Now Is the Perfect Time to Start

No Clock at First Initially, the completed training hall had a small bell tower instead of a clock tower. In 1879, a tower clock was imported from New York for the training hall. However, it was too large for the small bell tower, so a large-scale construction effort was needed to install the new clock tower. In 1881, the clock tower began informing citizens of the standard time with its clear bell sounds, after being adjusted through astronomical observations. Central Facility for Citizens In 1906, Sapporo District purchased the clock tower and moved it about 100 meters south for road development. Since then, the clock tower has served as a central facility for the citizens' educational and cultural activities, functioning as a library and public hall for reading and study, and hosting lectures on literature, political economy, and academics. Symbol of Sapporo The Sapporo Citizens' Charter, nacted in November 1963, states, "We are the citizens of Sapporo, the ci

A Hidden Gem They say the Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the three biggest disappointments among tourist sites in Japan. The clock tower is located between tall buildings, making it look small and unimposing. But if you know the history of the clock tower, you will find it worth visiting. Martial Arts Training Hall In 1876, Dr. William S. Clark, the first vice president of Sapporo Agricultural College, introduced a curriculum that included military and martial arts training, similar to that of the Massachusetts Agricultural College. The aim was for students to develop strong physical and mental strength as pioneering leaders and to become leaders of agricultural soldiers in case of an emergency. He advocated for the construction of a training hall, which was later called the Clock Tower. Central Auditorium The construction of the training hall was completed on October 16, 1878. The first floor contained laboratories, lecture rooms, and a natural history specimen room. The second floor w

  I started the English Club in the Sapporo Senior Network this April. The name of the club is "City Talk in English Club," but we call it "Hello Club" for short. Our regular meetings are held on the fourth Monday of every month. Around 20 members gather each time to learn how to guide tours around Sapporo in English. We also have free discussions in English on the topic of the day. So far, we have chosen four places to practice: Sapporo Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office), a Japanese restaurant in a department store, and Sapporo TV Tower. I will introduce these places here on my blog.

  Thirty years ago, I worked as a scientist at the University of Wisconsin in the U.S. After returning to Japan, I worked as a scientist at a national research institute and a University. I am currently a translator and a nationally licensed guide interpreter. I live with my wife and our son, who has a severe developmental disability. He requires round-the-clock care. My wife and I take turns caring for him, so our free time is very limited. We have made many sacrifices, but even in these circumstances, we find opportunities to start new things.