Insights from AHEC’s Seminar and Local Experiences

Insights from AHEC’s Seminar and Local Experiences


Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, spans approximately 83,500 square kilometers (32,000 square miles), making it one of Japan’s largest and most picturesque regions. Traveling across the island can be time-consuming; for example, driving from Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, to various destinations can take 4 to 5 hours, depending on the route and weather.

In 2023, I had the opportunity to visit Hokkaido for an event organized by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC). AHEC Director Takashiro Tsuji invited three representatives from AIA Japan, including myself, to participate in a sustainability seminar with the Japan Institute of Architects' (JIA) Hokkaido chapter. The seminar was held at the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo and focused on the sustainable use of wood in architecture.

The seminar commenced with opening remarks from Chanda Berk, Director of the Agricultural Trade Office at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She highlighted the growing importance of sustainable materials in construction, particularly hardwoods from sustainably managed forests. Following her address, representatives from AIA Japan and JIA Hokkaido presented case studies and insights into incorporating wood into modern design while emphasizing environmental stewardship.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion that allowed us to dive deeper into the benefits and challenges of using wood as a primary building material. Topics included the environmental impact of material choices, the advantages of wood for carbon sequestration, and best practices for integrating wood into urban and residential projects. The dialogue underscored the synergy between Japanese traditional wood construction techniques and modern architectural innovations.

Pre-Seminar Activities:

Experiencing Hokkaido’s Culture and Innovation


Before the seminar, we attended a baseball game between the Osaka Hanshin Tigers and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at Es Con Field Hokkaido, a new state-of-the-art stadium that opened in April 2023. The stadium embodies sustainability and modern design, featuring an operable roof that adapts to Hokkaido’s varied weather. It integrates hospitality with sports, offering a hotel where guests can watch games directly from their rooms, enhancing the experience of attending a live event.

The stadium’s design aligns with the sustainable themes of the seminar, showcasing innovative uses of natural materials and multifunctional spaces that reflect the principles of efficiency and environmental responsibility. Beyond the game itself, the facility’s integration of green practices in its construction and operation serves as a practical example of how modern architecture can embrace sustainability.

Es Con Field Hokkaido


Es Con Field Hokkaido stands out for its innovative design and multifunctional use. The stadium features an operable roof, allowing it to switch between indoor and outdoor settings based on weather conditions. This flexibility ensures that events can proceed comfortably throughout the year.

One of the most distinctive features of the stadium is its integrated hotel. Guests can watch the game from their rooms, combining luxury accommodations with live sports entertainment. The hotel also offers a range of amenities, including a spa, sauna, and hot spring, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. Find out more about the hotel here.

The stadium complex includes a variety of dining options such as restaurants, cafes, and bars, creating a vibrant atmosphere that resembles an amusement park or sports bar. It also features a children’s playground, adding a family-friendly dimension to the venue. Surrounding the stadium are resort-style detached buildings, which offer luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the field through large glass façades. These buildings are designed to provide a premium experience, both during and after the game.

The stadium’s layout includes different elevation levels, with the resort area situated higher and the parking and public areas below. This design effectively separates private and public spaces. However, the infrastructure, while modern, is less developed compared to typical stadiums, resulting in a 30-minute walk to the nearest train station after events due to long lines for buses and taxis.

Overall, Es Con Field Hokkaido offers a unique and immersive experience, combining high-quality sports entertainment with luxurious accommodations and diverse amenities. It was a memorable outing, where we enjoyed the baseball game, Sapporo beer, and gourmet local foods, making the visit both enjoyable and interesting.

Seminar Day:

Sustainability in Architecture and Local Insights


The following day, before the seminar took place in the evening, the three of us had the chance to explore the downtown area. Fortunately, our visit coincided with the Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival, a traditional dance festival that turned out to be a vibrant and memorable experience.

The Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival featured a series of dynamic performances showcasing local and traditional dances. Participants, dressed in colorful and elaborate costumes, danced energetically to the rhythms of live music and drumming. The festival created a lively and festive atmosphere, drawing crowds of spectators who enjoyed the performances and the cultural celebration.

The festival took place along Odori Park, a long and scenic park located in the heart of Sapporo. The park is known for its beautifully landscaped garden paths, which wind through lush greenery and flowerbeds. These garden paths provide a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, offering visitors a peaceful space to stroll and relax. During the festival, the charm of Odori Park was enhanced by the colorful and energetic dance performances, making it a delightful experience for all who attended.

