Very important and serious issues are discussed at the iSummit, from the future of the Internet to the death of email. But we also have a kicking party every year, and the 2008 Summit in Sapporo was no different. The social aspect of the Summit was a great way for people to get to know each other and build on the friendships and projects that have become the hallmark of the event.

The social programme kicked off on the evening of 29 July, with an official opening party at the Okurayama Ski Jump, hosted by the City of Sapporo. First built in 1931 by Baron Kishichiro Okura, the jump was upgraded in 1972 when Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics. Since then, the jump has been adapted so that it can be used in winter and summer, and has become a popular venue for locals and tourists alike, and offers a spectacular view of the city of Sapporo.

On 30 July, iSummit delegates were invited to the Mayor's Reception, hosted by the Mayor of Sapporo, at the Sapporo Park Hotel. At this event, attendees sampled the winning sushi from the Sushi Remix competition, and various awards were presented by Mayor Fumio Ueda. Following the reception, our friends at Digital Garage organised a concert at Xanadu, a popular local music venue. The line-up included Oki Dub Ainu band and Marewrew Live Showcase, a special rock band which revived tonkori, a traditional musical instrument of the Ainu. More information on the performers can be found here.

In true iSummit style, the final event celebrated Japan's rich and vibrant culture, which was one of the reasons it was selected for the iSummit. Delegates enjoyed a picnic in the famous Moerenuma Park, site of some exquisite sculpture and landscaping. Designed by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi 17 years ago, and opened in 2005, the park's name is derived from the word "moire petsu" which, in the Ainu language means "a slowly flowing river". The entire area of the park is 1,888,000 m² including the Moere Marsh and is home to over 120 pieces of playground equipment and about 3,000 cherry trees.

Photos: Ainu drummers at the opening event, by , CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, musicians at the Xanadu party, by , CC BY SA 2.0, dancers at Moerenuma park, by , CC BY-NC-ND 2.0