Projection mapping, in which light and images are projected onto buildings and snow-covered ground, began on December 17 at the Otaru Art Village and in front of JR Yoichi Station. The event, sponsored by Hokkaido Chuo Bus (Otaru), is held as part of the ‘Otaru-Yoichi Yuki Monogatari’ (snow story) winter tourism campaign, in which locals and tourists can enjoy magical scenery decorated with rainbow-colored lights.

　The project was planned in response to a proposal by the National Council for Cultural Affairs in November 2021, to designate the Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch, which is used as a facility of the Art Village, and the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. At the Otaru Art Village, images of fireworks, the Otaru Canal, and animations of a railroad associated with the former Temiya Line were projected onto the exterior walls of the former bank. In the town of Yoichi, images of fireworks, snow crystals and water were projected onto whisky barrels placed in the plaza in front of the station and beside the station building.

　Projection mapping at both venues will begin at 4:00 p.m. every day until February 14. Illuminations at the Otaru site end at 10:30 p.m. and at the Yoichi site at 10:00 p.m.