The capital of Hokkaido prefecture in Japan. The name derives from "Sap-poro-peh" in the language of Ainu meaning "dry, big river," referring to the riverbank that emerges during the summer when water levels are low. Located approximately in the same latitude as Boston. In the outskirts of this city, many amazing and unique species of plants, insects, and other animals have been studied. The city's roads are artificially heated from below in the winter. Sapporo's population was 1,816,592 and is growing at a faster rate than Tokyo, according to a year 2000 census. It is the fifth most populated Japanese city, and the third largest in area.

Sapporo is currently building a 42,122 seat Sapporo Dome stadium for the upcoming World Cup : Korea/Japan 2002.