Enter Your Film for 2019-20 Niseko Short Film Festival!
Don't miss out on this must-see Spring event in Niseko! 
The Niseko Shootout Film Festival is the grand finale to this year’s Niseko Shootout series - and we want you to put your time in Niseko this winter to good use by entering your own film!
The finalists’ films will be shown on a big screen on Saturday, March 14 at Hanazono Edge, including winners judged and awarded on the night along with the winners of the #NisekoShootout Instagram Contest.
JPY250,000 in cash and seriously cool prizes including Icelantic skis and a Gentemstick snowboard are up for grabs!
Selected films (max 7 minutes) will be premiered in 5 categories:
- Person Profile
- Culture
- Nature/Environment
- Park Riding
- Adventure/Exploration
Registration is free and simple Just submit the registration form; open from now until March 2nd. Come one, come all for an end of season celebration of Niseko winter through film and photography!
1st Place: 120,000 JPY Cash Prize
2nd Place: 80,000 JPY Cash Prize
3rd Place: 50,000 JPY Cash Prize
MORE DETAILS on the 2019-20 Short Film Festival event will be announced soon.
Short Film Festival Guidelines:
Registration is free.
Entrants must fill out the Niseko Shootout Short Film Fest Entry Form by March 2nd, 2020.
Films must be submitted by March 2nd, 2020.
Entries can be of any duration - max 7 minutes.
Foreign language films must be accompanied by an English translation or have English subtitles.
Films must have been completed after March 14th, 2018.
Films must contain footage filmed in and/or around Shiribeshi region.
Films must not depict scenes of action deemed illegal by Japanese law. This includes, but is not limited to trespassing and the damage of public/private property, i.e. Avalanche barriers, rails, public/private structure, etc.
If the films contain words, captions are strongly recommended considering the native languages of the judges panel (English & Japanese).
Entrants are responsible for ensuring films have all music (festival rights) and talent permissions required for public display. Please submit relevant documentation with your film entry.
Entrants are required to supply promotional materials: 3x still images and a 10-15 second teaser clip for the purpose of promoting the film and film fest.
Entrants will be judged by the below 5 criteria:
- Niseko soul
- Story telling
- Innovation
- Cinematography
- Production & Editing
*I acknowledge that the Niseko Shootout jury will select the winning films and no discussion into the final decision will be entered into.
*The entrant acknowledges and agrees that all matters not covered by these guidelines, and questions arising from them, will be decided at the sole discretion of the Film Fest organizers.
Categories:
Person profile
Exploration/adventure
Park riding
Culture
Nature/Environment
There are 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners only. Each winner can come from any category. For Example: All winners can come from 1 category.
Technical Requirements:
Entrants are required to provide an HD high-resolution version of the film.
Means of submission will be discussed via email upon entrant's registration.
2019-20 Niseko Shootout ProAm Begins!
Tim McChesney, Gen Sasaki, Anna Segal along side with amateurs from Japan and around the world are ready to kick off Niseko Shootout ProAM.
A total of 22 professional and amateur athlete-photographer teams will take to the mountains in and around Shiribeshi region between January 9-12, day and night with the aim of capturing the best photo of the period, with ¥200,000 up for grabs.
Contest organiser Winstead Heyward noted with no significant snowfalls in the forecast, we could be looking at a similar comp to last year… teams getting creative with an edge given to local knowledge.
“Conditions wise its a level playing field. Japow doesn’t necessarily define Niseko. This place is magic regardless of snow depth which these teams have a chance to prove. ” Heyward said. “Fingers crossed for some fresh snow, though. Even small forecasted snow can turn big here and it’s snowing right now!”
“Stoked to see more local Japanese teams come out and looking forward to the level of competition this year’s line up offers!”
