Dreams of Japan: The Swatch Nines 2026 recap
- Xavi Quirós
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Dive into 20 minutes of highlights from the first-ever Swatch Nines in Japan.
Niseko, April 16th, 2026 – Last week Swatch Nines made its historic debut in Japan, and the immersive 20-minute highlight reel is live now.
From April 6–11, 2026, the Nines brought its unique formula of pioneering snowpark design, non-competitive format and A-list athlete roster to the slopes of Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU. The result was a week of creative riding and cross-cultural connections as the Nines unfolded like a cherry blossom in its new home in Niseko.
Over seventy riders from twelve different countries descended on Niseko to participate in the Nines’ Asian debut. Among them were top stars of the Japanese scene, as well as a who’s who of international talent.
Local hosts: Kaishu Hirano, Gen Sasaki, Hiroto Ogiwara, Cocomo Murase, Tenra Katsuna, Taiga Hasegawa, Nomadik crew and many more
Visiting stars: Birk Ruud (NOR), Megan Oldham (CAN), Jesper Tjäder (SWE), Øyvind Kirkhus (NOR), Tormod Frostad (NOR), Mia Brookes (GBR), Cool Wakushima (NZL), Luca Harrington (NZL), Dylan Deschamps (CAN) and many more
The highlight reel offers viewers a deep dive into Swatch Nines Snow 2026: everything from the best tricks to a splash of Japanese culture.
Rider-voted best tricks from Gen Sasaki (JPN), Cool Wakushima (NZL), Lane Weaver (CAN) and Elena Gaskell (CAN)
A Quarterpipe masterclass by Kaishu Hirano
NBD Sitski Flair by Jay Rawe (US)
An epic 50-50 front 360 out on the 50-meter rail by Romain Allemand (FRA)
Smooth operating from Fridtjof “Fridge” Tischendorf (NOR), Sämi Ortlieb (SUI), Minsik Lee (KOR), Daniel Bacher (AUT), Kai Mahler (SUI) and others
Follow along as the crew explores the creative options of the setup while making the most out of challenging weather conditions throughout the week.
In 2027 Swatch Nines will be once again staged at Schilthorn–Piz Gloria, Switzerland, and will return to Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU in 2028.
QUOTES:
“The first time I got invited to Swatch Nines, I was 16, and I just had the best time. I totally fell in love with the event. Now it's honestly my favorite event in the world. And I’m super stoked that Swatch Nines happened in Japan this year!” – Hiroto Ogiwara (SNB, JPN)
“Being at the Swatch Nines is super special. It's a one-of-a-kind event. I think Swatch Nines makes a pathway to progress. The features are built to do crazy stuff on. And I think everyone sees that and it makes everyone push each other to go for it. All the features are one of a kind, you really don't see them elsewhere like this.” – Txema Mazet-Brown (SNB, GBR)
“This past week has become an unforgettable memory for me. It was the most fun I’ve had all season. Thank you so much. I'm so happy, I love the Nines!” – Kaishu Hirano (SNB, JPN)
