Japan is suffering from a record shortage of snow this season.In order to hit the best snow in this situation, it is necessary to have accurate weather forecasts, timely information on the site, and a sense of smell that catches the scent of snow cultivated through experience so far.
Early January.Where is the place with abundant snow in Honshu except Hokkaido?Needless to say, the place searched by Tadashi Fuse, the world's top rider, was Aomori and Hakkoda.
Text: Gaisu
Photo: Koeji Taro
The place Tadashi Fuse chose to slip in early in the season
Tadashi Fuse, the first Japanese snowboarder pioneer to be recognized in the world, such as decorating a movie bird produced by a prestigious overseas film production in 2003.This year marks the 23rd anniversary of rider activity, and his skills and riding style, which do not make you feel the age of 42 at all, are still evolving.
LIFESTYLE PRODUCTION (LSP) consists of Tadashi and Taro Koshiji, who is also a filmer and director.It is a movie production that regards snowboarding as a lifestyle and continues to express the realistic way of life that riders face the snowy mountains.Last fall, they released a movie called "BOONDOCKING" as a project over two years.Together with new friends, he pioneered an undeveloped slope in Japan with a snowmobile, leaving a lot of footage in a spot he had never seen before, and it became a work that fascinates snowboarders.
Early January 2020.Japan has been hit by a record warm winter, which is rare in recent years.At this time of the beginning of the season, Tadashi was aiming for the northernmost tip of Honshu as a break-in for full-scale shooting of LSP.The destination is "Hakkoda". I started slipping in Hokkaido in November and decided to slip in this mountain as the final finish of the process of gradually approaching my best condition.
This trip to the north of Honshu as much as possible, and to the high altitude areas, set the standard and seek the best snow.The timing of the low pressure system coincided, and the best snow awaited Tadashi.I ran through the snowy road of the snow-covered tree with Jeep and arrived at Hakkoda.
Hakkoda for the first time in 10 years.The snow is in a certain place
The first day in Hakkoda, where the snow that had fallen from the previous day was about 30 cm.It will be the first time in about 10 years that Tadashi has slipped on this place.Unfortunately, the ropeway was suspended all day due to inspection work, so I had to take a few lifts that were in operation to check the condition of the mountain.Although there is snow, the temperature is a little high, and the snow in the low altitude area is by no means the original high-quality powder of Hakkoda.Then, Tadashi immediately runs Jeep® and checks the spots on the roadside where the altitude has risen.
From the train window, you can see the direction of the wind and the terrain depending on how the snow is attached, and when you find a spot where you can play, hike up with the photographer.I dropped it onto a pillow of the right size (pillow-like snow on a rock) and fluttered in the air with a loyal style full throttle method.
"Today I know the condition of the mountain to some extent, and I'm aiming for tomorrow when the ropeway moves. I'm sure it will be better."
When Tadashi decides to concentrate on shooting tomorrow, the group heads to "Sukayu Onsen", which is famous as a hot spring resort in Hakkoda, where they are staying tonight, in order to heal the tiredness of the trip, and prepare for tomorrow's shooting. I prepared it.
A day of sliding down Hakkoda
The next morning, Hakkoda usually had poor sunny weather in the midwinter and had many hard conditions such as poor visibility due to snowstorms, but the visibility was lost on that day.It is a perfect condition where you can see up to the top of the mountain.At 8:00 in the morning, I stood by at the ropeway platform, and on the first flight departing at 9:00, I headed for the summit of Tamoyachidake, where the ropeway mountaintop park station is located.
Snow and ice are sprayed on the trees and the rime on trees called snow monsters grows everywhere, creating a fantastic space.From the top of the mountain, you can see Mt. Iwaki, the Tsugaru Peninsula, and the Shimokita Peninsula, and the visibility is good.According to the local information, I heard that the amount of snow is about 1/3 of the average year, but the bush is almost hidden at the top and the fresh snow is about 30 cm, which is a sufficient powder condition that is not too deep.
