Thanks to everyone that came up to Hakuba over the weekend for Reggae Snowsplash. Nearly 350 people came out to hear some great reggae, ska and latin music and the artists had a blast as well. Some impromptu acoustic jams and African drumming on the hill at Hakuba Goryu Resort were a lot of fun as well where a lot of people also turned up for some free wine tasting thanks to Yellow Tail wine. There was also lots of giveaways including snowboards, lift tickets, clothing and other gear.

Special thanks to Troy and Sakiko at Tracks Bar for once again hosting the event, and all the great bands: Bobin, Dubjuana, Rude Pressures, Caribbean Dandy, Gold Finger, Abdu, the Iida drummers (the send off for the bus was awesome). And of course Yellow Tail, Teton Gravity Research, Red Bull, Zubrowka, Cannabia, One Films and Elswhere (the sexy snowboard was a hit!).

If you missed Hakuba, there's still time to make the Minakami event Feb. 10-11 but rooms are getting really full, so best to get your accommodation asap. Check the Reggae Snowsplash website (http://www.reggaesnowsplash.com) for artist info, but there is bound to be a few surprises.

Outdoor Japan was proud to be a main sponsor of the event and to see some OJ readers up in the snow. Hope to see you in Minakami!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OJ,

The HIAQ (Hakuba International Adventure Quest) and the JAM-OFF (Japan Alps Music and Outdoor Freedom Festival) are looking good for this year.
(September 22nd-24th long weekend)
The HIAQ is the same, fun, all-levels friendly outdoor race for the competitive and the want-to-try-and-see crowd alike; and the Jam-off lineup is filling out well.
The band centered lineup on Saturday night will be headlined by Ras Kanto from Dubsensemania, with Sunday night looking more DJ oriented.
Daytime music and workshops on all 3 days should keep non-competitor/endurance drinkers well occupied as well this year.
(Troy and Sakiko's BBQ and cooler boxes will once again be put to very good use, and everybody's favourite from last year, African Drummers Sabunyuma are involved in all 3 days.)
Check out Evergreen's website for the skinny.
http://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/events/hiaq.html