A snow cap is currently forming on the head of the "Aomori Dog," which is exhibited outdoors at the Aomori Museum of Art (Kenno Yasuda, Aomori City, TEL 017-783-3000 ).

"Aomori Dog" is a three-dimensional work of a white dog with a height of about 8.5 meters and a width of about 6.7 meters by Hirosaki-born contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara. symbol work. Every winter, the sight of the snow piled up on the dog's head is known as the "Aomori dog with a snow cap" and is loved by Aomori dog fans and visitors alike, and has become a winter tradition.

This winter, until mid-January, there were days with less snowfall and higher temperatures than usual, and snow caps repeatedly formed and melted. It is piled up about 1 meter.

The "snow hat" changes into various shapes depending on changes in temperature and the effects of the wind. According to Mutsumi Hasegawa, a staff member of the museum, in 2015 the hat tilted diagonally to look like a beret, and in 2018 it changed to a hat with a brim. It is said that the highlight is the change.

"Aomori Dog" was repainted for the first time since its exhibition in October last year. "It's difficult to compare before and after painting, but it's not just the weather that makes it difficult to build up this year, but maybe it's because it's slippery," Hasegawa smiles.

Last winter, the museum started live streaming of snow piling up on "Aomori Inu" on YouTube, making it possible to enjoy winter "Aomori Inu" at home. Hasegawa said, "There are many fans of 'Aomori Inu' itself, especially in winter when it changes its appearance in various ways, so I'm happy to receive comments from viewers. I hope you enjoy the change in the shape of the hat."

During the period of snowfall, the "Aomori Dog External Passage" outside the museum is closed, so the "Aomori Dog" can be seen from "Exhibition Room F" where Nara's work is displayed. Hasegawa commented, "'Aomori Inu' shows different expressions in each season. One of the attractions is that you can see them outdoors in the summer up close, but there are also many that can only be seen in the winter. You can even see them from inside the exhibition room. You can feel it up close, so please come and see the various facial expressions of the 'Aomori Inu'," she said with a smile.

The opening hours are from 9:30 to 17:00. Closed on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month (the following day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays.