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.

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 snowboarders explored the limitless possibilities of the massive event setup at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU.

“It was so much fun. I was not even expecting to be here, and Lyon (Farrell) got me in at the last minute. So, I was grateful just to be here and wanted to make the most of it. I came in as an underdog and I went hard, and I’m glad that it worked out. I think this event is one of the best things in the snowboard and ski industry. It gives people opportunity, creativity, and the chance to do things that they would normally never do. For someone like me to come here as an underdog and make the most of it is one of the most special things. We need more events like this.” – Lane Weaver (CAN)

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.

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
• Huge triple corks on the jump from Hiroto Ogiwara (SNB, JPN)
• Genre-bending trampoline stuntsmanship from Lane Weaver (SNB, CAN)

“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)

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

“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)