The SAJ (All Japan Ski Association), a public interest incorporated foundation, was founded in 1925 (Taisho 14), 14 years after skiing was introduced to Japan, and this year marks its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, a commemorative ceremony was held in Tokyo on October 31st, with many stakeholders, athletes, and members of the press in attendance
Passion passed down for 100 years
In his opening remarks, Chairman Masahiko Harada stated,
"The federation was founded out of a passion to convey the appeal of skiing in magnificent natural surroundings to many people, and the aspirations of our predecessors are still carried on today. We have continued to overcome numerous difficulties in turbulent times, thanks to the efforts of many predecessors, as well as the strength and support of many people, including member organizations, sponsors, and ski resorts," expressing his gratitude and respect.
At the ceremony, many congratulatory speeches were delivered, including from Chairman Harada, Seiko Hashimoto, President of the JOC (Japanese Olympic Committee), the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Subaru, which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its official top sponsorship contract next year, and overseas ski federations
In the subsequent awards ceremony for distinguished service, Chiharu Igaya, the only Japanese person to have won a medal in alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics, took the stage
on behalf of the athletes. She offered words of encouragement to the participants, saying, "I hope you will make the most of the skills you have cultivated and have a competition you won't regret."
The name has been changed to include snowboarding, and the logo has also been redesigned
President Harada also announced the federation's new name, slogan, and logo design
From August 2026, the All Japan Ski Federation (SAJ) will change its name to the "All Japan Ski and Snowboard Federation."
The aim is to further enhance the popularity and recognition it has built up over many years, while also eliminating barriers between the two sports and promoting their mutual strengthening and development.
The new logo design is composed of a color scheme inspired by the Japanese flag, snow-covered mountains, and a clear winter sky. Furthermore, the typeface, which symbolizes speed and delicacy, as well as robust technique and high quality, expresses various aspirations for the next 100 years.
The new policy is "M.V.V."
Furthermore, SAJ has set out a new policy called "M.V.V (Mission/Vision/Value)," which emphasizes not only the development of players who can win, but also the development of players who are loved by everyone and an attitude of respect for nature and culture
▶Mission:
"To master snow. To spread snow." We aim to cultivate world-renowned athletes and promote and pass on snow sports culture, while harmonizing with the snow-covered mountains that serve as the stage for sports.
▶Vision:
【Strengthening】Continuing to nurture strong athletes who are loved around the world.
【Promotion】Making skiing and snowboarding a national winter sport.
【Co-creation】Creating an environment where people can enjoy skiing and snowboarding sustainably.
▶Values <Excitement>
Does it make your heart race? Does it make your heart pound?
<Transformation> Can you bring about positive change?
<World Standard> Do you have a world-class perspective?
<Mutual Understanding> Do you respect others?
<Coexistence> Will everyone be smiling at the end of it?
The slogan "changes shape" like snow
The new slogan to achieve these goals is "Let's snow! LET'S SNOW." The aim is to spread smiles through snow sports. It
can be used in various ways to express individual feelings, such as "Let's make the Olympics exciting by snowing!" or "Let's enjoy snowing this season!"
Strengthening policy for the Olympics
With the Winter Olympics in Italy just around the corner next year, Competition Director Takanori Kawano announced the team's strengthening policy.
Based on the SAJ's new policy, the goal is to strengthen the team's capabilities and win a total of nine medals, including four gold medals, surpassing the previous record of three gold medals won at the Nagano Olympics, and to have more than 20 athletes place in the top ranks. He also stated that support for achieving this goal will be strengthened.
"SNOW JAPAN" new official wear
Next, the official "SNOW JAPAN" wear was unveiled. Although the suppliers, designs, and functions differ for each event, all wear has been developed through in-depth dialogue with athletes, and brings together the cutting-edge technology of each company
On this day, athletes Horishima Yukimasa and Watanabe Akito, who are considered strong contenders for medals, and Chairman Harada wore the uniforms at the announcement
Two representative players express their determination
Finally, Nordic combined athlete Akito Watanabe, who has announced his retirement at the end of this season, and freestyle moguls athlete Yukimasa Horishima made statements of their determination for the tournament
Watanabe:
"Last season I was unwell and the start of the season was delayed, but I was able to finish with the feeling that I could still compete. Since deciding to retire, I have been training with high motivation and concentration, cherishing each day, so I am looking forward to this season. The venue for my first Olympics, my first World Cup victory, and this final Olympics are all in Italy. It feels like a strange coincidence. Rather than just fading away after my prime, I want everyone to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom out of season, and then all at once like a flurry of falling petals. It would be great if I could also win a medal."
Horishima said:
"I was worried about the effects of my injury, but I was able to adjust well during the off-season, and I'm about 90% recovered. Just like in the last tournament, I think I'll have to face mental difficulties such as anxiety and nervousness, but I want to stay focused and plan ahead to get myself ready for February."
Finally, Chairman Harada commented as follows:
"My personal goal is to lower my blood pressure, but... I want all the athletes to do their best so that they have no regrets and can achieve their goals." He
immediately put the new slogan, "Spreading smiles," into practice, drawing laughter from the audience.
Information
Japan Ski Association, a public interest incorporated foundation
Official website:https://www.ski-japan.or.jp/
Official social media:Instagram|Facebook