Pro Teams
| TEAM SPONSOR | ATHLETE | PHOTOGRAPHER |
|---|---|---|
| Oyuki Japan | Tim McChesney | Nolan Yoshiaki Isozaki |
| Oyuki Japan | Anna Segal | Nolan Yoshiaki Isozaki |
| Niseko Grand Hirafu | Gen Sasaki | Aaron Jamieson |
| DAYZE | Yusaku Horii | Junichiro Watanabe |
| K2 Snowboarding | Daisuke Watanabe | Dany kean |
| Yuki Kamui, Iwanai Resort | Haley Guttin | Kyler Chambers |
| Glen Claydon Photography (DNS) | Jaimi French | Glen Claydon |
Amateur Teams
| TEAM SPONSOR | ATHLETE | PHOTOGRAPHER |
|---|---|---|
| FinnAir | Freddie Mills | Nick Savage |
| Independent | Theo Morton | Shotaro Koyama |
| Independent | James Winfield | Teddy Laycock |
| Independent | Ryu Atobe | Tanner Dobbins |
| Independent | Aron Hayes | Tomasz Ustupski |
| SnowPlus Snowsports | Eden Gao | Eason Kuo |
| Dragon Alliance | Samuel Nelson | Neil McNair |
| Independent | Robert Buchanan | Lukas Eibenstein |
| Independent | George Treble | Jonas Eibenstein |
| Hanazono Niseko | Jimi Oertli | Toshi Pander |
| Independent | Patrick Schuster | Markus Paul |
| Yama Plus | Evan Wilcox | Toshi Pander |
| Niseko Black Snowsports | Simon Pervez | Justin Owers |
| Niseko Black Snowsports | Manuel Ruiz De Somavia | Toni Rodriguez |
| Niseko Black Snowsports | Juan Berthold | Bianca Peralta |
Voting & judging
ProAM Judges' Choice Winners: ¥120,000
ProAM Public Vote Winners: ¥80,000
The public judging will take place over another four days between January 17th and 20th – voting is by liking photos that will be uploaded into the 2019-20 Niseko Shootout ProAM photo album on Niseko Tourism’s Facebook page! Voting ends at 23:59 on Jan 20th! So VOTE!
Winners will be announced on January 21st at the Award Ceremony Party@Rhythm base.
Japanese / Chinese / English Conversation Classes
◆Japanese Language Class
All classes are free and are located in the Niseko Chomin Center. Participants are expected to cover their own textbook fees.
Beginner Japanese I (Updated Jan 2020)
Instructor：Michael
Learning Points：Finished hiragana, starting katakana and elementary grammar
Schedule：Every Tuesday, 10:00-11:30 am (90 mins)
Textbook：Genki 1（Chapter 2）
Beginner Japanese II (Updated Jan 2020)
Instructor：Mitch
Learning Points：Conjugating adjectives, using te-form
Schedule：Every Wednesday 10~11 am (60 mins)
Textbook：Genki 1 (Chapter 6）
◆Eikawa TALK
Eikaiwa Talk (Updated Jan 2020)
Instructor：Michael, Mei, Mitch, Ema
Event Description：Relaxed environment for non-native English speakers to practice casual conversation with each other, receiving general talking points and instruction from English speaking staff and volunteers. Open to English speaking volunteers who would like to interact with Japanese locals.
Schedule：Every 2nd & 3rd Saturday 10~11 am (60 mins)
◆Chinese Class
Chinese Language & Culture Class
Instructor：Mei
Learning Points：Simple conversations, various daily life situations
Schedule：Every Thursday, 10:00-11:15 am (Class is out of session during Jan 2020)
＜INQUIRIES＞
International Exchange Association Niseko FRIENDS（Niseko Town）
担当：Mitchel Lange TEL0136-44-2121 [email protected]
Modern Japanese Izakaya, Tomo Niseko, Opens This Winter
A new place in the heart of Niseko to BE TOGETHER.
