SAPPORO AUGUST FESTIVAL 2025
Day 1 (Fri, July 25) – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Day 2 (Sat, July 26) – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Light rain won’t stop us. Canceled in case of severe weather.
ABOUT
The Sapporo August Festival was launched in the summer of 2015 in the Sapporo Ekimae Street area under the slogan “A festival created by everyone.”
At its main venue, Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza “Akapla,” covered in the festival’s symbolic Giant Furoshiki, participants enjoy a variety of Bon dances—including the original Sapporo August Festival Ondo—through unique programs such as Bon dance at Sappooro Kita 3-jo Plaza.
The concept of the Giant Furoshiki(O-Furoshiki) originated with PROJECT FUKUSHIMA!
The idea of “created by everyone” goes beyond just the two-day event—it represents a broader vision of building a new tradition within the local community.
Dance together with the Sapporo August Festival Bon Dance Team (nicknamed Bondorin) and enjoy singing and unwinding to the vibrant live music of the Sapporo August Festival Special Big Band (Lineup).
Let’s make the most of this joyful moment in Sapporo’s short summer!
Organizer: Sapporo Ekimae Street Area Activation Committee
Sapporo Ekimae Street Area Activation Committee, which organizes Sapporo August Festival, is a group established and operated by businesses along Sapporo Ekimae Street, Sapporo City, and other stakeholders to enhance the appeal and value of the district. Aiming to create a comfortable and enjoyable environment not only for business professionals—the main players of this area—but also for visitors, the committee is engaged in various initiatives to bring vibrancy to the district, including but not limited to the Festival.
SAPPORO AUGUST FESTIVAL 2024
Workshop: “Orchestra SAPPORO!”
VENUE
Details
Workshop: Orchestra SAPPORO! 2025
“Orchestra SAPPORO!” Returns on Saturday, July 26!
We are excited to announce that “Orchestra SAPPORO!” will be held again this year!
This citizen-led orchestra is open to everyone—whether you’re a professional musician, an amateur, or even a complete beginner. Anyone can take part!
Under the direction of conductor Otomo Yoshihide, the orchestra responds to his unique set of improvisational commands.
The back-and-forth between conductor and players creates spontaneous music that transcends individual performance and resonates as one collective sound.
Now Accepting Participants for Orchestra SAPPORO!
・No experience is necessary. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, you’re welcome—even if you can’t read sheet music or your “instrument” isn’t technically a musical instrument. If it makes sound, you can play it!
・Participants will first learn some simple playing rules and signals from the conductor, then jump right into a collaborative, improvisational performance.
※ Please note that the workshop will be conducted in Japanese.
Event Overview
●Orchestra SAPPORO! 2025
●Conductor: Otomo Yoshihide (Musician)
●Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
① Check-in: 13:30–14:55 (tentative)
At the Main Festival Tent in Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla)
② Performance: 15:00–15:45 (approx. 45 minutes)
●Venue: Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza “Akapla”
Nishi 4-chome, Kita 2 & 3-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Please note:
There is no parking or bike parking at the venue. Use public transportation or nearby paid lots.
Participant Information
Call for Participants:
Join the improvisational orchestra “Orchestra SAPPORO!”
No musical experience or skill required.
No sheet music will be used—the conductor leads through visual cues and commands.
You’ll be amazed as individual sounds merge into one unified piece of music!
Eligibility:
Bring a portable sound-making object or instrument, and be able to participate from start to finish.
Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Participation Fee: Free
What to Bring:
- A portable instrument (or sound-producing object)
- A hat for sun protection
- Drinks and any other personal items for safety and comfort
Participation Guidelines & Notes
- Experience or skill level doesn’t matter—everyone is welcome.
- Even if you can’t produce clear sounds from your instrument, participation is still encouraged.
- All music will be based on Otomo’s conducting signals—no sheet music will be used.
- Participants must come directly to the venue.
- Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Please complete check-in before the start time and gather at the venue on time.
- Venue or program may change due to weather or conditions. Updates will be shared on the website or social media.
- The first 15 minutes of the session will be used to explain the conductor’s rules. Please be on time.
- Instruments can include acoustic string, wind, percussion, and keyboard instruments, ethnic or handmade instruments, and sound-making objects (excluding the human voice).
- Bring any necessary gear or accessories yourself, including rain protection for your instrument.
- Photos and video will be taken for documentation and may be used for promotional purposes (website, brochures, etc.).
- Please protect yourself from heat—wear a hat, stay hydrated, and take precautions against sunstroke.
- The organizers are not responsible for any damage or loss of instruments or belongings. Please manage your own items carefully.
Inquiries
Sapporo Ekimae Street Area Activation Committee
Secretariat: Sapporo Ekimae Street Area Management Co.
TEL: 011-211-6406／Email: info@ekimaest.jp
Q&A
Q: Can I register in advance?
A: No advance registration. Please come directly to the check-in tent on the day.
Q: Will it be canceled if it rains?
A: It will proceed even in light rain. Please bring rain gear.
If your instrument is sensitive to water, prepare a substitute.
However, the event will be canceled in the case of severe weather (e.g., typhoon). Updates will be posted on the website and Facebook page.
Q: Is there a pre-event orientation?
A: No prior orientation will be held.
Q: Is there a place to store instruments or bags?
A: No storage space is provided. Please bring only what you can carry.
Q: Will transportation costs be covered?
A: No transportation or other expenses will be reimbursed.
Contact:
Sapporo Ekimae Street Area Activation Committee Secretariat: Sapporo Ekimae Street Area Management Co.
Tel: +81-11-211-6406 | Email: info@ekimaest.jp | HP: https://www.sapporoekimae-management.jp/