Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Dr. Clark Statue 50th Anniversary Project Kicks Off: Announcement of "Boys, be ambitious Event" (April 16 - April 19, 2026)
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill will hold the "Boys, be ambitious Event" from April 16-19, 2026, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Dr. Clark statue. April 16 will be a free admission day, welcoming everyone.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 22:30
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The Dr. Clark statue "Clark on the Hill" at Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill was erected and unveiled on April 16, 1976, 50 years ago, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Hokkaido University and the 200th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.
This day also marks April 16, 1877, 99 years prior, when Dr. Clark called out "Boys, be ambitious." from horseback during his farewell to his students in Shimamatsu.
As the Dr. Clark statue celebrates its 50th anniversary of erection and unveiling on April 16, 2026, various "Dr. Clark Statue 50th Anniversary Projects" are planned for the 2026 fiscal year. As the first phase, the "Boys, be ambitious Event" will be held from Thursday, April 16, to Sunday, April 19.
We sincerely invite you to visit Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill during this special milestone year. We look forward to your visit.
Free Admission Day on the First Day, Thursday, April 16!
Date: Thursday, April 16
Content:
April 16 is designated as "Boys, be ambitious DAY" because it was on this day, 149 years ago in 1877, that Dr. Clark famously declared "Boys, be ambitious." On this commemorative day, Thursday, April 16, admission to our observation hill will be free.
Dr. Clark Statue 50th Anniversary Ambassador Appointment Ceremony
Date: Thursday, April 16
Time: 10:00
Content:
An ambassador appointment ceremony will be held to pass on Dr. Clark's spirit of "Boys, be ambitious." to the next generation and to let more people know about the charm of Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.
Ambassadors (titles omitted): "Hana Abe" (title undecided), "Yasuto Yokozawa-san", "Performer Setsuna", "Jingisukan no Jin-kun"
Special Edition "Pledge of Ambition" Gift
Date: Thursday, April 16 - Sunday, April 19
Time: 10:00 - 15:00
Fee: Free
Content:
Those who complete the in-facility map stamp rally will receive a special edition "Pledge of Ambition."
What is the Pledge of Ambition?: Visitors write down their big dreams and hopes on a special paper and deposit it into a postbox beneath the Dr. Clark statue. These pledges are stored permanently at the observation hill. Visitors can read their previously submitted pledges when they revisit.
Clark Kamishibai (Picture-story Show)
Date: Sunday, April 19
Time: 11:30~, 12:30~, 13:30~
Fee: Free
Content:
A kamishibai (picture-story show) will be performed, illustrating the personality and life of Dr. Clark. Three performances are scheduled for the day.
<Admission Passports will be more affordable from Wednesday, April 1>
From Wednesday, April 1, 2026, admission passports (allowing free facility admission for the passport holder only) will become more affordable.
The validity period is until Wednesday, March 31, 2027.
Sapporo Citizen Price for Admission Passport: 1,000 yen → 800 yen
Regular Price for Admission Passport: 2,000 yen → 1,500 yen
Proof of Sapporo residency, such as a driver's license, is required (applies only to the individual).
FAQ
When will the "Boys, be ambitious Event" be held?
It will be held from Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.
Is admission free on April 16?
Yes, Thursday, April 16, 2026, will be a free admission day as "Boys, be ambitious DAY."
When do the admission passport discounts apply?
From Wednesday, April 1, 2026, admission passports for Sapporo citizens and regular visitors will be available at discounted prices.