The 9th International Symposium on Environmental Vibration and Transportation Geodynamics

Sapporo is Japan’s northernmost ordinance-designated city, and the capital of Hokkaido, northern island in Japan. It covers roughly the same area as Hong Kong and is home to a growing population of more than 1.95 million, which is the 5th largest city in Japan. Only 150 years or so have passed since the pioneers first arrived, making it a relatively young city. Since the hosting of the Winter Olympics in 1972, Sapporo has continued to develop into a truly international city, Hosting various international events including the 2002 FIFA World Cup in 2002, the Ski Jumping World Cup, the Nordic World Ski Championships, and the Asian Winter Games. Sapporo is one of the few cities in Japan to have a mild and humidity-free summer, and in the winter it can see snowfall amounts reach upwards of five meters. This climate provides the city with unique and sharp contrasts in each of the four seasons. For example, despite being a large metropolis, a short trip out to the suburbs reveals abundant natural scenery, where outdoor leisure activities such as hiking, canoeing, camping, and winter sports can be enjoyed. Each of the four seasons bring their own delights. Every year many tourists from both mainland Japan and abroad visit the region, which is famous for being one of Japan's leading producers of delicious foodstuff. Sapporo also ranks second among the places Japanese people would like to live.