We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they used to the fullest last winter.
This time, we looked at the skis, boots, and bindings used by Takaya Kawaguchi of TKY, who mainly skis in Nozawa Onsen and also skis in various places around Japan, including Rishiri Island.
Rider Profile

Takuya Kawaguchi, 40 years old
After living as a bum in Canada, he experienced the world's level of skiing. He began to focus on ski travel rather than park riding. He has visited over 50 countries with skis and surfboard, including a round-the-world road trip. He continues to travel to remote areas and meet ethnic minorities, driven by his curiosity. He is
currently organizing events to promote the appeal of travel combining BC skiing and surfing. He is the leader of the travel planning project ShareTavi. He is the director and main guide of Nozawa Onsen COMPASS HOUSE. He is a JMGA certified BC ski guide.
Kawaguchi TKY Takaya setup
Reviewing the entire setup
What kind of places and situations is this setup intended for skating in?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaThis is a setup for cool, fun-loving adults to enjoy snow trips to the fullest.
Once you master the sport of backcountry skiing, you can enjoy it anywhere in the world as long as it snows, even if it's not on a slope. This set maximizes the possibilities of such snow trips. We believe this set will allow you to enjoy even one-day backcountry tours to the fullest, so please take a look!
Can you tell me why you have this setup?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaOur priority is to make the ski ultra-lightweight without compromising on glide. Many ultra-lightweight gears designed specifically for climbing sacrifice glide, which is unavoidable due to their construction. However, the setup we propose here overturns conventional wisdom. It's ultra-lightweight to make hiking, an essential part of backcountry skiing, easier, yet still provides outstanding glide satisfaction - a perfection that feels like a new era
Ski Impressions

What are your impressions of the performance and ride of these skis?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaDespite being ultra-lightweight at just 1,350g per ski (for a 178cm ski), these skis are made by ARMADA, a brand renowned for its freeskiing prowess, and are designed for free, fun skiing. The
exquisite rocker allows for smooth skiing in powder even with a 96mm center width, and the vertical side curve allows for easy shifting and adjustment of turn arcs even in bad snow, offering numerous benefits in the unpredictable backcountry.
If you're looking to allocate more weight to powder or don't plan on long hikes, the LOCATOR 104 is a good option. If you can add the LOCATOR 112 to the LOCATOR 96, backcountry skiing in the harsh winter is sure to be even more enjoyable.
What else do you like about the design or special features of these skis?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaThe simple design is reminiscent of a surfboard. It's incredibly cool for adults to ride.
The ultra-lightweight carbon fiber seat is used to maximize the riding experience, but it also offers increased durability for years of use, making it a perfect finish from an SDGs perspective. As a companion that will be with you for so many years, the timeless, simple design is a delight. The
recessed tail shape makes it difficult for the sticker's tail clip to come off, a thoughtful design element that also reduces stress.
Who would you recommend these skis to?
Kawaguchi TKY Yaya are perfect for adults with a playful spirit.
You can't wait for weekend backcountry skiing, and when you get back to town, you can't stop thinking about the memories of last weekend's snowy mountain. You're light on your feet, and snow trips are your greatest joy. These skis are perfect for people like you. These
skis are well-thought-out, excellent skis, so there's no end to explaining their functions and structure, but all that trivia aside, these skis are perfect for cool adults who want to have fun like this. This is a must-see, especially for those who have tried ultra-lightweight skis in the past, only to regret it because they were too flimsy!
Boots impressions

What are your impressions of the performance and comfort of these boots?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaThe previous model, the STRIDER, which was a huge hit as an AT boot specialized for skiing, has finally been completely redesigned! It's now even lighter at just 1,480g per shoe (size 26.5cm), making hiking even more enjoyable. The shell last has also been narrowed to 99mm, improving the fit and securely holding the lightweight inner liner in place, minimizing the sacrifice of skiing. The
external hike mode switch lever and wide ankle range of motion make hiking feel just like trail running shoes.
What else do you like about these boots, such as their design or special features?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaThe bold design integrates the first buckle of the lower cuff with the second buckle via a wire. Simply loosening the first buckle releases the lower cuff, including the second buckle, allowing you to instantly transition to hiking mode—quickly and conveniently.
This construction also makes the boots even lighter. The easy-to-walk sole, made with Michelin rubber, is a welcome addition for traveling skiers!
Plus, because it's made from recycled boots, it contributes to reducing environmental impact!
Who do you think these boots are recommended for?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaThis boot is especially recommended for adults who enjoy backcountry skiing.
Even if you head into the backcountry with a heavy, ski-optimized set, it's pointless to arrive exhausted by the time you reach the peak. Take the hike easy and save your energy. And don't compromise on skiing comfort. These boots will help you make the most of your precious day on the snowy mountain.
While the UNLIMITED LT 130's flex might scare you, we highly recommend the LT130, as it's the only LT model that uses ultra-lightweight materials! In fact, a size 130 will improve the grip of the ultra-light shell and make skiing easier, so we encourage you to give the LT130 a try!
Binding impressions

What are your impressions of the performance and feel of this binding?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaWith an unbelievable lightness of just 390g per ski, you can hike all the way to Mars. The pins on the toe provide a good grip, so it's hard to believe, but you can run with your skis on (lol).
With such lightness, they deliver skiing performance far beyond your imagination, so I can't let them go. They're also incredibly strong, so they won't break even if you fly them around the park. When packing for a flight, you don't have to weigh them every time!
What else do you like about this binding, such as its design or special features?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaIt has a simple structure. It not only switches modes quickly, but it's also less likely to break because of its simplicity. It also looks sleek and super cool
Who do you think these bindings are recommended for?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaAdult skiers who are crazy about backcountry skiing. People who have suddenly started making long hikes deep into the mountains in search of snow. People who continue to frequent snowy mountains even though everyone around them has switched to spring activities. People who
just can't get enough and end up making two more trips to the peak. People who have gone beyond car trips to flying expeditions. Just try it and see for yourself. Skis will change from just your winter companion to your life partner.
Where should you mount your bindings and why?
Kawaguchi TKY YayaThe skis that this binding is set to are likely to be directional and good for hiking, so it is always FACTORY RECOMMENDED