Post-Seminar Reflections:

Architectural Insights and Regional Highlights


The day after the seminar, we had the opportunity to tour the Sapporo area with guidance from local Hokkaido architects. Hikohito Konishi, President of JIA Hokkaido, and Yaeko Kawamura from JIA led us through their projects.

Yaeko Kawamura took us on a residential tour, showcasing her designs across various locations. We traveled in her car, allowing us to explore the different spaces she has created. In Hokkaido, construction costs are lower than in major cities like Tokyo, leading to larger detached houses with expansive garden spaces. Although I was a bit apprehensive about encountering bears—since they occasionally wander into residential areas—I didn’t spot any during our visit.

A distinctive feature of residential buildings in Hokkaido is the well-insulated mailboxes, designed to withstand the winter cold. Contrary to my initial expectations, Hokkaido’s winter is not as severe as imagined. The use of well-insulated single laminated glass, combined with efficient heating systems, proves effective in this region.


In Hokkaido, residential heating systems are crucial due to the cold climate. Many homes use a combination of central heating and floor heating systems. Central heating, often powered by gas or oil, warms the entire house, while floor heating, known as "ondol," provides additional comfort by heating the floors from beneath. This creates a warm and cozy environment. Additionally, well-insulated windows and doors help retain heat and improve energy efficiency.

Hokkaido’s weather features cold winters with snowfall, but it is not as extreme as some might think. Roofs are commonly sloped or flat with snow-block systems to prevent sudden snow accumulation and potential roof collapses. This design allows snow to slide off safely, reducing the risk of structural issues.

Yaeko’s buildings predominantly use wood, reflecting a deep appreciation for the material's aesthetic qualities and natural grain patterns. While Japanese wood is commonly used, her projects also incorporate wood from various other countries, highlighting a global appreciation for this versatile material.

Our next stop was a Tempura restaurant designed by Hikohito Konishi, which was an exciting experience. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a charming garden with a pond featuring colorful Koi (Amur Carp). These vibrant fish add elegance to the space, and the pond remains unfrozen despite the winter weather, thanks to warm water generated by an underground wine cellar.

The restaurant owner personally welcomed us and prepared a table in a special room. We enjoyed a Tempura course paired with Sapporo beer while engaging in a lively conversation about the restaurant's design. The room provided a lovely view of the garden, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Evening Gatherings and Culinary Exploration:

Delights of Sapporo


In the evening before our return to Tokyo, we explored a Shotengai, a traditional covered shopping street that is becoming rare in Japan due to an aging society and the emergence of newer areas. The Shotengai we visited, however, has recently undergone a significant renovation, bringing a fresh vibrancy to the area.

The revitalized shopping street now features several new hotels seamlessly integrated with the Shotengai. These hotels blend modern amenities and stylish designs with the traditional charm of the area. Hotel lobbies open directly onto the bustling street, providing guests with immediate access to shops, restaurants, and local attractions, thus enhancing the overall experience with a lively and convenient atmosphere.


The Shotengai’s unique culture is a melting pot of traditions brought by residents from various parts of Japan, resulting in a diverse range of culinary offerings. Sapporo’s food culture stands out, with specialties like Ikkura don—rice topped with salmon roe, showcasing the exceptional freshness of Hokkaido’s seafood. We had the pleasure of enjoying this delicacy at our hotel during breakfast and lunch.

Our exploration also led us to a standing sushi restaurant renowned for its exceptionally fresh seafood. Another local favorite we discovered was Jingiskan, a grilled lamb dish popular at casual dining spots. This dish is often prepared on a distinctive grill, which has become a symbol of local baseball team support. Additionally, we learned that Hokkaido is celebrated for its high-quality kombu, a key ingredient in traditional Japanese broths.

Hokkaido’s reputation extends beyond its food to its exceptional alcoholic beverages. The region’s natural resources and climate create ideal conditions for producing high-quality drinks, including beer, whiskey, and wine. Sapporo’s breweries and distilleries are famous for their distinctive flavors, with Japanese whiskey gaining international acclaim and often compared favorably to Scotch.

