The IOC's Future Host Commission says it wants the Winter Games back in Japan, and bid movements are stirring in Sapporo and Nagano. But at home the mood is cold. A look at the cost, the corruption memories, and the climate math that keeps pointing to Sapporo.
Niseko, Japan's premier ski resort, is moving beyond its winter-only image. We break down 'Niseko by Nature'—the new brand from the Niseko Promotion Board (NPB)—what a tourism DMO actually does, and how to enjoy Niseko's green season.
Air Canada launches the first-ever direct flight between North America and Hokkaido in December 2026, connecting Vancouver and Sapporo's New Chitose Airport with three weekly Boeing 787 services. We unpack who it targets, why now, and what makes Hokkaido a winter prize.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics deploys over 810 cameras to broadcast the Games, with FPV drones chasing alpine skiers at 100mph. At the heart of this revolution? Japanese technology from Sony, Canon, and Panasonic. From cinema-grade cameras to AI-powered replays and ultra-low-latency transmission, here's how Japan's imaging expertise is redefining how the world watches winter sports.
At the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, all six moguls medalists used "ID one" skis made by Material Sports — a five-employee company in Osaka, Japan. This marks the second consecutive Olympics where Japanese-made skis swept every moguls medal. Discover the craftsmanship behind this remarkable achievement.
Backcountry skiing accidents involving foreign tourists have surged at Japanese ski resorts. In just 3 weeks, 29 people were rescued—90% foreign nationals. From Niseko to Furano, powder-chasing tourists venturing off-piste face unique risks. Exploring Japan's safety measures, local rules, and cultural differences in mountain safety.
Ski jumping legend Noriaki Kasai (53) misses the 2026 Milan Olympics but declares his intention to compete at the 2030 French Alps Olympics at age 57. With records including eight consecutive Olympic appearances and a silver medal at Sochi, Kasai's declaration that "It's not over yet" has drawn widespread admiration from fans worldwide.