Since its introduction, there is a brand that has attracted attention for its eye-catching graphics.
WAPAN SKIS is a garage brand launched in Japan in 2018. WAPAN is a coined word created by adding "WA" to the spelling of JAPAN. It is familiar to both Japanese and foreigners and is easy to remember. As you can imagine from the words, WAPAN was created under the concept of creating a board that is packed with the goodness of Japan by Japanese hands.
The specs are also made assuming that it will be skied in Japan.
It is not intended for skiing on large slopes like overseas, but it is made suitable for tree runs and skiing in powder up to the waist according to the mountainous terrain and weather in Japan.
It is also characterized by high durability under the proposition that "free skis must be sturdy".
A mix core of pine and poplar is used for a tenacious flex, while high-strength paulownia wood is incorporated from top to tail for high durability. The sole is made of a material called P-TEX, which has excellent impact resistance, and is processed at high density, giving it a strong finish.
The edge thickness varies from 2.2mm to 2.5mm depending on the model, and is manufactured to withstand use on boxes and rails.
Four types of skis are made based on them. 122mm wide "I" developed for sliding powder. "Ro" with a width of 105mm that is active in the freeride scene. Width 90mm "ha" which is most suitable for gliding in park. And this season, a new 100mm wide "Ho" that is easy to use for all rounds, based on the Ha, has appeared. It is a unique name that is easy for Japanese people to remember, such as using Iroha poetry even for the model name of the board.
yen
148-122-135
L=180,190
R=19m,20m
Fat skis you want to ride on days when it snows heavily. It has gentle rocker in the nose and tail for buoyancy in powder. The camber underfoot allows you to slide on the slopes without any problems. Assuming surf riding in powder, the board has the appropriate flex and torsion to withstand high speed on-piste.
107,800 yen
134-105-124 (171)
136-105-126 (181,191)
L = 171
R = 18m (171), 19m (181), 20m (191)
A light all-around model. It has a slightly softer foot and a firmer flex in the nose and tail. The nose and tail are rocker, making it easy to handle and turn in a small radius. It's lightweight, so it's perfect for touring. Since the radius is small, it is easy for a wide range of players from beginners to advanced players to play against walls and grate.
yen
113-90-113(161)
115-90-115(171)
L=161,171
R=18m(161),19m(171)
Slopes and parks are slippery freestyle skis.
It has a camber close to flat. The overall tenacious flex allows for stable gliding even when landing jumps or at high speeds. A thick edge of 2.5 mm width can attack rails and boxes violently. The narrow side curves are perfect for carving, bumps and rough terrain.
107,800 yen
125-100-125
L=171
R=
An all-around model based on the popular "ha" that is popular among free skiers in Japan. While keeping the tenacious flex as it is, it is made thicker to further increase the sense of stability during landing. It became one that is easy to handle even for beginners. In addition, it is possible to slide the board, and you can enjoy terrain play on the wall.
While sticking to Japan so much, the board is manufactured by "Never Summer Industry", a ski snowboard manufacturer in Colorado, USA. The reason is "to make it in the birthplace of free skiing".
At the same factory, skilled craftsmen have been handcrafting each board for many years. He also owns a snowboard brand, and has built up trust by making boards with excellent durability and lightness. It is manufactured in Neversummer Industry to make a sturdy board.
“As a premise, WAPAN boards are designed to be easy to ride even for beginners! I myself am a skier on the slopes, so I make boards that I think are easy to handle. I want many people to know the fun of skiing, so I intentionally make it easy to handle.So, to be honest, advanced skiers may feel a little unsatisfactory.However, the WAPAN board is actually a board. I get a lot of feedback from people saying, 'I can do tricks that I couldn't do now' or 'I feel like I've gotten better' by wearing them."
Tomohiro Ono, who lives in Tokyo, is in charge of producing and managing WAPAN. From launching the brand, communicating with overseas factories, and going around exhibitions and test-drive events all over the country, he is doing it all by himself.
The reason for its increasing popularity is not only the riding quality of the board, but also the high-impact graphics. In order to express the goodness of Japan, not only specs but also graphics are one of the important elements.
This season's graphics were created by the domestic creative team "nonsense." A duo of 25 years old with roots in alpine skiing, they mainly produce apparel. Apparel created based on youthful sensibility is popular not only with skiers, but also with people who do not ski, especially young people.
Ono, who was paying attention to the activity, requested the production.
That's how the three graphics "DARUMA", "TSUBAKI" and "BYAKKO" were born. WAPAN's boards are not widely distributed, but if you order for the first time, you can choose your favorite image from 3 types of graphics.
"DARUMA" with the image of a free skier who falls seven times and gets up again, and continues to ski no matter how many times he falls (Middle)
chrysanthemums and white tigers. "BYAKKO" (right) expresses the fragility and fragility of stillness and movement.
Click here for an article about the history of graphic production and nonsense.
WAPAN is not a brand that pursues only board specs. From the concept of the brand to planning, production, and graphics, he creates boards with a consistent commitment. For WAPAN, the board is not just a tool, but a freeski that combines function and design. The skis created with such passion are gaining more and more fans year by year.
