Nusamai Bridge: A Scenic Landmark in Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Nusamai Bridge is a three-span continuous steel box girder bridge located in Kushiro City, Hokkaido. Completed in November 1976, the bridge spans 124.0 meters in total length with a width of 33.8 meters and a main span of 54.0 meters. It crosses the Kushiro River at its lowest point, connecting to the Nusamai Rotary and serving as a key transportation hub with six lanes and pedestrian walkways.
The bridge is renowned for its sculptural installation, the 'Doto Four Seasons Statues,' created by four different sculptors. Each statue represents a season of the year. The spring statue, titled 'The Season of Snowmelt When Young Leaves Sprout,' was created by Takeshi Funakoshi. The summer statue, 'The Youthfulness of Flapping in a Refreshing Breeze,' is the work of Churyo Sato. The autumn statue, 'The Spirit and Tension to Face the Approaching Harsh Winter,' was sculpted by Yoshitatsu Yanagihara. The winter statue, 'The Heart that Awaits Spring by Shaking Off the Cold and Winter,' was created by Shin Hongo.
The bridge offers views of the sunset and is noted for its exotic atmosphere. It is situated in the Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 5-chome area along the Kushiro River.