While looking at the topographic map, Tadashi searches for terrain and jump lines that he can play with his own experience and sense of smell.
From the top of Hakkoda, there are two main off-piste courses, and you can enjoy a long ride of up to 2 kilometers.also"Hakkoda RuleIt is also possible to ride in the backcountry at your own risk after understanding.However, since there is a risk of mountain accidents such as distress in the harsh nature and vast fields, we recommend skiing with a mountain guide or a local who is familiar with this mountain.
The characteristic of the mountain is that there is a maximum slope of about 30 ° at the beginning of the start from the vicinity of the mountaintop, and the slipperiness is sufficient.After that, a tree run on a gentle slope continues, and you can cruise comfortably. It was impressive that Tadashi said, "Hakkoda is a terrain that can be enjoyed by intermediate and advanced powderers."
Around 15:00 pm.A fulfilling day ended when all the 6 tickets of the ropeway were used up and the last one was slipped.Except for lunch, I slid through Hakkoda from morning till evening.
This season is said to be a mild winter, but there is some snow.You can hit the best snow by setting up an antenna for the weather and looking for a place to slip.As the powder in Hakkoda tells us, I could understand that by feeling the movement of Tadashi nearby.
hereFrom, a short interview with Tadashi Fuse.
"SNOWBOARDING IS MY LIFESTYLE."
Approaching the Snowboarders Mind that Tadashi thinks.
Because it's fun, I can do my best even if it's painful
You have been active as a professional rider for over 20 years. What is your motivation to continue riding?
The part of support from sponsors is great.By having them recognize themselves and establishing a solid support system, they will be able to do what they want to do, and the fields in which they can play more active roles will expand.Besides, we (LSP) want to continue making video works.There is no goal in making that work.I don't think I'll be satisfied with the goal forever.That's why I'm motivated to keep doing that.
Is it fun because there is no goal?
I agree.I don't think there is a goal to express myself.The goal is when you stop snowboarding.
Why do you think you don't have a goal?
Somewhere with age ... I think that various things, such as riding, will change.Therefore, my way of thinking also changes.I have a feeling that I want to jump now, but when I get older and I can't do it, I think it will be a different way.So it keeps changing.
Is there anything you are trying to keep going?
At the start of the season, it's always hard for me.I slipped in and my legs became sick and my muscles hurt, or I intentionally hurt my body.It's like doing it right after the start of the season, building a body, and starting full-scale shooting.It's pretty painful for me to be building my body while slipping.But if I don't do this early in the season, my body will be finished and I will not be able to handle shooting.
Is it like muscle training?It's painful, but if you do it, it will help you.
It's spicy but fun.Fun is the first word that comes with it.That's why I can do my best in both difficult and painful things.
In my usual shooting, I use a snowmobile to go to the depths of the mountains and slide, but do you think it is important to use the ropeway to slide on a normal slope course like this time?
I think it's important.On the slopes, I always wonder if I can jump (laughs).Always look for playable terrain and fly in it.Wherever you go, it's a practice for you.Practice to jump.If you don't slip all the time, it won't work in production.After that, don't you slip on the slopes where it's easy?I dare to go to my cousin who is hard to slip.Well, it's stoic.
Snowboarding in nature, do you feel scared?
Of course, it's always there.But I'm thinking that it's okay to try and fail.Also, when I show something in public, I think "I don't mind if I make a mistake, it doesn't matter!" (Laughs).I don't feel embarrassed if I make a mistake or I can't show anything strange.
How do you control your mental health when you feel scared?
When you jump on your own slippery line, it feels like you're prepared to fly.Control from the beginning to the landing.If you get scared by fear, you will close (body), so look at everything.Mental, I'll do it if I decide to do it.That's it.
You mean you don't think about failure, right?Only think about success.
It's connected to skiing on the slopes.I feel confident when I slip in.Tell yourself that I'm so confident. "Because I can do it, absolutely".
It's fun if you have all your lifestyle
What does snowboarding mean to Zubari and Tadashi?
