:: NISEKO United :: Niseko Ambassadors

The Niseko ambassadors dedicate their time to promote winter sports, culture and the area of Niseko.

Telemark Skier / Guide
Born in 1969, resides in the town of Kutchan

Having lived in Niseko since 1991, Yutaka is an avid mountain explorer. He participated in the Japanese National Championships and represented Japan in the World Cup. He then took on the World’s mountains, carving deep telemark turns on the steep slopes of Alaska, this footage has been published throughout Japan in many photo albums and magazines. He is a Japanese pioneer of big mountain telemark skiing. He now runs the retail shop and guiding company, Toyru.

Snowboarder / Guide
Born in 1972, resides in the town of Niseko

Extreme and freeride snowboarder since the early 1990’s. Has experience abroad taking on numerous big mountains, including the highest peak in Mongolia (4378m) and the steep slopes and glacier camps of Alaska. Now based in Niseko, he operates the Powder Company Guide at Niseko Annupuri Ski Area as a back country snowboard guide. Often seen enjoying fresh powder of a morning and perfecting his carving turns at night at Annupuri Ski Area.

Skier / Photographer
Born in 1966, resides in the town of Kutchan

Moved to Hokkaido in 1992, and has pursued the photography of skiers, snowboarders and landscape since 1994. His work has reached people from around the globe, contributing to the promotion of Niseko. He has captured images of ski resorts around the world, these can be seen in his photo book “Gliders of the Snow Mountains”. He operates Niseko Upas, a Ski guide company and photo gallery.

Photo book and Film Production 2001 Film “RUWE” by Niseko Upas 2003 Film “RUWE 2” by Niseko Upas 2005 Film “RAWNE” by Niseko Upas 2006 Photo book “Niseko Powder” published by Suda Seihan Co., Ltd 2008 Photobook “Niseko Hirafu” presented by Tokyu Resort Service Co. 2009 Photo book “Gliders of the Snow Mountains” published by Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha, Ltd. (The above productions feature Yutaka Takanashi, Tomoki Takaku along with the people of Niseko )