Nagano Seeks Aussies During Green Season -Yoshimin Koyasu, with Mike Smith

Ever since Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, the renowned Japanese ski region north-west of Tokyo has been popular with Australian enthusiasts, attracting record numbers each northern winter. Such is the appeal of the region’s powder snow, affordability and uniqueness, Australia ranks number one among the international visitors, a position skiers and snowboarders intend to maintain. However, despite the strong interest to holiday there from October to April, Nagano tourism officials believe Aussies would enjoy visiting during the warmer “green” season. During a recent visit to Sydney by representatives of the Nagano prefecture, Mike Smith sat down with Yoshimi Koyasu who represents Hakuba Valley, within the Nagano prefecture, where the outdoor activities have visitors busy from dawn to dusk. Photo: Yoshimi Koyasu by Mike Smith