Heavy Snowfall Hits Tokyo, And The Results Are Pretty Much What You’d Expect

“It hasn’t snowed in Tokyo in four years,” Tokyo resident Yukimura, which coincidentally enough means ‘Snow Village’ in Japanese, told A&D.“Four years ago we had even heavier snow and a lot less prep. This time everyone except me knew it was coming, apparently. Was a fun surprise for me though!”

What to do in the face of such a situation? Make snowmen of course! But wait, before you grab a carrot, some pebbles and a couple of sticks for arms, remember, this is Japan. Your three-ball standard fat guy snowman ain’t gonna cut it here. Yukimura explains the story behind the Japanese snowman. “The name for snowman, Yuki Daruma, doesn’t mean snowman, it means snow daruma,” she told us. “Daruma is from the Daruma doll, which is based on Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk who, according to the tales, had his arms and legs fall off during meditation. That’s why Japanese snowmen have only two layers.”

It appears the Japanese attitude to snow sculptures is much more developed than what we are used to in Europe and North America. What else would you expect from the land that produces some of the most beautiful, creative and cool artworks and innovations in the world? Tokyo is dotted with snow sculptures that will put a smile on your face, and put old carrot nose in your backyard to shame. They are being shared on Twitter via the trending hashtag #雪だるま, and are proving to be wildly popular!

Did Yukimura get out and make a snowman herself? “I did! I had to clean up a bunch of snow outside of work today, and while I was waiting for a turn with the snow shovel I made up a little one for the sign leading to our cafe,” she told A&D. “It’s not as cute as the rest though!”

Scroll down to check out some of the best examples out there, compiled for your convenience into a list by A&D. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite, and let us know what you think in the comments! (H/T)

01.

Image source: lucyco73

02.

Image source: M0RNING_CHILD

03.

Image source: chiiiiiko1980

04.

Image source: keith.tanabe

05.

Image source: Moffs_06

06.

Image source: mokomoko_2015

07.

Image source: project_eevee

08.

Image source: mokomoko_2015

09.

Image source: marolien2

10.

Image source: ph.long

11.

Image source: tontonton2017

12.

Image source: kimishin

13.

Image source: hiromasanasuno

14.

Image source: aokage_cos

15.

Image source: dovio88

16.

Image source: 3shinobu24

17.

Image source: A_lucky16g

18.

Image source: chibi_hamvv

19.

Image source: minori.lm

20.

Image source: kiyoyuki

21.

Image source: tekutekuman

22.

Image source: kiyoyuki2445

23.

Image source: actionclutch

24.

Image source: naooo3_house

25.

Image source: tottie1129

26.

Image source: shu_roy_roy

27.

Image source: Taku691

28.

Image source: ishikawanashiya

29.

Image source: LetoOrge

30.

Image source: platinumya

31.

Image source: gnnx_

32.

Image source: QCCOQ

33.

Image source: coupannu

34.

Image source: inamorimiyuu

35.

Image source: w_yocchi

36.

Image source: tontonton2017

37.

Image source: wild_kaz

38.

Image source: rikiya_ohashi

39.

Image source: bottegante210

40.

Image source: tanukeidr

41.

Image source: V2Sand

42.

Image source: 344zamurai

43.

Image source: harachan1213

44.

Image source: _ppi__oO

45.

Image source: sayamaru_417

46.

Image source: yoshikawa_momo

47.

Image source: shin_itagaki

48.

Image source: HK2899

49.

Image source: 7hoshicafe

50.

Image source: raioutasakaguchi

51.

Image source: tanaokay

52.

Image source: yyuukkii1002

53.

Image source: nagaharu73

54.

Image source: sekito_kei

55.

Image source: nami_tp

56.

Image source: motoharukawashima

57.

Image source: soudasaitama

58.

Image source: msz_vln

59.

Image source: sanok0126

60.

Image source: kokoronohaka0

61.

Image source: dousa.dibi

62.

Image source: koromukiyussei692

63.

Image source: oharuminmin

64.

Image source: rikyu.santa

65.

Image source: chami8863

66.

Image source: kouhei532

67.

Image source: @kagekatsu_1555

68.

Image source: kaede2017.11.15

69.

Image source: sitenshi

70.

Image source: noriya_the_third

71.

Image source: demon_kun0701

72.

Image source: ashitaz

73.

Image source: fine_glide

74.

Image source: taaaiii3

75.

Image source: www_nagi_jp

76.

Image source: miyukiiinuma

77.

Image source: FOAJfB75Z2xewHE

78.

Image source: ayachan.coco

79.

Image source: miyu00023

80.

Image source: kimishin

81.

Image source: NiceAge39

82.

Image source: c0upannu

83.

Image source: akko_twitt

84.

Image source: mikizuki

85.

Image source: saah

86.

Image source: BBXSI

87.

Image source: BBXSI

88.

Image source: 96496

89.

Image source: ami_mari_a

90.

Image source: Sa gusa

91.

Image source: mirika_tatsuta

92.

Image source: kcar_joshi

93.

Image source: takashi

94.

Image source: hahaha_min

95.

Image source: rinrin_heiwa

96.

Image source: tasyousan

97.

Image source: Akaki_4207

98.

Image source: civil_98tc107

99.

Image source: takumis_lover

Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our top stories.