IF you’re talking skiing and Niseko, they don’t come much better than Toki-san. He’s been coming here for over 20 years, coached Olympic skiers, skis with a snowboard on each foot, and now runs Hirafu retail and hire shop, Niseko 343…
When and why did you come to Niseko?
For over 20 years I came here every winter, and moved here three years ago to be closer to my work.
What was Niseko like when you first arrived here?
There were no foreigners in Niseko 20 years ago, and although snowboarding was getting popular in Japan, skiing was still preferred. Rather than going out at night, people preferred to stay in their lodges or guest houses and drink sake with the lodge staff. The seasons were much longer, with powder snow from the end of November to early April. There was also two times more snow than there is now – in one season we had 1m of fresh snow in a single night.
What was your life like before you came to Niseko?
In my home town of Kuromatsu Nai I was teaching sports to children as part of the Kids for Youth program.
What do you do in the warmer months?
I work in the shop during summer time as well. I actually prefer summer to winter because it is less busy and I have time to do my own things. I enjoy going running around Mt. Yotei and visiting an onsen afterwards to relax at the end of the day.
You’ve been involved in skiing at an Olympic level. Tell us about that…
I went to the Torino Olympics in 2006 as the freestyle mogul coach for the Japanese international team. The Olympics was a great experience – it’s totally different from world cups or world titles because it’s a game between the all countries.
We hear you organise skiing/snowboarding competitions in Niseko?
I am involved in the Super Bumps Niseko Cup, which is held in early April every year. I raced in the competition for the first seven years before retiring from racing, however I am still involved in the organisation of the competitions. When I see the young skiers trying their hardest, I can share their highs and lows and it reminds me of when I was young and competing myself.
We’re told you ski with a snowboard on each foot?
I first tried it as a joke, but when you actually get used to the feeling of the wide boards as skis you can handle it. I enjoyed riding the powder on the boards in the morning – it was an amazing feeling, like surfing on the powder. And I can get terrific speed!
What is it that you think makes Niseko special?
The great snow, of course! Also, the ski fields are close to the village and easy to access.
What do you think needs to happen to make Niseko even better than it is now?
The local people don’t come to ski at the resorts anymore, so they should come back again.
What are your top 3 tips for visitors to Niseko?
1. Do lots of skiing.
2. Try night skiing.
3. Snow shovel early in the morning – so I don’t have to do it!