction drawing millions of visitors. This lesson explores the intersection of art and nature, the transient beauty of ice, and how extreme climates shape culture and tourism.
Speaking Discussion
- What do you think is more impressive: a sculpture made of marble that lasts forever, or a massive ice sculpture that will melt in just a few weeks?
- How does living in an extreme climate (extremely cold or extremely hot) change the way people socialise and celebrate?
- Is winter tourism (like ski resorts and ice festivals) sustainable in the face of climate change and rising temperatures?
- In your opinion, is transience (the fact that something doesn't last) a necessary part of what makes certain art beautiful or special?
- Have you ever visited a place specifically for its natural or seasonal beauty? Was it worth the travel and expense?
- How do massive events like the Sapporo Snow Festival help to build a unique brand for a city or region on the international stage?
- If you were given the tools and a team to build a massive snow sculpture, what would it represent and why?
Activity 1: The winter Marketing Pitch
The Task: You are a Tourism Director for a cold, snowy city. Create a 3-point plan to attract tourists who usually prefer warm, sunny beaches.
from the sidebar.
Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences
Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.
- "The most difficult thing about winter is..."
- "I think ice sculptures are..."
- "In my opinion, the best climate for a holiday is..."