Moiwa Ski Resort near Niseko - More than just Skiing

 

Moiwa Ski Resort is more than just skiing or winter sports in general. Once upon a time, nestled within the embrace of Hokkaido's pristine landscapes, stood the majestic Mount Moiwa, a silent guardian of tales whispered through the ages.

Long before ski resorts and bustling tourism, Mount Moiwa reigned as a sacred haven for the Ainu, the island's indigenous people. Legends wove around its peaks, painting it as a revered deity, an embodiment of nature's power and beauty. The Ainu honored its presence, their lives entwined with the mountain's quiet wisdom.

As centuries flowed, the footsteps of history left their mark. The Yamato Japanese settled, drawn by the fertile lands around the mountain. Fishing boats dotted the nearby shores, while fields bloomed with the toil of farmers. Yet, Mount Moiwa stood tall, witnessing the dance of tradition and progress.

It wasn't until the post-war era that whispers of adventure began echoing through the valleys. Skiing, a newfound delight, nestled itself in the heart of Hokkaido. Mount Moiwa's snowy slopes beckoned enthusiasts, their laughter harmonizing with the wind as they swooshed down its powdered trails.

Tourism tiptoed in, timid at first, but soon it bloomed into a bustling affair. Chalets and lodges sprung up, the aroma of local cuisines mingling with the crisp mountain air. The once serene slopes hummed with the thrill of adventure seekers, drawn by promises of adrenaline rushes and serene vistas.

Yet, amidst the flurry of activity, Mount Moiwa remained a sentinel of tradition. Efforts to preserve Ainu heritage found their voice, museums, and exhibitions standing as guardians of ancient stories and artifacts, reminding visitors of the land's indigenous roots.

As years rolled by, Mount Moiwa embraced change while guarding its essence. It witnessed the dance between development and conservation, a delicate balance where progress harmonized with the need to protect its natural splendor.

Visitors from distant lands arrived, not merely for the thrill of skiing or the allure of scenic views, but to immerse themselves in the tapestry of Ainu culture and the tranquility of the mountain's embrace. Technology's touch improved accessibility, allowing more souls to marvel at the summit's breathtaking panorama.

Through every sunrise and every snowfall, Mount Moiwa stood resolute, a keeper of stories etched in the fabric of time. It remained a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition, nature, and the evolving tapestry of human endeavors in Hokkaido's vibrant history.

Mount Moiwa and its vicinity have a rich history spanning centuries, blending natural wonders, cultural evolution, and historical events. Here's a condensed overview:

Ancient Times: Mount Moiwa and the surrounding region have been inhabited for thousands of years by the indigenous Ainu people. They revered the mountain as a sacred place and incorporated it into their folklore and spiritual beliefs.

Ainu Culture: The Ainu, Hokkaido's native people, had a deep connection to nature. Mount Moiwa was likely part of their hunting and gathering grounds, and they considered it a place of spiritual significance.

Japanese Settlement: With the increasing influence of the Yamato Japanese in Hokkaido during the Edo period (1603–1868), settlements began to form near Mount Moiwa, primarily for fishing and farming.

Modern Development: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area saw increased industrialization and development. Mining and forestry became significant activities, shaping the local economy.

Tourism Emergence: By the mid-20th century, the beauty of Mount Moiwa's landscape began attracting tourists, initially for its natural scenery, hiking trails, and breathtaking views from the summit.

Visitors from overseas or local tourists love to rent chalets like this that offer comfortable stays and convenient vicinity of ski resorts like Moiwa. This chalet in particular can be booked here. 

Ski Culture: Skiing gained popularity in Hokkaido post-World War II. Resorts began developing around Niseko, including Mount Moiwa, offering skiing opportunities and winter sports activities.

Cultural Preservation: Efforts to preserve Ainu culture and heritage gained momentum in the latter part of the 20th century. Institutions and museums in the area began showcasing Ainu traditions and artifacts, honoring the indigenous roots.

Tourism Boom: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Niseko region experienced a tourism boom, attracting visitors from Japan and around the world, drawn by its renowned powder snow and stunning landscapes. Another aspect is the increased popularity of Moiwa, visitors like to purchase stickers and t-shirts. 

Infrastructure Development: Mount Moiwa's ski resort, infrastructure, and facilities underwent continual improvements to accommodate the growing number of tourists, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Environmental Conservation: Conservation efforts gained importance, focusing on preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance around Mount Moiwa amidst increased tourism and development.

Cultural Exchange: The region became a hub for cultural exchange, welcoming tourists and enthusiasts interested in not just winter sports but also Ainu culture, history, and traditions.

Technological Advancements: Advancements in transportation, hospitality, and communication technologies further facilitated accessibility and improved visitor experiences in the area.

Throughout its history, Mount Moiwa and the Niseko region have evolved from a place of natural beauty and cultural significance into a vibrant destination that seamlessly blends tradition, nature, and modern tourism.

Remembering Edwin O. Reischauer

Prof. Reischauer and his Harvard colleage John K. Fairbank essentially invented the field of East Asian studies in American universities. When they wrote the first text and started the first course (known to Harvard undergrads as "Rice Paddies), E. Asia was a financial, political,and cultural backwater, known to Americams mainly for rickshaws and raw fish. But Reischauer in particular could see the coming Asian miracle, and devoted his life to educating Americans about this unknown part of the world. Packard, accurately, refers to E. Asia as "the dark side of the moon" in the years when Reischauer was launching his career. Edwin Reischauer played a pivotal role in US-Japan relations for decades.

He also educated a generation of American students and citizens about the contours of Japan's society and the character of its international role. George R. Packard, a member of Reischauer's U.S. Embassy staff, has provided a fascinating portrait of his life-long friend.Reischauer was also honored in 1985 by the opening of the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), which is part of Johns Hopkins University . Speaking at the dedication ceremonies in Baltimore, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, one of Reischauer's former students, described Reischauer as being "what a teacher is meant to be, one who can change the life of his students." At the same event, Japan's Ambassador Nabuo Matsunaga read a personal message from Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who observed, "I know of no other man who has so thoroughly understood Japan."

With George M. McCune, Reischauer in 1939 published the McCune–Reischauer system for romanization of the Korean language which became the most widely used system for many years. Reischauer called the Korean alphabet (Hangul) "perhaps the most scientific system of writing in general use in any language."

This book has great stories to tell: the emergence of East Asia as a global powerhouse, the emergence of E.Asian studies as crucial and controversial academic field in the West, and Prof. Reischauer's central role during the key decades of transformation. The power of anti-Communism as a political force in the US after World War II makes a recurring sub-plot to the main narrative. Reischauer continually got in trouble for advocating serious negotiation with mainland China and for his opposition to a war in Vietnam. The author worked for Reischauer and is well-versed on all the political and academic controversies of the time. The result is a fascinating book about a key moment in contemporary world history, and a key player at the heart of a major shift in American foreign policy. In 1964, while serving as Ambassador to Japan, Reischauer was stabbed in an assassination attempt. His attacker was captured and deemed by authorities to be mentally disturbed – he apparently acted alone and had no connection to any group or cause.

In the aftermath of the violence, Japan's Minister of Public Safety was compelled to resign. Reischauer received a blood transfusion and recovered from his wound, but the transfusion infected him with hepatitis. He never fully recovered, and though he continued to work and lead an active life, he died of the complications of hepatitis 26 years later, in September 1990.