STEEP editorial team selects the latest snowwear and noteworthy models from Japan for 2022!

Japan Beauty: A fusion of Japanese sensibilities and technical prowess;
brands that are strong precisely because they know Japan's mountains inside and out.

Japan's high level of technical skill, demonstrated in traditional crafts and industrial design, and the artisanal sensibility that the Japanese have, such as the delicacy that pursues beauty down to the smallest details and the commitment that comes from an insatiable spirit of inquiry, are the strengths of Japan that have been fused together to create "Made in Japan" snowwear brands

Their highly functional clothing is carefully crafted through repeated research, development, and improvement, based on feedback from mountain guides and riders who are familiar with Japan's mountains and the physiques of the Japanese people, and who actively engage in snowy mountain activities.The high quality of the three key elements of clothing - form, materials, and details - is recognized worldwide

Perhaps due to the recent trend towards all-mountain bikes, new, unique Japanese-made brands are appearing one after another

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BLANK　　　

■ From Japan Brand Founded/2021

One of the hottest topics regarding clothing for the 2021-2022 season is the new brand BLANK, supervised by Masayuki Akiba, producer of Vector Glide. Based on the concept of "PLAY THE BLANK, playing with the white space," the brand will produce unconventional designs and functional products. The 2022 season will be the first year for the brand, and its first products will be innovative designs with a playful spirit. We will be keeping a close eye on BLANK's future

The first models to launch the brand:
M51 SNOW JKT & M51 BIB PANT

Here is the first piece from the new brand BLANK. It is said to be inspired by the M-51, a US military coat that has now become a fashion item. The design is simple and minimalist, yet it makes a strong statement. Pay attention to the hem at the back of the jacket. When you pick it up, you'll be even more surprised at how light it is, and it has enough specifications to wear on snowy mountains

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BOGEN ｜ Bogen　　　

■ From Japan Brand Founded: 2011

The nostalgic retro atmosphere, reminiscent of the ski bubble era or even earlier, creates a unique worldview. The designer, a ski enthusiast, created this worldview with the desire to "express the fun of skiing in a non-verbal way," and it has appealed to avid ski fans, with many passionate supporters. The collection also includes items that can be worn daily, such as T-shirts and sweaters. Starting with the 2020 season, the highly anticipated apparel will also be available. At Ski Shop Bogen in Gohongi, Tokyo, you can see and purchase the carefully crafted items that have been created

BOGEN's signature design and color scheme:
MEZZANINE JACKET & MEZZANINE PANT

This design and coloring are truly representative of the BOGEN world. This is the longest model in the short-length series. The chest pocket is divided into two compartments, making it convenient for storage. The bib pants are particularly noteworthy. The side zippers can be opened and closed all the way from the waist to the feet. This makes them easy to put on and take off, provides ventilation, and can also be used as overpants, which seems convenient

A cheerful and energetic set-up that suits a smiling face:
DEERLINE PULLOVER CLASSICLINE & SWING PANT

This anorak-style jacket with a bold color scheme is full of personality, and the bib pants are the brand's signature. They feature a relaxed silhouette. The classic color scheme on the arms and short length express the BOGEN worldview. The abdominal pocket is distinctive, with a circular gusset. There is also a lift ticket holder on the arm, another retro detail. There is also a sticker on the lining of the garment as a unique accent

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finetrack | Finetrack　　　　

■ From Japan Brand Founded: 2004

Yotaro Kanayama, who has been passionate about the outdoors since he was a child, founded finetrack with the desire to "create something completely new that is not available anywhere else" after gaining experience at one of Japan's leading outdoor manufacturers. Knowing Japan's topography and climate inside and out, the company offers products tailored to each mountain area and activity. Believing that keeping both skin and clothing dry is key to staying warm, the company offers a five-layer system that maintains body temperature, centered around a dry layer that thoroughly keeps moisture away from the skin

Unprecedented stretchability:
Everbreath Glide Jacket & Everbreath Glide Pants

The jacket boasts a stretch rate of 127% both vertically and horizontally, while the pants stretch 134% horizontally and 143% vertically, providing unbelievable stretch performance. This allows for smooth movement of the body and unhindered comfort in any mountain activity. Features such as a large hood and ventilation that effectively expels air from within the garment are the result of a brand that is well-versed in mountain climates