The drama "Masao: The True Story of Japanese Whiskey," which highlights the rise of whiskey through the life of Shinjiro Torii, played by Julie Andrews’ Scottish wife, further boosted the popularity of Japanese whiskey. This legacy is evident today, with brands like Suntory and Nikka receiving global awards and recognition.

Hokkaido’s climate also supports a thriving winery industry, with local wines gaining prominence. The Sapporo Brewery, one of Japan’s oldest, is renowned for its crisp and refreshing beers, deeply integrated into local culture and enjoyed alongside traditional cuisine. Festivals and beer bars throughout Sapporo celebrate this rich heritage, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant beer culture.

The unique blend of high-quality food, whiskey, wine, and beer, combined with Sapporo’s culinary and beverage traditions, creates a dynamic destination for enthusiasts. 

Sapporo’s Redevelopment and Potential


Sapporo, as the largest city in Hokkaido and a major economic and cultural hub, is addressing the challenges posed by aging infrastructure through a series of redevelopment projects aimed at modernizing the city and enhancing its status as a vibrant urban center.

In recent years, Sapporo has embarked on numerous redevelopment initiatives, including:
    • Urban Revitalization: Efforts to rejuvenate downtown areas and improve public spaces to attract businesses and visitors. This involves upgrading existing infrastructure, enhancing public transportation, and creating new recreational areas.
    • Commercial and Residential Development: The construction of new office buildings, shopping centers, and residential complexes to meet the demand for modern amenities and housing.
    • Cultural and Historical Preservation: Initiatives to preserve and integrate historical landmarks within new developments, ensuring that Sapporo’s rich cultural heritage is maintained while adapting to contemporary needs.
Despite these advancements, Sapporo holds significant potential for further growth and enhancement:
    • Continued Urban Renewal: Opportunities exist for more extensive urban renewal projects that could transform older neighborhoods into dynamic, mixed-use areas with modern amenities.
    • Sustainable Development: Emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly practices, such as green buildings and energy-efficient infrastructure, could enhance the city’s appeal and contribute to long-term environmental goals.
    • Economic Growth: Sapporo’s status as a major city in Hokkaido positions it well to attract additional investment in tourism, technology, and other industries, which could spur economic growth and create new opportunities for residents.
    • Cultural and Recreational Enhancements: Expanding cultural and recreational facilities, such as museums, parks, and entertainment venues, could enrich the city’s offerings and make it a more attractive destination for both residents and visitors.
Overall, while Sapporo is making strides in addressing its infrastructure challenges, continued investment and strategic planning will be key to unlocking its full potential as a modern and dynamic urban center.

Iseko Area Development


The Iseko area, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and ski resorts, has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by a surge in new resort developments. With stunning mountain views reminiscent of Mount Fuji, Iseko has captured considerable attention from investors and developers alike.

The focus of Iseko's development has been on high-end resorts and luxury accommodations. The region now boasts several opulent hotels and resorts, many featuring upscale, rentable housing with private hot springs. These developments are tailored to affluent visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure, with amenities designed to elevate the resort experience.

Initially, the investment surge in Iseko was fueled by anticipation of major events, such as the Winter Olympics or other high-profile international competitions. Developers and investors aimed to capitalize on the expected rise in demand for premium accommodations and resort facilities during these events. However, over the past year, this anticipated boom in development has slowed. Factors such as changes in event schedules, economic fluctuations, and shifts in market demand have contributed to this deceleration.

Iseko is renowned for its ski resort, which attracts winter sports enthusiasts from across Japan and beyond. The resort offers a range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing, all set against scenic mountain backdrops. The development of luxury resorts complements the ski resort’s appeal, providing visitors with a comfortable and upscale base for their winter adventures.

Beyond skiing, Iseko's natural beauty—including its mountain landscapes, hot springs, and outdoor activities—enhances its reputation as a sought-after destination for both seasonal and year-round tourism.

Overall, while the initial excitement surrounding Iseko's resort development has encountered some challenges, the area remains a prime location for luxury tourism. It continues to attract visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty and high-end accommodations.

Balancing Redevelopment and Potential for a Vibrant Urban Landscape


As Sapporo continues to evolve, the combination of ongoing redevelopment efforts and the city’s inherent potential provides a promising outlook for its future. By addressing aging infrastructure and embracing new development opportunities, Sapporo can enhance its status as a dynamic urban center with a rich cultural and economic landscape.






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