Sapporo's modern development began in 1869 with the establishment of the Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Commission) and its designation as the capital of Hokkaidō, marking a planned urban expansion to colonize the northern island.

Geographically, Sapporo is situated in the southwestern part of Hokkaidō, nestled within the Ishikari Plain, and is surrounded by mountains, contributing to its heavy snowfall and distinct four seasons.

As Hokkaidō's largest city, Sapporo has a population exceeding 1.9 million residents, experiencing significant growth throughout the 20th century due to industrialization and migration, though current trends show a leveling off or slight decline.

The city's economy is diverse, with key sectors including tourism, retail, agriculture (especially beer and dairy products), information technology, and food processing, leveraging Hokkaidō's rich natural resources.

Sapporo is globally renowned for its annual Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February, which attracts millions of visitors with its magnificent ice sculptures and snow statues displayed across Odori Park and other venues.

Odori Park, a central green belt spanning 13 city blocks, serves as Sapporo's symbolic heart, hosting numerous events and offering scenic views including the iconic Sapporo TV Tower.

The Sapporo Clock Tower, built in 1878 as part of the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), stands as one of the city's oldest and most enduring Western-style structures, symbolizing its early modernization efforts.

Sapporo is the birthplace of Sapporo Beer, one of Japan's oldest and most popular beer brands, with the Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum offering insights into its brewing history and local culinary traditions.

Hokkaido University, established in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College with the assistance of American educators like William S. Clark, has played a pivotal role in agricultural science, cold-region research, and higher education in Japan.

Benefiting from abundant snow, Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, becoming the first Asian city to do so, and remains a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts with several ski resorts nearby.

Sapporo is famous for its unique culinary specialties, including Sapporo Miso Ramen, a hearty noodle soup, and Soup Curry, a lighter, more aromatic curry served with a variety of ingredients, reflecting local food culture.

The city's distinctive grid-patterned urban layout, inspired by American city planning, was deliberately implemented during its early development to facilitate systematic expansion and navigation.

The Kaitakushi's legacy is further exemplified by the former Hokkaidō Government Office building, known as "Akarenga" (Red Brick Office), a prominent historical landmark reflecting the Meiji era's Western architectural influences.

Sapporo's cultural scene is further enriched by numerous museums, art galleries, and performance venues, contributing to its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts.

As the administrative and economic center of Hokkaidō, Sapporo serves as a crucial political and transportation hub, connecting the remote northern island with the rest of Japan via extensive rail and air networks.