Japan’s Powder Boosts Economy

Feb 26, 2025 | News On Japan

SAPPORO - As March approaches, while some regions in Japan struggle with heavy snowfall, foreign tourists continue to arrive in search of the country’s renowned winter sports experience.

According to a survey by the Japan Tourism Agency, skiing and snowboarding were the most common activities among international visitors during their stay.

Travel analyst Toriumi explains the economic impact:

"In 2023 alone, 546,800 foreign tourists visited ski resorts, contributing an estimated 64 billion yen to the economy."

Japan’s high-quality snow—often referred to as ‘Japow,’ a blend of "Japan" and "powder snow"—has become a globally recognized brand among skiers. Compared to international resorts, Japan offers a cost-effective skiing experience, with lift passes typically priced between 5,000 and 8,000 yen per day, while popular destinations such as Whistler in Canada charge over 30,000 yen. Japan’s reputation for safety, well-maintained facilities, and high-quality gondolas further enhances its appeal, making it a top choice for foreign skiers.

However, as more tourists seek Japan’s winter sports, reports of accidents and rescues are increasing. According to the Hokkaido Police, foreign nationals accounted for 57% of all backcountry ski rescue cases in 2023, a number that has been rising since 2021.

Sasaki, chairman of the Hokkaido Mountain Guide Association, notes a surge in international visitors:

"This year, I receive emails from overseas almost daily, asking about available tour slots—something that never happened before."

Regarding the increase in accidents, Sasaki explains:

"In Europe, venturing off designated ski courses can lead to life-threatening crevasses, so only those with the necessary knowledge and gear attempt it. However, in Japan, many visitors lack proper equipment and experience, which is contributing to the rise in accidents."

While ski resorts and local authorities have placed multilingual warning signs and posters, enforcing safety remains a challenge. Even a single person breaking the rules can lead others to follow, increasing the risk. Sasaki emphasizes the importance of raising awareness:

"To ensure foreign visitors understand the risks, we need creative approaches to disseminate safety information effectively."

Backcountry skiing poses particular dangers. According to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, essential safety gear includes shovels, avalanche beacons, and two-way radios. Mountain guides also recommend GPS mapping apps for smartphones.

Sasaki stresses the importance of proper equipment:

"Powder snow in restricted areas is untouched, creating deep, soft drifts—sometimes up to two meters deep. If someone gets trapped, climbing out can be nearly impossible without help. That’s why carrying radios and safety gear is crucial."

While Japan’s renowned powder snow continues to attract international visitors, ensuring their safety remains a pressing issue. Authorities are considering stricter safety measures and broader multilingual outreach to prevent accidents and protect both visitors and rescue teams.

Source: ABEMAニュース

Typhoons No. 28 and 29 Bring High Waves to Japan's Pacific Coast

Two typhoons moving across the Pacific southeast of Japan are expected to remain well away from the Japanese mainland, but powerful swells could bring rough seas to a wide stretch of the country's Pacific coastline throughout the three-day holiday weekend, according to forecasts updated at 3 a.m. on October 10.

Cyberattacks Spread Across Japan

A series of cyberattacks has disrupted business operations and exposed millions of customer records across Japan, with a ransomware attack on a cloud service provider affecting 495 companies and local governments nationwide, while convenience store operator Lawson has disclosed a separate breach involving more than 2.15 million personal information records.

Japan's First 360-Degree Projection Mapping Opens in Osaka

Japan's first 360-degree projection mapping show will open at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts on October 10, transforming the historic building into an immersive world of light, music, and seasonal imagery, with organizers hoping the attraction will also help stimulate the city's nighttime economy.

Tokyo University Professor Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Tokyo University of Science professor emeritus Kenzo Soai has been awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry together with French chemist Henri B. Kagan for discoveries that transformed scientists' understanding of how chemical reactions can favor one of two mirror-image forms of a molecule.

US Military Halts All Okinawa Operations for 48 Hours

The US military suspended activities by all forces stationed in Okinawa for 48 hours from noon on October 7, an unusual measure following the arrest of a US Marine in connection with a robbery and murder case that has renewed scrutiny of crimes involving American service members.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Nikkei Tumbles As AI Rally Reverses

Tokyo stocks fell sharply on June 26 as investors locked in profits from Japan’s record-setting AI-driven rally, with SoftBank Group and chip-related shares leading a broad retreat after reports that OpenAI may delay its initial public offering.

Japan's August Current Account Surplus Exceeds 4 Trillion Yen, Up 12%

Japan recorded a current account surplus of 4.062 trillion yen in August, an increase of 12% from a year earlier, driven primarily by a sharp rise in income from overseas investments, even as higher crude oil prices pushed the country's trade balance into deficit.

Japan's Household Spending Falls 3.1% in August, Ninth Straight Monthly Decline

Household spending in Japan fell 3.1% in August from a year earlier, marking the ninth consecutive month of decline as rising food prices continued to weigh on consumer budgets, according to the latest household expenditure survey released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on October 9.

Nikkei Stalls Near 67,000 as Oil and Yen Risks Offset Financial Gains

Tokyo stocks ended nearly unchanged on August 12, with the Nikkei 225 at 66,988.82, as gains in energy and financial shares offset weakness in electronics and pharmaceuticals while investors weighed higher crude oil prices, a weaker yen and growing expectations for another Bank of Japan rate increase.

Cyberattacks on Japanese Companies Expose Structural Weaknesses

Japan is entering a more difficult phase in its cybersecurity challenge, as a succession of major data breaches and ransomware attacks exposes weaknesses not only in corporate IT systems but also in supplier networks, governance structures and operational resilience.

Japan Beer Giants Raided Over Suspected Price-Fixing Cartel

Japan's four largest beer makers were subjected to simultaneous compulsory searches on October 7 over suspicions they coordinated wholesale prices for beer and other alcoholic beverages, in a rare cartel investigation that could lead to criminal charges.

Nikkei Falls as Profit-Taking Hits AI and Chip Shares

Tokyo stocks fell on October 7, with the Nikkei 225 closing at 70,036, down 648 points, as investors took profits in semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related shares after the index’s rapid climb above 70,000 earlier in the week.

How Japan Is Learning to Live With Years of Rising Prices

Japan's prolonged period of rising prices is continuing to squeeze households and businesses, driven by the weak yen, higher raw material costs and rising wages, forcing consumers to change how they shop and cook while companies search for ways to contain costs without losing customers.

< 2 3 4 5 >