the Ski Resort Research Association has been discussing what the "new normal" should be for ski resorts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been considering measures to ensure that people can continue to enjoy a "safe and secure snow experience." One of these measures is the recently formulated "JAPOW.Style" guidelines.
By the way, what is the Ski Resort Research Group?
The Ski Resort Research Group is a research group that aims to promote inbound winter tourism in Japan, with ski resorts at its core, with "Japow" as the keyword. It was established as part of an independent research project by the Japan Travel Bureau Foundation (a public interest incorporated foundation), with the aim of developing Japanese ski resorts as internationally competitive ski resorts, primarily through digital marketing
The background behind the creation of JAPOW.Style
The Ski Resort Research Group was established in June 2019, before the COVID-19 shock of 2020. While they were working with cableway and winter sports professionals from around the country to further boost inbound tourism, COVID-19 struck. They began formulating
their own COVID-19 countermeasure guidelines so that not only inbound tourists but everyone could "experience Japan's wonderful JAPOW." This led to the creation of the recently announced "JAPOW. Style."
One of the key features of "JAPOW.Style" is that it was formulated to address the coronavirus pandemic at ski resorts in the COVID-19 era by taking into consideration not only infection control measures to reduce the risk of infection, but also ensuring transparency to society and a new normal that does not impair the customer experience.
The guidelines are organized in the form of a checklist. They were overseen by Yuto Okada, an
epidemiology expert
JAPOW.Style Supervisor
Yuto Okada, an epidemiologist at the University of Hawaii
- As a field epidemiologist, he conducts infectious disease control, maternal and child health, and medical facility surveys in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia
- He is currently conducting epidemiological research at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and providing support to hospitals and government agencies in Japan and the United States
- As part of its response to the new coronavirus, the company has given online lectures to a total of 30,000 medical professionals and introduced infection control measures at several hospitals, companies, and leisure facilities
- "Recommendations from Epidemiologists for Reopening Tourism" (Links to another site)
- Master of Public Health, University of Hawaii
JAPOW.Style
's basic approach to COVID-19 countermeasures
"JAPOW.Style" takes the following approach from a scientific perspective:
① Scientifically based measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection
By thoroughly implementing infection control measures based on avoiding the three Cs (closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact), the risk of infection with COVID-19 can be significantly reduced. We will delegate authority to the field and implement infection control measures appropriate for each site
② There are infected people who do not show symptoms, so the risk of infection cannot be reduced to zero
Even if we implement scientifically based infection control measures, it is impossible to reduce the risk of infection to zero because there are asymptomatic groups. We also simulate responses in the event of a cluster outbreak
3) Managing public opinion is important, not just infection control measures
Countermeasures against COVID-19 involve not only virus control but also economic, political, and socio-emotional challenges, so we will present solid infection control measures and engage in dialogue with public opinion
JAPOW.Style
Checklist: Specific initiatives at ski resorts
The checklist was created to allow businesses to easily check the status of their efforts to implement measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
[Checklist Topics]
- Regarding facility management (9 items)
- Regarding staff (5 items)
- Regarding ski resort management (5 items)
- Regarding rental (5 items)
- Regarding indoor facilities (5 items)
- About the school (5 items)
- Regarding communication (5 items)
*If you require more information about the checklist, please contact ssrm@jtb.or.jp
Based on this checklist, ski resorts and other facilities that implement 80% or more of the items in each theme can display the badge below as a mark that indicates that they are implementing the "new normal" at their ski resorts
In addition, ski resorts and other facilities that have passed the application process can use the following icon. It is visually easy to understand and remember
A request to all skiers and snowboarders
In order to implement the "new normal" at ski resorts, it is clear that in addition to these infection control measures at ski resorts, it is also important for each individual skier and snowboarder to take precautions against infection. Therefore, the Ski Resort Research Association would like to make the following requests
Four infection prevention measures required
- Avoid the 3 Cs
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Wearing a mask, etc
- If you are unwell, stay home
We love snowy mountains and get so much fun and joy from this sport. Let's all join forces and work together to create a safe and secure snow experience!
*By the way, "STEEP" (Cast Co., Ltd.) also endorses "JAPOW.Style." Readers, please help us by sharing information!
◆ Request to ski resort staff
For the 2020-2021 season, we are looking for organizations (supporting organizations) that support the JAPOW.Style philosophy.
For inquiries, please
the Ski Resort Research Association Secretariat (ssrm@jtb.or.jp)
JAPOW.Style official website is here
[List of supporting and applying organizations]
JAPOW.Style "Supporting Organizations" List (as of October 29, 2020)
*Supporting organizations are not limited to organizations such as ski resorts that actually implement COVID-19 countermeasures, but also include companies and organizations that support the JAPOW.Style philosophy. (Listed in order of registration date)
- Tokyu Resorts & Stay Co., Ltd
- Prince Hotels Co., Ltd
- Iwate Hotel and Resort Co., Ltd. Appi Kogen Ski Resort
- Nagano Prefectural Tourism Organization
- NINE LLC
- Shinshu Iiyama Tourism Bureau General Incorporated Association
- Pandaruman Co., Ltd
- Amer Sports Japan Co., Ltd
- Monmon Tsugaike
- Niseko Tourism Area Council
- Daito Development Co., Ltd. (Katashina Kogen Ski Resort)
- Pioneerwork Inc
- Iwate Hotel and Resort Co., Ltd. Appi Kogen Ski Resort
- Cast Co., Ltd. (STEEP)
JAPOW.Style "Applicant Organizations" List (as of October 29, 2020)
*Applying organizations are those that have passed the JAPOW.Style checklist. For more information, please see the About the Checklist