World's Top Athletes Gather at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu: Participating Riders Announced for Swatch Nines Snow 2026
Participating riders have been announced for the world's premier action sports event, 'Swatch Nines Snow 2026', held in Asia for the first time in Niseko in April 2026. Top athletes, including Ayumu Hirano, will gather.
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- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (18h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 01:20 (491h 40m after Collected)
Tokyu Land Corporation (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroaki Hoshino; hereinafter "Tokyu Land") and Tokyu Resorts & Stays Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Shinya Tange; hereinafter "Tokyu Resorts & Stays") are pleased to announce that all participating riders have been confirmed for the 2026 event of "Swatch Nines Snow" (hereinafter "this event"). This is one of the world's premier action sports events, and it will be held for the first time in Asia at the all-season international mountain resort "Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu," which is owned and operated by both companies.
This event is co-organized by three companies: The Nines AG (Headquarters: Zug, Switzerland; CEO: Nico Zacek; hereinafter "Nines"), Machino Mirai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sapporo, Hokkaido; Representative Director: Ken Sugai; hereinafter "Machino Mirai"), and The Small Things Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Etsushi Tagami; hereinafter "The Small Things"). It will be held over 6 days from Monday, April 6 to Saturday, April 11, 2026. Previously held in international snow resort destinations like Switzerland, this event will feature over 50 invited riders, including medalists from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (hereinafter "Milano Olympics"). The final day, Saturday, April 11, will be a Public Day, allowing any guest of Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu to watch the event.
■ Domestic Top Athletes Gather
As this is the first time Swatch Nines Snow is being held in Asia, the lineup of participating riders is more focused on the Asian region than in previous years. Many Japanese athletes and Milano Olympics representatives are confirmed to participate in this event.
From men's snowboarding, a total of 8 Japanese riders are scheduled to participate, including Ayumu Hirano, a three-time consecutive Olympic halfpipe medalist and an iconic figure in Japanese snowboarding; Ryusei Yamada, Milano Olympics halfpipe bronze medalist; and Taiga Hasegawa, slopestyle silver medalist.
From women's snowboarding, a total of 6 Japanese riders are scheduled to participate, led by Kokomo Murase, Milano Olympics big air gold medalist, and Mari Fukada, slopestyle gold medalist.
Furthermore, representing local Niseko, two skiers are scheduled to participate: Gen Sasaki, a former Japanese national team member for ski slopestyle and big air, and Tenra Katsuno, who finished 5th in the FIS Freeride World Championships held in February 2026.
*Please note that participating riders are subject to change prior to the event due to natural disasters or other unavoidable circumstances.
Regarding the event setup, there will be some changes due to logistics. Instead of a skate park section, an iconic section centered around a 'Mini Mt. Yotei' will be constructed.
This event is co-organized by three companies: The Nines AG (Headquarters: Zug, Switzerland; CEO: Nico Zacek; hereinafter "Nines"), Machino Mirai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sapporo, Hokkaido; Representative Director: Ken Sugai; hereinafter "Machino Mirai"), and The Small Things Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Etsushi Tagami; hereinafter "The Small Things"). It will be held over 6 days from Monday, April 6 to Saturday, April 11, 2026. Previously held in international snow resort destinations like Switzerland, this event will feature over 50 invited riders, including medalists from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (hereinafter "Milano Olympics"). The final day, Saturday, April 11, will be a Public Day, allowing any guest of Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu to watch the event.
■ Domestic Top Athletes Gather
As this is the first time Swatch Nines Snow is being held in Asia, the lineup of participating riders is more focused on the Asian region than in previous years. Many Japanese athletes and Milano Olympics representatives are confirmed to participate in this event.
From men's snowboarding, a total of 8 Japanese riders are scheduled to participate, including Ayumu Hirano, a three-time consecutive Olympic halfpipe medalist and an iconic figure in Japanese snowboarding; Ryusei Yamada, Milano Olympics halfpipe bronze medalist; and Taiga Hasegawa, slopestyle silver medalist.
From women's snowboarding, a total of 6 Japanese riders are scheduled to participate, led by Kokomo Murase, Milano Olympics big air gold medalist, and Mari Fukada, slopestyle gold medalist.
Furthermore, representing local Niseko, two skiers are scheduled to participate: Gen Sasaki, a former Japanese national team member for ski slopestyle and big air, and Tenra Katsuno, who finished 5th in the FIS Freeride World Championships held in February 2026.
*Please note that participating riders are subject to change prior to the event due to natural disasters or other unavoidable circumstances.
Regarding the event setup, there will be some changes due to logistics. Instead of a skate park section, an iconic section centered around a 'Mini Mt. Yotei' will be constructed.
FAQ
When will the 'Swatch Nines Snow 2026' take place?
It will be held from April 6 (Monday) to April 11 (Saturday), 2026. The public day for general viewing is on the final day, April 11 (Saturday).
Which famous Japanese athletes will participate?
Many medalists and representatives from the Milan Olympics, including snowboarders Yuto Totsuka and Kokomine Kokoro, are expected to participate.
Where will it be held?
It will be held at 'Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu' in Hokkaido. A special 'Mini Yotei Mountain' section is planned.