Swatch Nines 2026 wraps up a week of creative flow in Japan

A standout week of snowboarding blended style, innovation and community, culminating in rider-voted awards.

Kaishu Hirano by Jonas Gasser

Niseko, April 12^th, 2026 – The much-anticipated debut of Swatch Nines in Japan has concluded in a flurry of style, flow and creative expression, as a global mix of skiers and snowboarders explored the limitless possibilities of the massive event setup at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU.

Set against the distinctive backdrop of Niseko’s iconic Mount Yotei, this year’s event leaned into the core of what defines Swatch Nines: bringing together different styles and personalities in a format that encourages riders to feed off each other and explore the setup in their own way. With sessions evolving day by day, the focus shifted toward creativity, interpretation and finding new lines across this year’s versatile, flowy course.

Hiroto Ogiwara by Isami Kiyooka

Throughout the week, riding unfolded in a steady rhythm of sessions, shaped in part by challenging weather conditions. Each day brought new lines, fresh takes and bold interpretations as riders made the most of every weather window, from rail-focused laps to ambitious transfers and creative feature combinations. The sessions were built on style, expression and shared energy.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:

• Kaishu Hirano (SNB, JPN) sent a gorgeous McTwist Method on his signature quarterpipe feature

• Cool Wakushima (SNB, NZL) landed a Back 900 Mute on the main jump

• Huge triple corks on the jump from Hiroto Ogiwara (SNB, JPN),

• Genre-bending trampoline stuntsmanship from Lane Weaver (SNB, CAN)

LJ Henriquez by Isami Kiyooka

RIDER AWARDS: THE BEST OF SWATCH NINES 2026

On Saturday, all of the invited riders and media convened at the Swatch Nines Gala Night to celebrate the week’s best performers. As always, the awards were voted by the riders themselves, making each title a true reflection of peer recognition.

• MVP Women: Cool Wakushima (SNB, NZL)

• MVP Men: Lane Weaver (SNB, CAN) & Kaishu Hirano (SNB, JPN)

• New Nine: Lane Weaver ​

• The Tube Award: Romain Allemand (SNB, FRA)

• Best Trick - SNB Men: Lane Weaver, Frontflip in to Double Frontflip Out on the Berg trampoline

• Best Trick - SNB Women: Cool Wakushima, Back 900 Mute

Yuto Miyamura by EthanStone

Quotes:

“It feels so crazy that I won the MVP and Best Trick. I wasn’t expecting it at all, I’m so glad! Throughout the week I was just so happy to be riding with everyone, having fun. I already cant wait to come back to the Nines next year!” – Cool Wakushima (NZL)

“It feels so good to win the Creative Edge award and to share MVP with Lane! On my first riding day I went big, and I’m so happy all the homies here recognized that. I’m so happy, I love the Nines!” – Kaishu Hirano (JPN)

Hiroto Ogiwara by Jonas Gasser

WHAT IS SWATCH NINES?

Swatch Nines is a friendly antagonist to the world of competitive sports. With unique formats and venues that draw top athletes, filmmakers and photographers, the Nines celebrates human talent and creativity while channelling the original untamed spirit of action sports. Ever evolving to meet the needs of the culture, the Swatch Nines experience now spans four cornerstones of action sports: Snow, Surf, Skate and Bike.