亞洲冬季運動會 / The Asian Winter Games

亞洲冬季運動會是從1986年以後幾乎每四年舉行一次。2017年在札幌舉辦，總共有31個國家和地區參加比賽。比賽期間為2月19日到26日，也有可以免費參觀的競賽。詳細資訊請參考官方網站，只有競速滑冰在帶廣市舉行（免費參觀）。




The Asian Winter Games are held nearly once every four years; depending on the organizational situation. This is a huge winter sports extravaganza. The first Games were in Sapporo in 1986. This year, the eighth games are being held in Sapporo, following the seventh in Kazakhstan in 2011. 31 countries will take part in the 2017 Sapporo Asian Winter Games. Eleven events encompassing five sports are held mainly in Sapporo from February 19 to February 26. There are some events which people can watch free of charge. Details are on the official website (https://sapporo2017.org). Only the speed skating is held in Obihiro City, and anyone can enjoy watching it for free.

昆布 / Kombu

北海道生產的昆布因品質高而著名，其歷史十分悠久。在13世紀時，由阿伊努民族所採收的昆布被運送到當時的首都-京都，成為了宮廷中和武士的珍寶。到17世紀以後昆布成為庶民都可以獲得的物品，擴大它的消費量。近年來養殖昆布也很盛行。北海道生產昆布第一名的是函館市，其次是根室市、Erimo町、浜中町、厚岸町。

Hokkaido is famous for kombu, or kelp in English. Kombu contains glutamic acid and has a good flavor. The history of kombu harvesting is long. In the 13th century, kombu which the Ainu , Hokkaido's indigenous people, collected  was sent to Kyoto, the capital city at that time for the high-class people. After the 17th century, kombu became popular among all citizens, and consumption increased. Now, kombu farming in the sea is commonplace. The top production locationn in Hokkaido is Hakodate City. The next four largest, in order, are Nemuro City, Erimo Town, Hamanaka Town, and Akkeshi Town.

冬季祭典 / Winter festivals

從1月到2月這段期間北海道各地都會舉辦冬季祭典。除了在各個祭典當中可以看到雪雕和冰雕之外，也會舉辦冬季特有的活動。在這些冬季祭典當中，也可以看到販賣當地著名料理的店家。預計於˙二月上旬舉辦的「札幌雪祭」是規模最大而且最著名的祭典，新年過後就開始準備製作大型的雪雕像。

Throughout January and February, many local winter festivals are held in Hokkaido. Each festival is unique but most of them pertain to making snow or ice sculptures or structures. Interesting and unique events on snow are held as festivals mostly. Also, temporary food stands selling local specialty foods are highlights at the events. In Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival, which is held in the beginning of February every year, is the biggest winter festival and is world famous. For this snow festival, preparations for big snow or ice sculptures start from soon after the New Year holidays.

1月上旬的札幌 / In Sapporo at the beginning of January

1月上旬的札幌的一日當中的最高氣溫在0度以下的日子很多。最高氣溫在0度以下的日子日文被稱作真冬日。在20～30年前雖然無法想像，可能是因為近幾年地球暖化的影響，冬季極少數有幾天最高氣溫是在零度以上的。札幌的1月最低氣溫約在負5度～負10度之間。1月1日～5日新年假期期間休息的店家也很多。

In Sapporo at the beginning of January, the highest temperature during the day is almost always below zero. If the highest temperature is below zero, the day is called Mafuyubi in Japanese, which literally means mid-winter day. About 20 to 30 years ago, highest temperatures above zero during a day were rare. In recent years though, it's more common. This is probably because of global warming. The lowest temperature can fall to -5 to -10 degrees. Shops, except for supermarkets and department stores, usually close from January 1st to 5th over the New Year holidays in Japan.

元旦日出 / Hatsuhinode

元旦日出是指在元旦（1月1日）早晨迎接天明的太陽。在日本新的一年一開始最初的日出被認為是十分吉利的，專程去看元旦日出的人也非常的多。北海道內有名的元旦日出觀賞景點有好幾個，室蘭市的地球岬就是其中之一。從水平線緩緩上升的太陽是受到歡迎的理由。元旦日出也是當地新聞報導的王道題材。

Hatsuhinode is the sunrise on New Year's Day, called ganjitsu in Japanese. "Hatsu" means the first and "hinode" means the sunrise. In Japan, hatsuhinode is regarded to be a happy and lucky thing, as the sun has been worshipped since ancient ages. It is popular to see hatsuhinode in Japan, and there are some famous spots in Hokkaido. Cape Chikyu in Muroran City is one of them. Chikyu means the earth. Here, it is possible to see the sun rise over the horizon of the sea. Hatsuhinode at Cape Chikyu is typically broadcast on Hokkaido's local news on TV.

日勝隘口 / Nisshou Pass

日勝隘口是位在日高町和清水町界線的隘口。夏天多霧，冬天降雪，一旦路面結冰行駛的道路狀況就會變得很危險，但它是連結札幌所在地的道央地區和帶廣、釧路所在地的道東地區的道路要衝。2016年8月30日因颱風來襲，造成日勝隘口路面崩塌、橋樑中斷。以2017年秋季搶修完成為目標目前還在施工中。因此作為替代道路的高速公路從占冠到音更帶廣這一區間是不收過路費的。

Nisshou Pass is between Hidaka Town and Shimizu Town, and is the border between them. As driving conditions are difficult due to dense fog in summer, and snow and ice on the road in winter, drivers have to be careful. This pass is important for transportation, connecting the Douou area (including Sapporo), and the Doutou area (including Obihiro and Kushiro). On August 30, 2016, a big typhoon hit, with landslides, road damage and bridge collapses occurring. As of December, 2016, construction work is still being undertaken, and will be finished in autumn 2017. During the construction, the paid express way between Shimukappu and Otofuke Obihiro is free.

丹頂鶴 / The red-crowned crane

丹頂鶴是居住在寒冷地區的鶴，是日本和中國大陸自古以來很熟悉的鳥類。丹頂鶴的頭部因為沒有羽毛皮膚直覺裸露出來而呈現紅色。而紃路濕原一帶是有名的丹頂鶴棲息地區，一整年都可以看得到。道東的鶴居村是有名的撒餌地，冬天可以看到上百隻的丹頂鶴。從2月到3月則是可以看到丹頂鶴跳求偶舞。

The red-crowned crane lives in relatively cool areas of the Far East, and is loved by people in China and Japan because of its elegant look. As there are no feathers on the top of its head, this part of the bare skin looks red. Kushiro Marsh and its surroundings are their most famous habitat, and the red-crowned crane can be seen through the year. In Tsurui Village, which literally means crane-living village, there is a big, famous sanctuary for feeding them, with more than one hundred cranes present in winter. In February and March, the cranes dance to find a mate.