[Sapporo City] Hydrogen Energy Core Motif Unveiled
The City of Sapporo is actively promoting the use of hydrogen energy as part of its efforts to realize a “Zero Carbon City.” To help citizens and the public feel a closer connection to hydrogen energy, the city recently unveiled its new core motif, “Tsutsu and Yuyu,” which was designed primarily by students from the School of Design at Sapporo City University.
The launch event featured panels detailing the design concept, the development history, and various design proposals created by the students. The students who created the final design personally presented their concepts to the audience. Additionally, three hydrogen fuel cell taxis currently operating in the city were on display, wrapped in the new motif. Many visitors took the opportunity to learn about this new symbol of hydrogen energy while listening to the enthusiastic explanations from the Sapporo City University students.
Going forward, The City of Sapporo plans to utilize “Tsutsu and Yuyu” in various hydrogen-related initiatives throughout the city, aiming to make hydrogen energy a familiar presence for all citizens.
Event Overview
Date & Time: Monday, January 19, 2026, 16:30 – 17:00 (Exhibition open from 16:00 to 18:00)
Venue: Sapporo Ekimae-dori underground walkway (Chi-Ka-Ho), Kita 3-jo Intersection Plaza (West)
Program:
- Greeting by Mayor Akimoto
- Project introduction by Professor Ito and Assistant Professor Masuda, Sapporo City University
- Design concept presentation by students Ms. Aizawa and Ms. Nagata, School of Design, Sapporo City University
- Greeting by Chairman Hirashima, Sapporo Hire Association
- Greeting by Chief Engineer Fujise, Toyota Motor Corporation
Background
The City of Sapporo has been exploring effective ways to communicate and promote hydrogen energy initiatives through citizen participation workshops held this fiscal year. During these workshops, the idea was proposed to create a core motif representing hydrogen energy that could be deployed across various initiatives. Based on this proposal, the city collaborated with Sapporo City University, which had participated in the workshops, and the students took the lead in the design process.
About the Core Motif
The official characters, “Tsutsu and Yuyu,” were born from a combination of ideas generated in citizen workshops and the creativity of Sapporo City University design students. They represent the chemical formula for hydrogen, H₂, likened to the Ezo mountain hare (Ezoyukiusagi).
“Tsutsu” (in summer fur) and “Yuyu” (in winter fur) act as a pair; they are two parts of a whole that can freely join together, separate, or combine in various forms.
The name “Tsutsu” derives from the Japanese sound in “summer” (Natsu) and conveys the image of something continuous and sustainable (Tsuzuku).
The name “Yuyu” derives from the Japanese sound in “winter” (Fuyu) and represents energy that is effective, useful, and full of potential (Yuyo/Yuko).
Both names feature repeated sounds, symbolizing “accumulation” and “stability.”
The background colors are based on light blue—a color many associate with hydrogen—and green, evoking an eco-friendly image and the lush nature of Sapporo. The coloring was designed to be intuitive and high-impact at a glance.
Core Motif Wrapped Vehicles
Scenes from the Event
