A woman in her 30s from Sapporo’s Kita Ward lost 20.9 million yen in a social media investment scam.

Kita Ward is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan, known for its blend of residential areas and historical landmarks. It is home to important cultural sites such as Rikugien Garden, a beautiful Edo-period landscape garden, and Asukayama Park, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot dating back to the 18th century. The ward was officially established in 1947 through the merger of several towns and villages, and it retains a rich history connected to the development of northern Tokyo.

Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan, known for its modern urban planning and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Originally developed in the late 19th century as a colonial settlement, the city was designed with a grid layout inspired by Western models, and it grew rapidly after the Hokkaidō Development Commission was established. Today, Sapporo is famous for its beer, skiing, and as the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics.

The Sapporo Kita Police Station is a historic police station located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Originally established in the late 19th century, it has served as a key law enforcement hub in the city’s northern district, reflecting the development of modern policing in the region. The building itself is noted for its Western-influenced architecture, which was common during Hokkaido’s early settlement period.

Rikugien Garden is a celebrated Japanese landscape garden located in Tokyo, originally built in the early 18th century for the feudal lord Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu. Designed to replicate famous scenic spots from classical Japanese poetry, particularly the “Six Poetic Gardens” concept, its name translates to “Garden of Six Poems.” Today, it remains a well-preserved example of Edo-period garden design, featuring a central pond, winding paths, and seasonal beauty.

Asukayama Park, located in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, is one of Japan’s oldest public parks, established in 1873 during the Meiji era. It was originally developed as a scenic spot for cherry blossom viewing, famously promoted by the shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune in the 18th century. The park offers historical significance, beautiful seasonal flowers, and views of the Arakawa River, making it a cherished recreational site for over a century.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is an annual winter event held in Sapporo, Japan, featuring massive snow and ice sculptures displayed throughout the city. It began in 1950 when local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park, and has since grown into a world-famous celebration attracting millions of visitors. The festival typically takes place in early February and showcases both amateur and professional artists’ works.

The Hokkaidō Development Commission (Kaitakushi) was a Japanese government agency established in 1869 to oversee the colonization, settlement, and modernization of Hokkaidō. Its primary goal was to integrate the northern island into the Japanese state, promoting agriculture, mining, and infrastructure projects, often with the help of foreign advisors. The commission was dissolved in 1882, having laid the foundation for Hokkaidō’s transformation into a key agricultural and industrial region of Japan.

The Sapporo Kita Police Station is a historic landmark in Hokkaido, Japan, originally built in 1872 as one of the region’s earliest police stations. It played a key role in the development of Sapporo during the Meiji era, when the city was being established as a government and administrative center. The building’s Western-style architecture reflects Japan’s rapid modernization and the influence of foreign advisors in the late 19th century.