Happy New Year.
To everyone who welcomed the New Year in the mountains of Japan, and to those who are planning a ski or snowboard trip to Japan this year, I would like to extend my warmest greetings.
Among the many ski resorts around the world, I am truly grateful that you chose Japan as your destination.
It has been about three months since I started this blog, and this year as well, I hope to continue sharing information about JAPOW with all of you.
To Snow Lovers from Around the World Chasing JAPOW
In recent years, the term “JAPOW” has become widely known among skiers and snowboarders around the world.
Niseko and Rusutsu in Hokkaido, Hakuba in Nagano, Appi and Zao in Tohoku, Nozawa Onsen and Myoko in Hokuriku—
these destinations continue to attract visitors with their light, deep, and consistently high-quality snow.
However, the appeal of Japan’s mountains goes far beyond powder snow alone.
The quiet slopes early in the morning, gliding through snow-covered forests, illuminated runs during night skiing,
and soaking in an onsen after a long day on the mountain.
All of these elements come together to create a snow experience that is uniquely Japanese.
2026 Is the Year of the Horse
This year is the Year of the Horse (Uma).
The Year of the Horse is one of the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac (Eto), which cycles every twelve years.
The Japanese zodiac (Eto) is a traditional system used in Japan and other parts of East Asia to represent years.
There are twelve animals in total, each assigned to a year in a fixed order.
The twelve animals are:
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.
The horse symbolizes speed, progress, and energy, and in Japan, the Year of the Horse is often seen as a time
when motivation increases and new challenges are easier to take on.
For foreign visitors, the zodiac can be thought of as Japan’s version of the Western Zodiac,
and it is an important part of Japanese culture and New Year conversations.
Wishing You a Wonderful Year with Snow in 2026
In Japan, the number of people who ski or snowboard has been steadily decreasing,
and many ski resorts are struggling financially.
Despite the presence of high-quality JAPOW, the number of ski resorts themselves continues to decline.
In this situation, it is foreign skiers and snowboarders who are supporting Japan’s ski resorts.
Thanks to the many international visitors who continue to come each year,
places like Hakuba and Niseko have regained their energy and vitality.
Going forward, I hope not only to introduce famous destinations such as Hakuba and Niseko,
but also to shine a light on lesser-known ski resorts through this blog.
By doing so, I would like to help spark a new wave of the JAPOW boom.
