Powderlife co-founder and editor Kristian Lund is a former newspaper journalist who spent time growing up in Tokyo and learned to ski in the Japanese Alps. He earned his stripes as a reporter at News Limited newspapers, and went on to work as a senior media advisor in Australian state government. He started making Powderlife in 2007 after falling in love with life in Niseko during his first visit.
Niseko residents are a creative bunch. The picturesque landscape and changing seasons provide endless inspiration, and attract artists from all over Japan and increasingly all over the world.
So when the local tourism board signed up to host a “CowParade” event last season, dozens of the area’s most talented artists pulled out their brushes and created some incredibly creative beasts. One was even coated in wool to look like a giant sheep! Check it and all the others out at cowparadeniseko.com.
CowParade is the world’s largest public art event. Since it began in Chicago in 1999 there have been more than 75 events across the globe. The fibreglass cows provide artists with subtle, yet interesting angles and curves to create unique works of art. The cows were auctioned off after the event raising ¥3.2 million for charity. Most of them are still in the area so keep your eye out and marvel at the local creativity.