Astonishing progress – from the Development Commission to hosting the Olympic Games
In 1869, the name of Ezo, the land where the Ainu lived, was changed to Hokkaido and the construction of Sapporo began under the direction of the Hokkaido Development Commission. In 1875, the first Tonden-hei pioneer farmers began to settle, and based on a grand construction plan for Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo’s railroads were laid and industries developed.
Since being established as a city in 1922, Sapporo’s area has expanded along with its population, which in 1970 reached one million.
Then, two years later in 1972, Sapporo became the first city in Asia to host the Winter Olympics. The transportation infrastructure was improved, the city was modernized and internationalization progressed in leaps and bounds.
Subsequently, strongholds of culture, art and sport began to be established and the city began to host numerous international congresses and events. The abundant natural environment and advanced urban foundations are maintained today, as Sapporo continues to develop as the central hub city of Hokkaido.