Sapporo Live Cam

Sapporo is the largest city and capital of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Its history dates back to the early 19th century when it was little more than a remote wilderness inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people.

Early History: Prior to the development of Sapporo, the region was known as "Ishikari Plain" and was primarily inhabited by the Ainu, an indigenous ethnic group. The Ainu had a distinct culture and lived in harmony with the natural environment, engaging in hunting, fishing, and gathering.

Development: The city's modern history began in 1868 during the Meiji era. The Japanese government aimed to develop Hokkaido to secure its northern territories and to foster economic growth. To this end, they launched the "Hokkaido Development Commission" and appointed a western-educated official named Kuroda Kiyotaka to lead the development efforts.

Founding of Sapporo: In 1869, Kuroda Kiyotaka selected the area of present-day Sapporo as the site for a new administrative center for Hokkaido. The city was strategically planned on a grid pattern, influenced by Western urban planning. The name "Sapporo" comes from the Ainu language and means "dry, great river," referring to the Toyohira River that flows through the city.