A new attraction has arrived at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo, Hokkaido! It's called the "Sapporo Smile Altitude Vibe-Up⤴ Lift." Born from an unconventional "gyaru-style brainstorming" session, this lift is designed to raise both your altitude and your vibes. Let's find out what this is all about.

How did "Gyaru-Style Brainstorming" lead to this?

It all started in February 2023, when the city of Sapporo held a staff training session called "Improving PR Creativity and Communication Skills with Gyaru-Style Brainstorming." Under rules like calling each other by nicknames, no negativity, speaking your honest truth, and reacting positively, the brainstorming session produced the idea of decorating the observatory lift at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. This led to the creation of the "Sapporo Smile Altitude Vibe-Up⤴ Lift."

The canopy design says, "Let's get our altitude and vibes up~," and the back design features the "SAPP‿RO (Sapporo Smile)" logo, which represents Sapporo as a "city of smiles."

Boosting the Vibes of Every Rider?

The "Gyaru-Style Brainstorming" sessions are run by CGO.com LLC. They shared their thoughts on bringing this project to life.

"The original lift had a 'monochromatic' and 'impersonal' feel. We wanted to create something that would naturally spark conversation and be exciting for riders, so we came up with this design. The design embodies our wish to be a catalyst for 'raising the vibes (emotional energy)⤴' of the riders. We want to offer a unique experience that you can only get at the Okurayama Observatory, where your vibes go up⤴ as your altitude rises. When you ride with friends, take pictures and be sure to post them on social media!"

Sapporo Smile Altitude Vibe-Up⤴ Lift

Out of the 67 total lifts at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium's observatory, only two are "Altitude Vibe-Up⤴ Lifts." They will be in operation from October 31, 2023, throughout this winter. The regular lift fee is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.

From the official website of the Okurayama General Information Center

Near the Sapporo Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, you'll find attractions like Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and Sapporo Maruyama Baseball Stadium. The night view of Sapporo from the Okurayama Observatory has been selected as one of "Japan's New Three Major Night Views." If you happen to catch this special lift on your way to the observatory, it might just lift your spirits⤴ too!

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