We want to make the snowboarding industry more exciting. With that in mind, TEAM UNITY will be holding its first rider selection at Nekoma Mountain on April 4th to find new members. In recent years, the number of riders has been decreasing, so in order to continue to spread the appeal of snowboarding, we are looking for people who can challenge themselves and grow together.
Hanon has just joined the team. And Yuri and Rina have been supporting TEAM UNITY since the beginning. We asked them to introduce themselves and delve deeper into their thoughts on the Rider Selection.
Q1: Hello! A new member, Hanon-chan, has joined TEAM Unity! Yuri and Rina, please give us an update on what you two are up to, and we'd like Hanon-chan to also introduce herself!
Boeing : Nice to meet you! I'm 1-year-old Tsuchiya Nami, a first-year high school student! I mainly compete in slopestyle and big air competitions. I look forward to meeting you!
Yuri:Hello! This season I will be judging official matches, hosting and participating in kids' lessons and events. I hope to continue taking on new challenges!
Rina:I've been competing in a lot of competitions recently. I've also had more opportunities to give events and lessons to children, and I hope to broaden the scope of my snowboarding through various activities!
Q2: Thoughts on rider selection
—— Why did Team Unity hold a rider selection?
Yuri:Recently, the number of riders has been decreasing, and I've felt lonely. So I wanted to increase the number of people who can help boost the snowboarding industry, and that's why I decided to hold this event!
Rina:I also wanted to increase the number of people I could meet, so I decided to hold this event! I want to enliven this industry together with people who are working hard while enjoying snowboarding!
Boeing : I also want to increase the number of riders I can work with. I'm looking forward to meeting some great, energetic riders!
Q3: What kind of rider are you looking for?
Yuri:I want to work with riders who have a passion for snowboarding, so I'm looking for teammates like that!
Rina:A rider who is aware of their role as a rider and is willing to work hard. And ideally, someone who can ride in a cool way!
Boeing : We want riders who enjoy snowboarding to the fullest and have their own style!
Q4: What do you want to create together from now on?
Yuri:[UNITY] means "unity"! As the word suggests, we want to create a team with strong unity and create a place where more people can enjoy snowboarding through various activities!
Rina:We want to deepen our bonds as a team and let more people know about our [UNITY] in a new way.
Hanon:I want to create a team that is ambitious and can help each other improve. And I want to improve the quality of our activities as [UNITY]!
Q5: What would you like to pay particular attention to in this selection?
Yuri:In the morning, you will have a session with us, and in the afternoon, you will have two runs! We hope to see the participants' enthusiasm in the session, and their passionate skiing in the run.
Rina:I want to see what kind of kids are doing well. Snowboarding skill is important, but I also want to pay attention to everyone's passion for snowboarding!
Boeing : I hope that through communication, as well as snowboarding skills, you can also feel everyone's passion for snowboarding!
Q6: Finally, please give a message to the selection participants!
Yuri:Why not join us and help boost the snowboarding industry? We look forward to your participation! Let's have fun♪
Rina:Thank you for participating in the selection! You may be nervous, but please have fun and smile! I'm looking forward to having a session with you all!
Boeing:I hope you'll enjoy it without worrying too much! I'm really looking forward to having a session with you, so please come and skate with me!!
Even before the rider selection began, the Team Unity members were already excited. Anticipation is building for what kind of future teammates they will meet!
Looking to the future
TEAM UNITY continues to evolve with new members. While continuing to take on new challenges as riders, we will spread the joy of snowboarding and further liven up the industry. You could be the next rider to join this trend.
~ Event details below ~
[Supporting athlete riders aiming for competitions]
UNITY Rider Selection / PSA riders are welcome
⚫︎ Date 2025 / 4 / 13 (sun)
⚫︎ Venue Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain North Area Near the Devil Cat Chairlift Station
⚫︎ Participation condition ・Men and women aged 15 and over ・Ability to ski in advanced lanes at parks ・People who want to help boost the snowboarding industry
⚫︎ Participation Fee ¥ 4,000
⚫︎ Lane used Advanced Lane
⚫︎ How to enter DigiEntry 【 http://dgent.jp/e.asp?no=2500180 】
⚫︎ Entry period September 3th (Monday) - October 24th (Sunday)
⚫︎ Today's schedule
9: 00-9: 45 Reception
9:45-10:00 Opening Ceremony (Explanation)
10:00-12:00 Session
12:00-13:00 Lunch break
13:00-14:00 Run (1-2 runs per person)
15:30-16:00 Closing Ceremony
*Note: The schedule and content may change depending on the weather and the riders' physical condition. *Please prepare your own lift ticket.
Participating rider: Rina Yoshika @rinayoshika
・2022 Beijing Olympics Japan representative
・2019 FIS ANC NZ Champion
・2020 Rev Tour Rooki Fest 1ERX
・2021 LAAX OPEN 10th place
・2022 World Cup Calgary 9th place
Yuri Yoshika @yuuriyoshika
・2019 WINTER GAMES NZ 5th place
・2019 FIS ANC NZ 6th place
・2021 FIS Big Air Japan Cup 5th place
・FIS/SAJ certified judge
Hanon Tsuchiya @hanon.tsuchiya
・2024 PSA X-JAM SLOPSTYLE 61
・2024 SAJ All Japan Junior Championships SS 4th place / BA 2nd place
