#USA #Aspen #Kokomo Murase #X Games #Tai Hasegawa

The Countdown to X Games Aspen 2026: An Exclusive with Kokomo Murase and Taiga Hasegawa

As anticipation builds for the X Games Aspen 2026, scheduled from January 23 to 25 in Aspen, USA, we had the privilege of sitting down with two extraordinary athletes backed by Monster Energy: Kokomo Murase and Taiga Hasegawa. Both competitors are pushing the limits of snowboarding and setting their sights on making history.

The X Games is a premier action sports event that occurs twice a year, gathering the world's elite athletes from various countries in both summer and winter competitions. This year, the spotlight is on Kokomo Murase, who became the first woman to successfully land a backside 1620, and Taiga Hasegawa, who executed the unprecedented Cab 2160. These Japanese athletes have not only showcased their exceptional skills at the global level but also brought pride to their home country.

With such a remarkable history already behind them, what thoughts and aspirations do these athletes hold as they prepare for this monumental showdown? Let’s delve into their insights and the drive that fuels their passions this winter.

Kokomo Murase's Perspective

In preparation for the X Games, Kokomo expressed her evolving mindset since last season. "After going through a rough patch, I now have a very positive outlook. This journey is for myself; I want to elevate my love for snowboarding in every way possible."

When asked about what she considers pivotal in her performance at the X Games, Kokomo stated, "I place immense importance on the sense of dynamism. I want everyone to see the attributes that make my style recognizable, such as my powerful jumps and attention to detail like my landing posture. My outfit will also reflect my expression. This year, I'm planning to change it up, so I'm looking forward to incorporating fashion into my performance."

Kokomo is not solely focused on competitions; her exploration in backcountry snowboarding complements her growth. "I believe that snowboarding goes beyond just attending competitions. Enjoying natural terrains and experiencing the sport's essence positively influences my competitive performance. For instance, landing in challenging conditions like powder has enhanced my recovery skills and sense of air awareness during competitions."

Surprisingly, mastering her signature backside 1620 took years of dedication. "Transitioning from 1260 to 1620 was a huge hurdle that took about 2 to 3 years. I faced numerous failures, injuring myself in the process, but achieving this trick represents my persistence to remain at the top."

Kokomo is eyeing gold medals across all the events she’s competing in this year. "I specifically want to win in slope style, where I've only earned silver before. I intend to approach the course as a single ‘piece of art’ and am determined to claim first place. During these last four years, my thought process regarding snowboarding has significantly matured. I wish to convey the allure and essence of snowboarding to those who may not be familiar with it through my performance."

Taiga Hasegawa's Vision

Taiga Hasegawa shared his commitment to showcasing his unique style in snowboarding. "For slope style, I find strength in balance and composition. I aim to include vertical and horizontal rotations, both switch and standard, to create a creative and technically demanding routine. In big air, I want the audience to witness the impact of my landings. My smooth rotations, even at high spins like five and six rotations, create an impressive visual."

His previous triumph with the Cab 2160 showed how ready Taiga was to take on challenges. "I made a firm decision to go all out and perform. Surprisingly, it was my first-ever attempt at that trick on snow. My ability to achieve such a groundbreaking trick in that moment was not a miracle; it was the result of consistent effort and practice. Everything I do, from effortless free runs to rigorous training, contributed to that one incredible moment."

As for his evolution in snowboarding, Taiga believes his ability to spin is crucial. "I will continue honing my rotational prowess and have my sights set on six and a half or even seven spins when the time is right. It's also essential to combine creative tricks that score well beyond just the rotation counts."

Above all, what matters to Taiga is staying true to his style. "I think my priority should be to perform the snowboarding I genuinely want to do. Sacrificing my desired performance for scoring can lead to regret. I’ve worked hard, and I will continue to pursue my unique sound as a snowboarder while striving for positive feedback."

Looking towards Aspen 2026, Taiga is ambitiously targeting a dual crown in slope style and big air. "On this highest stage, I aim to prove my skills to the world of snowboarding. I want to unveil unprecedented rotations in big air and display my best routine flawlessly to secure a gold medal."

Profiles

Kokomo Murase (21, Gifu)

• - 2017: Overall Champion at the World Rookie Final
• - 2018: Gold in Big Air at X Games Norway, Junior World Championship (BA/SS), Overall World Rookie Final
• - 2019: Gold in Big Air at X Games Norway
• - 2020: 2nd in BA and 3rd in SS at X Games Aspen
• - 2021: Gold in BA at FIS World Cup & Dew Tour SS
• - 2022: 3rd in SS at FIS World Cup & 3rd in BA at Beijing Olympics
• - 2023: Gold in BA at FIS World Cup Copper & Chur, 3rd in SS at X Games Aspen
• - 2024: Gold in Knuckle Huck & BA at X Games Aspen, 1st in SS at Tignes
• - 2025: 2nd in SS at X Games Aspen, Gold in BA at World Championships

Kokomo started snowboarding at age four, influenced by her father. She made history as the youngest champion at X Games and has consistently earned podium finishes at both X Games and World Cup competitions, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the sport.

Taiga Hasegawa (20, Aichi)

• - 2020: 3rd in FIS sanctioned event
• - 2021: Gold in BA at the World Junior Championships
• - 2022: 2nd in BA at the World Junior Championship
• - 2023: Gold in BA at FIS World Cup Kreischberg & Chur
• - 2024: Gold in BA at X Games Aspen, 2nd in SS at Silvaplana
• - 2025: Gold in BA at World Championships

Taiga began snowboarding at age four due to his parents' influence. At just eleven years old, he earned 3rd place in a junior division at the JSBA National Championships. He made headlines for becoming the first Japanese male to win gold at the World Championships in Big Air and continued to showcase his remarkable talent on the world stage with unprecedented tricks.