【Togetherness】
Differences in principles and values are a given. Therefore, if we can respect such differences, we can surely unite. Looking forward, together.
【Originality】
If everyone could live as they are and be themselves, the world would be a more interesting place. Refine your identity.
【Doing Good】
What each one of us can do is small. But if we all do what we can, we can surmount even the greatest obstacles. For the earth, for our friends, and above all, for ourselves.
Atsushi Gomyo, director of “MAKE Yuki-ita” who hand-carves and shreds yuki-ita snowboards based in Nagano Prefecture, is joined by Goro Komatsu, the founder of “POW (Protect Our Winters) Japan.” Two of Japan’s foremost professional snowboarders, they are longtime friends who enjoy the snowy mountains as “yuki-ita” riders. As rapid climate change threatens to snatch winter away from the mountains, the two continue fighting to keep shredding on the snow, and to protect their livelihoods in amongst the snow. They are committed to acting responsibly and protecting the natural environment for the next generation, with a genuine sense of gratitude to the mountains. We caught up with Gomyo-san and Komatsu-san to ask them about their thoughts on snow and their vision for the future.
The interview was conducted at Komatsu-san’s home in Omachi City which is also the POW Japan headquarters office, near the Hakuba Valley Kashimayari ski resort.
“Yuki-ita” is a winter pursuit invented by Gomyo-san. The handmade wooden boards are “snow play tools” for enjoying the powder. Since there are no bindings to secure the board to the shoes, riders can enjoy a free and floating feeling.
Komatsu: There are many cool things about yuki ita, but the best of all is that it gives you the same unique floating feeling as skateboarding or surfing.
Gomyo: The fun thing about yuki ita is that they are so versatile and can be used in your garden or the park, as long as there is snow on the ground. It’s the simplicity that is so appealing. And I think the feeling of riding on wood can be experienced more than with a conventional snowboard. Each type of wood has its own characteristics and the boards can be tweaked and improved after each ride. It’s fun to be able to re-cut and rebuild what you don’t like.
In February 2019, Komatsu established POW (Protect Our Winters) Japan, a general incorporated association, with “allies who love the snowy mountains.” POW was founded in 2007 by Jeremy Jones, a professional snowboarder who is concerned about the impact of climate change on the snowy mountains, and is behind the movement to “change the social system” in order to “protect winter.”
Komatsu: I personally believe that snowboarding is something that “connects people with nature” and while I kept doing what I could on my own, as I talked with various people and my ideas evolved, I came to think that it makes sense to do this not just alone but also with others who share the same vision, and that’s how POW Japan was started. If we don’t change, we will face a future where we won’t be able to ski the snowy mountains, global warming will reach a point where there is no turning back, the summer heat wave will continue and the snow will continue to decrease. I thought that snowboarders, who reap the benefits of a snowy environment, should be the ones to take action.
Gomyo: I was like, “If Goro is going to do it, then I will too”. I too am greatly indebted to nature and the world of snow in some ways, so I would like to do what I can to return the favor, and to make sure that the environment does not change too much.
On December 4, 2019, Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture became the third municipality in Japan to declare a “state of meteorological emergency”, promising that all ski resorts in Hakuba will begin converting to renewable energy by 2025. Behind this was the work of POW Japan, and Komatsu-san and his team.
Komatsu: When POW Japan was just getting going, Japan had not yet become a decarbonized society. Then Prime Minister Yoshihide Kan declared the goal of “virtually zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050” (declaration of decarbonization), and there was a sea change in society from there. Local governments all over Japan were wondering what they should do. Since POW had already started shortly before that, we decided to join forces with Hakuba Village, to think about it and act on it together.
The declaration of a decarbonized society and Hakuba Village’s declaration of a climate emergency were significant in the sense that society turned its face, or rather, its attention, to the issue. It was a rallying call for individuals, snowboarders, skiers, companies, and to put it another way, people who don’t come to the snowy mountains to participate.
Gomyo: I believe that yuki ita itself translates into “environmental preservation,” and by conveying the joy of making and playing with them, and by broadening the circle of people who know the joy of living with snow, the breadth and scope of our vision will increase. I think that responsibility, or rather the experience of it, will make a difference.
To tackle the climate crisis, the snow community is also partnering with athletes from across the country, nature lovers, high school students, and other young people to be a “voice for change”. Gomyo-san and Komatsu-san were in agreement that staying positive and ensuring that the pursuit remains enjoyable for the individual are the key elements in rising to the challenge to transform tomorrow.
Gomyo: I would like to see more permanent snowboard parks here and there. I would like to create parks where people can go and try yuki ita out, and so that people who can’t make it to events can get involved.
We also try to source products from companies that have an ethical viewpoint or making things by hand as it all can make a difference. What we can do while having fun will enhance our daily lives.
Komatsu: One thing I would recommend that individuals do is insulate. If you live in a rented house or apartment, you may want to check with the management company or landlord. Insulation performance of Japanese houses is rather low. Symbolic of this is the movement to insulate school classrooms started by students at Hakuba High School, who also helped POW, and which is now spreading throughout the country.
Gomyo: You’ll use less kerosene, and you’ll use less air conditioning in the summer, too.
Komatsu: With POW, I would like to create an opportunity for more people who enjoy playing in nature to become more aware of the environment. Besides just being aware of the environment, I would be happy if people could help spread the word to those around them. We are a group of snowboarders and skiers, and although we are winging it in many ways, we are trying to reach out to society and change the system. To do so, we need the power of more people, so please let your friends know about yuki ita and POW and join our cause.
Having lived in a rich natural environment through riding yuki ita and snowboarding, Gomei and Komatsu’s “vision of the future” is full of joy and smiles. The way they use all five senses to enjoy winter and act toward society reflects their love for the snowy mountains and their responsibility and promise to pass on a life with snow to the next generation: “We want to go on sharing the magic of playing in the snow with all fellow snow lovers”. The challenges of the snow community continue, not to be defeated by climate change. Today, be yourself and take the next step outside.
Goro Komatsu
Born in Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan. Has been skiing since he was 4 and snowboarding since he moved to BC, Canada at the age of 12, turning pro at 17. While living in Canada, he met an indigenous person campaigning against the construction of a ski resort, which led him to reconsider the relationship between snowboarding and nature, and has been calling for the reduction of environmental impact since before POW was established. Taking a walk with his dog, Tsuki, is a daily ritual.
https://protectourwinters.jp/
https://www.instagram.com/goro_komatsu/
Atsushi Gomyo
Born in Nagano, Japan, he started skateboarding at the age of 8 and snowboarding at 13. In 2014, he launched the Japanese wood snowboard brand “PRANA PANKS” with his friends and developed a wooden “yuki ita” based on his skateboarding and snowboarding experiences. A pioneer of yuki ita, he holds board shaping workshops throughout Japan and is also enjoying demand around the world.
http://makesnowtoys.com/
https://www.instagram.com/make_a24/