Is snowboarding your lifestyle?Life itself.There is something that can only be done.It feels like snowboarding is connected in a natural cycle. "It's snowing, let's go".It's an image of what you do every day, whether it's your usual habit.
LSP means "lifestyle production", doesn't it?You said that you want to express the snowboarder's lifestyle more in the movie this year, but what kind of part do you want to express?
If anything, it is the off part.What the person is doing other than snowboarding.There are other things I'm addicted to in my life, such as snowboarding, skating, surfing, and fishing, and I want to include those parts in the video.In addition to snowboarding, I would like to convey things such as "this person's way of life is cool" and "interesting".
Mobility is also very important when shooting.I rode a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 2.0ℓ turbo on this trip. How was the ride quality?
I think it's a really good car. Even though it is 2000cc, it is powerful and has good driving comfort and mobility.The interior looks good, and I think a car of this size is just right.Besides, it was comfortable that the front seat heater and the steering wheel heater were warm, and the 4WD that can be switched manually was also easy to use.
There is a message in Jeep's concept, "Life is not where you go, how you enjoy it." What do you think of that word?
I think it's important to have fun.I think everything is there.I think it's really good to enjoy even a little thing.Enjoy it on the slopes, and use it for the actual shooting, and enjoy shooting.It would be great if all of the things you enjoy snowboarding were connected.Cars and mountains are snowboarding lifestyles, so get up in the morning, get in the car, hear good sounds, and go to the mountains.It would be fun if everything was done.
Jeep WRANGLER UNLIMITED SAHARA 2.0ℓ turbo
https://www.jeep-japan.com/wrangler-jl.html
[Main specifications]
全長:4,870mm／全幅:1,895m／全高:1,845mm／エンジン:直列4気筒 DOHCターボ／総排気量:1,995cc／右ハンドル／乗車定員:5名／無鉛レギュラーガソリン／最高出力(kW/rpm):200(272ps)／5,250(ECE）／最大トルク(N・m/rpm):400(40.8kg・m)／3,000(ECE)／駆動方式：後2輪・4輪駆動・オンデマンド方式4輪駆動（選択式）／全国メーカー希望小売価格:¥5,900,000 (税抜価格 ¥5,363,636) 2020年1月24日現在
Granite Crystal Metallic C / C
Inquiries about the product
Jeep toll-free call 0120-712-812 (9: 00-21: 00, open daily)
https://www.jeep-japan.com/
Full-time 4x4 system
Equipped with an electronically controlled center differential, the range can be switched manually.Part-time 2 such as "4H" for cruises, "4H" effective for unpaved roads such as snowy roads and gravel roads, and low geared "4L" that generates maximum driving force for rough roads and rock climbing. In addition to x4, it is equipped with a "4H AUTO" mode that automatically distributes drive to the front and rear wheels.
Handle with heater.With this feature, winter driving is also comfortable
Long drives on snowboard trips are also comfortable thanks to this cruise control feature
A front seat heater that warms the driver's seat and passenger's seat separately according to the weather and the owner's preference, and can further adjust the temperature in three stages.It was very popular on this trip
The title "Trail Rated ®" is given to models that have passed the unique performance test called the harshest in the world.Even when used in hard active scenes, this badge proves the running performance of the WRANGLER UNLIMITED SAHARA.
When the rear seat is knocked down, a vast cargo room of about 2,000 liters appears.Men's snowboards can also be laid down and stored, and there is plenty of room for boots, accessories, and BC gear.You can quickly put in and take out your luggage, so you can feel its mobility even when you want to move quickly.There is also an accessory case under the floor
A popular rider who has been a professional for 20 years and has many fans both in Japan and abroad.He is also a Japanese pioneer who opened the door to the world in the movie scene.He continues to shoot with LIFE STYLE PROJECT and develops new slopes in Japan with snowmobiles. 1977 years old born on October 10, 8.Born in Yamagata prefecture, currently living in Hyogo prefecture.
