On February 26, 2025, snow art was created in the schoolyard of the former Maizuru Elementary School to promote Naganuma Town’s symbiotic relationship with red-crowned cranes.
Naganuma-cho hosted the event as part of a class for fifth graders of Naganuma Elementary School, and in addition to the students, JAL Sky Sapporo Corporation, Chitose River Office, Naganuma-cho, and other related parties gathered for the lively event.

About 80 Naganuma Elementary School 5th graders gathered. That’s an impressive number!

Ms. Akama, a staff member, was very busy. The schoolyard of the former Maizuru Elementary School, which closed in 2020, was bustling with activity.

This is the site of the red-crowned crane art. The day before the event, the staff drew squares and erected poles at key points.

Step on the snow to mark the pole and draw a line. Sprinkle snow-melting agent so that it is visible from above.

Spray red coloring. This is an important part.

The whole picture is gradually coming into view. By the way, when I asked the children, “Why is the head of the red crane red? The children understood it well. (The answer is that cranes have bald heads and their blood shows through.)

This is a ground painting of red-crowned crane art. It was photographed by a drone after its completion. Until the snow melts, it will be visible from some planes landing at New Chitose Airport!

The school building of the former Maizuru Elementary School was also opened to the public, and children enjoyed viewing the snow art from the school building and running around in the classrooms and hallways. It was like stepping back in time.

At the end of the day, everyone gathered for a commemorative photo. I hope everyone will join us again next year. I have created a short video for your viewing pleasure.

Video of the Red-crowned Crane Snow Art 2025

Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTubeURL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iwVfVZ7REw

Map code for the former Maizuru Elementary School：230 380 265*48