by A beautifully crafted snow sculpture of Ai Hoshino from the hit anime Oshi no Ko has appeared at the Sapporo Snow Festival, quickly capturing the hearts of fans both in Japan and overseas. After official photos were released on February 4, the sculpture sparked widespread attention online, with many viewers praising it as “too cute,” “amazing,” and “on a completely different level.”
High-Quality Snow Art That Perfectly Captures Ai’s Charm
The snow sculpture features the series’ iconic idol, Ai Hoshino, depicted in a charming deformed (chibi-style) design. Despite being made entirely of snow, the sculpture shows remarkable attention to detail. Ai’s signature bright smile has been carefully recreated, and even the star-shaped highlights in her eyes—one of the most recognizable visual symbols of the series—are clearly visible.
Fans were especially impressed by how soft and lively the expression looks, proving the high skill level of the sculptors involved. Many commented that it feels as if Ai herself had stepped out of the anime and into the winter scenery of Sapporo.
Special Costume Display Adds to the Experience
Adding to the excitement, an official Ai Hoshino costume was displayed in front of the snow sculpture. Photos released by the anime’s official website showed the costume posed next to the statue, creating an adorable “two-shot” that mirrors Ai’s famous idol pose. This thoughtful presentation allowed visitors to feel even closer to the world of Oshi no Ko, making the display a must-see photo spot at the festival.
About Oshi no Ko: A Phenomenon in Anime and Manga
Oshi no Ko is originally a manga serialized in Weekly Young Jump by Shueisha and has surpassed 25 million copies in circulation worldwide, including digital editions. The story follows obstetrician Gorō Amemiya, who is reincarnated as the child of his favorite idol, Ai Hoshino. The series explores the darker side of the entertainment industry while weaving together mystery, tragedy, and emotional drama surrounding Ai’s shocking death.
The TV anime adaptation has been equally successful.
- Season 1 aired in 2023
- Season 2 followed in 2024
- Season 3 began airing in January 2026
Ai Hoshino is voiced by Rie Takahashi, whose performance has been widely praised for bringing warmth, innocence, and depth to the beloved character.
Fan Reactions Flood Social Media
After the snow sculpture photos were shared, social media platforms were filled with positive reactions. Fans posted comments such as:
- “Too cute! I want to see it in person!”
- “This is way better than I imagined—amazing work!”
- “They even got the stars in her eyes right. Incredible!”
Many fans also expressed hope that more Oshi no Ko characters might appear in future snow festivals, highlighting the strong and lasting popularity of the series.
Anime Meets Winter Art Culture
The Sapporo Snow Festival is known for blending pop culture with traditional winter art, and the Oshi no Ko snow sculpture is a perfect example of this fusion. By featuring popular anime characters like Ai Hoshino, the festival continues to attract younger visitors and international tourists, while giving fans a unique way to experience their favorite series.
With Oshi no Ko continuing to grow in popularity through its ongoing anime seasons and related events, this snow sculpture stands as a beautiful celebration of the series’ cultural impact.
For fans of anime, idols, and winter festivals alike, Ai Hoshino’s snow sculpture has become one of the most memorable highlights of this year’s Sapporo Snow Festival.