Tomo Niseko is a modern Izakaya restaurant that features local ingredients, a welcoming and knowledgeable service team, and is housed within a contemporary chalet style design featuring views of Mt. Yotei. The Japanese Kanji for Tomo, 共, means together and the dishes are created to be shared. The guest experience centres upon enjoying a meal in either the main bar, the private room, or the upstairs dining area. The restaurant’s interior utilises a clean, welcoming aesthetic with
locally sourced materials, and artworks by Jonathan Jay Lee.
Johan Soignet is the Head Chef of Tomo Niseko, with experience working in restaurants around the world, most notably Ronin in Hong Kong, Sake no Hana in London, and Kikunoi in Kyoto, Japan. Johan’s cooking is influenced by flavours from Europe and Asia using classic and progressive cooking techniques. The result is a menu that reflects his global experience, and also pays homage to traditional Japanese cooking with ingredients-driven dishes showcasing local, seasonal produce.
The restaurant is managed by Tim King. In addition to managing food and beverage events in Niseko since 2014, Tim has been a key contributor at events in Hong Kong such as Taste of Hong Kong, Wine & Dine Festival, Art Basel and Art Central while working with Yardbird and Chinos restaurants, and the craft distiller Fernet Hunter. His experience abroad and within Niseko brings a professional and warm service style that will welcome out of town and local guests alike.
Tomo Niseko provides a space where resort guests and local residents can gather to eat, drink, and share together in a casual setting. The restaurant is located within The Orchards, an award-winning community of luxury homes managed by MnK Niseko, located 1km from Hirafu Village. The restaurant is open daily in the winter from 4:00pm until late. While reservations are encouraged, walk-ins are also welcome. The restaurant seats up to 50 people with a private dining room and bar on the ground level. The address is 48-37 Aza Kabayama, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan 044-0078, phone +81 0136-55-5524, email [email protected].
About MnK Niseko:
MnK Niseko is an integrated real estate company that provides year-round accommodation and hospitality solutions to guests across three unique resort properties – Akazora, Country Resort and The Orchards. The team at MnK Niseko also provides EdVenture camp, the internationally recognised education and adventure programs for children and young teenagers. For more information visit
2019-20 Lake Toya <=>Niseko <=> Kutchan Winter Shuttle Begins from Dec 21st!
Access all the scenic spots can be easy breezy through February 11th!
Coming to Niseko this winter and wanting to explore more? Starting from Saturday, Dec 21st till Tuesday, Feb 11th, you can visit the famous Lake Toya with this convenient shuttle from Niseko/Kutchan area. Please note that after Jan 14th, the shuttle operates only during weekend and holidays. View the flyer HERE.
Please contact 0136-22-1558 to book in advance - by 6pm the day before. First come first served!
Simply download the FREE official Niseko resort app to have all the useful transportation information available in the palm of your hand!
Temporary Parking Space in Sun Sports Land will be opened, 21 December 2019
Temporary Parking Space at Sun Sports Land will be open from 21st Dec.
Please watch out for the muddy ground (particularly around the parking entrance ).
・Available Period: From 21st December 2019 to 31st March 2020
*It may vary pending on snow condition.
・Available Hours: 8am-0am (No parking is allowed from 0am to 8am.)
・Fee: Free of Charge.
・Permit: No permit is required.
Any questions, please contact Kutchan Town Tourism Department: 0136-23-3388 or [email protected]
Breakfast Buffet @Hotel Niseko Alpen
Service hours: 7:00am-9:00am
Fee: Adult2600JPY Child1600JPY (age 6-12)
*Please show this coupon at your payment.
Second Demonstration Experiment Commences for NISEKO Pay, an Electronic Community Currency
News Release
Niseko Hirafu Area Management
Tokyu Resort Service Co., Ltd.
Orb Inc.
North Detail K.K.