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GOLDWIN | Goldwin　　　

■ From Japan Brand founded in 1951

in 1958らスポーツウエア専門メーカーとして「Goldwin」の生産をスタート。以来、日本のスキー業界のリーディングカンパニーとして機能性とファッション性を兼ね備えたスポーツアパレルを展開してきた。2018年にはブランドのロゴマークを一新。3つのエレメントによって構成されるGoldwinロゴのシンボルは、スキーの軌跡やスピード感、自然や山のシルエット、そして躍動感やエネルギーを表現している。

offer a great feel that moves with you. These are the brand's signature models.
The ARRIS JACKET & ARRIS PANTS

This flagship model embodies the GOLDWIN brand's concept of creating ski shell jackets with a clear purpose, focusing on convenience and minimalist design. It features a three-layer construction with Gore-Tex, which is waterproof, breathable, and durable. It's designed to suit the skier's movements in many ways, including a hood that can be worn over a helmet, a curved zipper, underarm ventilation, ergonomic draping, and a cut-out pattern

featuring Gore-Tex Pro.
ARRSI PRO JACKET & ARRIS BIB,

,which uses Gore-Tex Pro, is the brand's top-of-the-lineThe ARRSI PRO JACKETjacket, offering superior durability, waterproofing, and breathability. It features a robust fabric that can withstand intense movement and minor impacts in harsh mountain environments. The bib pants, specifically designed for men, are also highly functional. They reliably prevent snow from entering, even in deep powder. The large pockets are also very practical.

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P.RHYTHM OUTERWEAR | Prism Outerwear 　

■ From Japan Brand Founded: 2006

P.RHYTHM OUTERWEAR was founded by a group of members who love snow and snowboarding so much that they think about snowboarding and snow activities 24 hours a day, every day, all year round. Through close communication with riders, they have incorporated necessary functions and gimmicks, while eliminating trendy and unnecessary elements, and have valued creating products as simply as possible. To withstand the harsh conditions of snowy mountains, they carefully select the materials they use, and continue to plan and develop products in Japan, reviewing and improving simple designs and details. They are also actively working to update their materials, such as using the brand's own domestically produced waterproof and breathable materials

Featuring a relaxed silhouette,
the PEAK JACKET CAMO & PEAK BIB jackets

The three-layer shell is made of domestically produced waterproof and breathable material. High-strength nylon is used to create a durable garment. The appearance is simple, but it is equipped with all the necessary functions. The side zippers of the pants open wide from the waist to the thighs, making them easy to put on and take off and allowing for ventilation. The hem has an edge guard

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MONTBELL | Montbell　　　

■ From Japan Brand Founded: 1975　

Montbell is an outdoor brand founded in 1969 by mountaineer Isamu Tatsuno, who became the second Japanese to climb the north face of the Eiger at the age of 21. Today, it is a global, comprehensive brand with a wide range of products for all outdoor sports, from mountaineering to skiing, cycling, canoeing, camping, and fishing. Based on the concepts of "function is beauty" and "light and fast," Montbell offers highly functional, reliable, and practical products at user-friendly prices. This approach has earned Montbell great support from users around the world

A shell jacket that can be worn in three ways, for an amazing price of under 20,000 yen!
3-in-1 Fall Line Parka & Dry-Tec Insulated Bib

The outer and inner layers connect with a zipper, allowing for three different ways to wear them: "outer layer alone," "outer layer + inner layer," and "inner layer alone." This highly versatile item allows you to adjust your style according to changes in temperature and body temperature. The outer layer is highly stretchable and can also be used as a single-layer alpine parka. The inner layer isExceloft®insulation throughout, which is resistant to water and moisture. It is equipped with smooth pit zips that quickly release moisture from inside the garment, making it ideal for active snow sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. And yet it costs less than 30,000 yen, which is amazing. The pants with side zippers from the waist to the thighs are in the 10,000 yen range! It's incredible that you can get a set for around 40,000 yen.

All standard features are included at this price:
Storm Parka & Dry-Tec Insulated Pants

This garment boasts high breathability thanks to its brand-specific "DRYTECH" membrane (waterproof and breathable material), which prevents rain particles from getting in while allowing sweat and other water vapor to escape smoothly. In addition, it isExceloft®, making it look incredibly warm! It also features user-friendly design elements such as smooth pit zips to quickly release moisture from inside the garment and mesh pockets on the inside.

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