Episode 3: Guest is Mr. Gaku Hirasawa, Mayor of Yamanouchi Town

🐒✨Episode 3: Guest is Mr. Gaku Hirasawa, Mayor of Yamanouchi Town📻✨

In this broadcast, host Miyajima welcomed guests Terashima from the Snow Monkey Town office and Mayor Takeshi Hirasawa of Yamanouchi Town—who is also an Olympian —to discuss the latest tourism information and ways to enjoy winter leisure activities.

The latest issue of the free paper "Snow Monkey Town" Volume 7 is now available!

The latest issue (Vol. 7) of the free paper packed with the charm of Snow Monkey Town was published on December 10th.

The world-renowned "Snow Monkey" brand and supreme snow quality

Today, the name "Snow Monkey" is more globally famous than the place name "Nagano" itself. Its high recognition is reportedly felt even in overseas sales activities. Furthermore, the snow quality of Shiga Kogen, which Yamanouchi Town takes pride in, is world-class "powder snow that swirls up with a breath."An environment where diamond dust is commonly visible even during the day is highly valued as a rare "place that can compete with natural snow," especially among ski resorts worldwide that must rely on artificial snowmaking machines due to climate change.

New Initiatives in Globalizing Yamanouchi Town

Yamanouchi Town is actively pursuing diplomacy and public relations with a global perspective.

• Alliance: Starting this year, we have partnered with the North American lift ticket group **Ikon Pass**. This partnership makes it easier for North American season pass holders to visit Shiga Kogen.

• Sister Cities: In addition to our existing partnerships with Vail, Colorado, USA, and China, we have newly established a sister city relationship with Saint-Gervais, France. This initiative also aims to deepen international exchange and cultural understanding among children.

• Tourism Ambassadors: Members of Thai idol groups BNK48 and CGM48 have been appointed as tourism ambassadors, enhancing the town's outreach to Asia through activities like filming music videos within the town.

The fusion of hot springs with 1,400 years of history and Japanese culture

The charm of Yamanouchi Town extends beyond skiing. In hot spring towns like Shibu Onsen, boasting 1,400 years of history, it's a common sight to see foreigners strolling in yukata, clacking geta sandals as they enjoy "hot spring hopping." At local restaurants and snack bars, warm interactions and gestures transcend language barriers, creating a perfect fusion of traditional Japanese culture and modern tourism.

Message from Mayor Hirasawa: Skiing is a symbol of "freedom"

Former Olympic athlete Mayor Hirasawa describes the appeal of skiing as "gaining speed in nature and gliding freely." He encourages beginners and those returning after a long break to give it a try, noting that advancements in equipment have made skiing significantly easier than before.

"Yamanouchi Town boasts delicious fruits like apples and peaches, pristine snow, and historic hot springs. Whether you come for skiing or just to soak in the hot springs, you're more than welcome. We warmly invite you to visit."