Second Demonstration Experiment Commences for NISEKO Pay, an Electronic Community Currency
Available for Visitors to the Area Including Inbound Tourists, Aiming for Greater Circulation Within the Region
Niseko Hirafu Area Management (President: Junko Watanabe; hereinafter, “NHAM”), Tokyu Resort Service Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Motoyoshi Kumazawa; hereinafter, “TRS”), Orb Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Mamoru Fujimoto; hereinafter, “Orb”), and North Detail K.K. (Headquarters: Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido; President: Jun Shibuya; hereinafter, “North Detail”) hereby announce the start of a demonstration experiment for NISEKO Pay, an electronic community currency offered by NHAM to revitalize the economy of the Niseko area. The demonstration experiment commenced on November 23, 2019, and is being conducted with Orb DLT, a community currency platform that uses blockchain/distributed ledger technology.
NISEKO Pay is an electronic community currency issued in the Niseko area. It can be used at ski resorts including the Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu, which is operated by TRS, as well as nearby restaurants and shops.
Last fiscal year, a demonstration experiment was conducted involving 250 people working in the Hirafu area with the cooperation of 50 nearby restaurants and shops. About 90% of the subjects recognized the convenience of NISEKO Pay. The experiment this fiscal year will expand the range of subjects to include tourists. In addition, the electronic currency can be used at restaurants and shops in the Kutchan/Hirafu area to improve user convenience and promote its use.
It was also decided that Sapporo Drug Store Co., Ltd., which operates stores all over Hokkaido and is popular with local people, will cooperate in the experiment as a member company. The company agrees with the idea of local revitalization in Hokkaido.
Among the 200 drug stores in Hokkaido that are operated by Sapporo Drug Store, three in the Niseko area have joined the project. This is believed to contribute greatly to revitalizing the local economy, which is the goal of the project. NHAM, TRS, Orb and North Detail will work even more closely with the local community than in the previous fiscal year, aiming to strengthen the project.
■ About the demonstration experiment
In this demonstration experiment, local volunteer participants receive bonus coins as a special offer. Italso allows users to donate to NHAM in the app, forming the basis of NHAM’s activities. In this project, NHAM plays the leading role in promoting production and consumption of money within the area, leading it to the future revitalization of local economy in the Niseko area and sustainable town development, and helping to make the area an attractive international tourist destination. Coins offered by participants in last fiscal year’s experiment became part of the fund for town development activities, including a local cleanup, which were implemented using this fund.
The Orb DLT is a community currency platform that uses unique distributed ledger technology (DLT). It enables multiple unique currencies with various characteristics to be issued and used for payment, money transfer and similar purposes at brick-and-mortar stores and other facilities. It also enables customization of currency with various functions, such as granting of bonus points, discounts, limited-time offers, and conversion into other currencies. Thus, Orb DLT enables currencies to be designed according to the needs of communities and areas. The technology aims to serve many community currencies, regional currencies, bonus point programs, settlements with companies’ internal currencies and others. The Wallet app was developed by North Detail K.K., a Hokkaido-based company that engages in the development of digital government and mobility IoT services.
*“QR Code” is a registered trademark of DENSO Wave Incorporated.
Reference: Screenshots of NISEKO Pay (for illustrative purposes only)
・ Japanese version
・ English version
Contact Information:
[Inquiries about this demonstration experiment]
Niseko Hirafu Area Management
E-mail: [email protected] TEL: 03-6455-5906
[Inquiries about the ski resort]
Tokyu Resort Service Co., Ltd.
E-mail: [email protected] TEL: 0136-22-0109
[Inquiries about the system and technologies]
Orb inc.
E-mail: [email protected] TEL: 03-6820-2100
North Detail K.K.
E-mail: [email protected] TEL: 011-204-7007
2019-20 Niseko Holiday Specials
Here are all the different things you can enjoy during your Christmas and New Year with us in Niseko!
Coming to Niseko to enjoy Christmas and New Year season with your friends and family? Wondering where all the fun things are happening in town? Here is a quick list of different activities, events and specials you DO NOT want to miss!
