#Tokyo #Japan Series #FWT JAPAN #Freeride

Revamped FWT Japan Series Official Website

The FWT Japan operating office, part of Earth Hopper Co., Ltd., is proud to announce a comprehensive redesign of its official website as of June 4, 2026. This initiative aims to promote freeriding, where skiers and snowboarders tackle natural terrains to showcase their skills, within Japan's vibrant landscape. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the potential inclusion of this thrilling sport in the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Background of the Website Revamp

Since its inception in 2017, the FWT Japan Series has showcased the beautiful and snowy venues of Japan, such as Hakuba and Maiko, creating unforgettable moments in the world of freeride sports. The participation of Japanese athletes in recent international freeride championships and the notable performances of junior athletes abroad have highlighted a growing interest in this field. However, until now, access to official information from the tour has been primarily issued from Switzerland in English and other languages, creating a challenge for local athletes, fans, and potential sponsors.

In response, the FWT Japan office has not only worked to enhance the accessibility of information in Japanese but has also restructured the website to strengthen the cultural landscape surrounding freeriding in Japan. This move aims to clarify performance metrics in anticipation of a more competitive future.

Introduction of the FWT Japan Series Ranking System

At the core of the website's renewed design is the introduction of the FWT Japan Series Ranking, a unique system aimed at quantifying the achievements of athletes participating in domestic competitions. This ranking methodology distinguishes itself by considering only the points accumulated in the top two events of the FWT Japan Series, enhancing the evaluation framework for athletes.

Ranking Calculation Logic

The ranking emphasizes the total points from the two highest-scoring competitions, thereby detaching itself from the existing global tournament point systems that involve international travel. This structure allows for a truer reflection of an athlete’s performance within Japan's unique and challenging environment, an area famous for its light powder snow, locally known as Japow.

Objectives of the Ranking System

The current FWT Japan Series includes a diverse set of competitors, with approximately half being international athletes. Due to Japan's excellent snow conditions, the competition is recognized globally, provided that Japan’s local talents can perform in these premier conditions to define their individual rankings. This initiative is intended to uplift the prestige of the Japan Series while stimulating a robust environment for sponsoring events.

Champions of the 2026 FWT TOYO TIRES Japan Series

The newly redesigned site features a segment dedicated to honoring champions who have excelled in past FWT Japan Series events:

• - Men's Skiing: Yuki Shibata
• - Women's Skiing: Sachi Hirakawa
• - Men's Snowboarding: Takeo Kikuchi
• - Women's Snowboarding: Sayaka Kato

Future Vision and Value for Stakeholders

The FWT organization is committed to leveraging this website overhaul as a catalyst for not only promoting freeriding but also expanding domestic competitions and creating substantial economic and social value over the long run. This involves various initiatives focused on athlete support, boosting sports tourism, and establishing an enduring media presence.

Supporting Athletes

The official profiles of riders will be continuously updated, showcasing their achievements and talents. The newly implemented ranking system will provide athletes with a reliable and authentic platform for securing sponsorships from local and international businesses. By positioning themselves through the JAPAN Series ranking, athletes can elevate their value - no longer just local competitors but recognized performers in a globally respected environment.

Enhancing Sports Tourism

Leveraging the 50% representation of international athletes, the FWT Japan Series has a unique opportunity to promote inbound tourism and regional revitalization. The revamped site will provide seamless access to tourism information about key locations such as Hakuba Valley and Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort, aiming to attract thrill-seekers and their families.

Premium Media Replays

FWT plans to strengthen its offerings by creating a premium “replay” media channel that archives high-quality footage of competitions, enabling fans to relive the excitement year-round rather than relying solely on social media snippets.

Official Statement from FWT's President

Kei Inoue, the representative of the FWT Japan office, expressed: **