DENNIS Van Den Brink is one of those great guys everyone in town seems to know. It may be the dreadlocks and tattoos that make him stick out, but Powderlife got to know this local Dutchman a little bit better…
When and why did you come to Niseko?
I came to Niseko to stay in the spring of 2008. There was a 100ha organic farm and vineyard project we were going to set up in Konbu Village, about 20 minutes from Kutchan and Hirafu.
What was Niseko like when you first arrived here?
In the past two years, besides some highrises, not a lot has changed. But compared to six years ago it’s quite different because it was still a backpacker destination .
What have you done for work in Niseko?
This winter I’m working in the kitchen of J-Sekka Dining. Last year I ran the Powderlife Café and had the difficult task of feeding the hungry Powderlife staff every day.
What was your life like before you came to Niseko?
I got to Japan in 1999 on a bicycle by ferry from Korea after doing the overland trip from my home country, Holland. By the time I reached Tokyo I had been on the road for 1.5 years, so I was up for a bit of a break. I found a job at a restaurant called Fujimamas in Harajuku, Tokyo. Later, I started my own farm in Fukushima on northern Honshu. After that I moved to Hokkaido.
Where did you learn to cook?
I always was a hobby cook before, but learned to cook professionally here in Japan. I really enjoy all the naturally preserved foods in Japan, and all over the world.
What do you do in the warmer months?
Now I work on Niseko Green Farm (www.nisekogreenfarm.com). It’s in Hirafu, but on the other side of the river from the village. When I’ve got time I still like to get out on my bike and ride. I love to travel that way.
Tell us about your farm?
At Niseko Green Farm we grow potatoes, corn and asparagus, as they thrive in this region. But we also have a wide range of specialty produce that we sell at markets, restaurants and hotels in Sapporo.
Why grow organic?
I think it’s important that people have the opportunity to choose organic. It is simply better for your body, the environment, and it is sustainable.
You were recently on TV?
It was a Tokyo TV show called Nihon no Mikata, from Beat Takeshi, about how Japan is only 39 per cent self sufficient in its food, and that number is shrinking. I was saying foreigners can do all kinds of work in this society that is still quite xenophobic.
Can you tell me about your dreadlocks? Would you ever consider getting a haircut?
The hair remains a mystery.
What is it that makes Niseko special?
It’s a beautiful, safe place in the world, with clean air, delicious water, lots of mountains and hot springs. Niseko is a hard place to leave.
What are your top 3 tips for visitors to Niseko?
1. Explore the area. Try to find all the hideaways
2. Visit Niseko in the summer
3. Eat organic!