DECEMBER, 2019
| DATE | Annupuri Ski Resort Area | Niseko Village Ski Resort Area | Grand Hirafu Ski Resort Area | HANAZONO Ski Resort Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22 | Free photos with Santa at NBS | |||
| Dec 23 | Free photos with Santa at NBS | |||
| Dec 24 | Santa Claus visiting | Santa Claus coming to Niseko; Christmas Fireworks | ||
| Dec 25 | Santa Claus visiting | Santa Claus with Reindeer visiting; DJ party at Two Sticks | Santa Claus coming to Niseko | Meet Santa |
| Dec 26 | Apres Ski Party at Two Sticks | |||
| Dec 28 | Christmas Party at Ichiseko | |||
| Dec 30 | The Collective Film Niseko Premiere at Rhythm Base | |||
| Dec 31 | Night riding for free; Torch Light Skiing & Fireworks | Fireworks | New year Countdown and The Torch Light Skiing |
JANUARY, 2020
| DATE | Annupuri Ski Resort Area | Niseko Village Ski Resort Area | Grand Hirafu Ski Resort Area | HANAZONO Ski Resort Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | First Run (7:20〜8:20) | Hatsumoude at Yamada Shrine; Kagami Biraki (King Bell Hut) & Rice-cake making (Hotel Niseko Alpen) | Sake Cask Opening Ceremony & Yotei Daiko Performance | |
| Jan 2 | First Run (7:20〜8:20) | Apres Ski Party at Two Sticks | ||
| Jan 3 | First Run (7:20〜8:20) |
Enjoy Japanese Craft Pop-up Store at Midtown during Dec 21-24 from 12:00~19:00 at Midtown Niseko.
Make sure to book your holiday cakes for special celebration with all the local restaurants/bakeries: Graubuden or L'ocanda or Abucha Sweets.
Niseko Pizza is serving special Roasted Whole Chicken on a bed of hand cut Niseko fries. Juicy, crispy skin and flavored to perfection, as the perfect chicken should
be. Baked on our traditional wood fired oven. A great winter treat to remind you of home!
If you order the delicious party set from Taj Mahal (min 4 ppl), you'll get to enjoy complimentary glass of house wine! Cheers---
Drop by Niseko Taproom and pick up the beautiful rotisserie chicken. While you wait, make sure to grab a quick Niseko local beer!
New kids on the block: Tomo Niseko opened this December will be offering a special Xmas and NYE set menus. Make sure to check out on their website and book online!
Bar Gyu+ is hosting a NYE Countdown Party with free-flow cocktails, bubbles & sake! Need us to say more?
Mick's Niseko gets their holiday games ON: Lucky Dip with 20 different wines all wrapped up in newspaper with Father Micklaus: Get lucky with a vintage bottle of something special. In addition we will have special mixed cheese and charcuterie boards with a glass of red on offer and if that wasn't enough mulled wine and whisky nips to fend off the cold. For NYE, they celebrate "A Decade of Decadence: Fine Wines, and Fine Friends". 4pm till 7pm: Mick's will open Methuselah Of Redman (6 litres) 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon served by the glass! Offers on vintage reds & whites, cheese and charcuterie available! 7pm till late: ¥1500 glasses of Champagne.
Special DJ nights at Wild Bill's & Temporada during X'mas & NYE. Get your dance shoes on!
Powder Yoga Niseko offers Christmas Eve Powder into Stretch to work out all the delicious food and drink everyone is about to consumer on Dec 24. Then a Christmas Day Slow Flow on Dec 25 - a nice relaxing class after all the celebration. On NYE, a New Year Resolution themed Powder into Stretch on Dec 31 and another Flow Flow class for post-New Year fun.
If you are looking for Japanese play-based learning and activities during the holiday season, make sure to check out Niseko4kids!
Last but not least, DOWNLOAD the official resort APP "NISEKO" and access all these information and more right in the palm of your hand.
