Snow Japan - Interview with Lerch-san - 100 years of skiing in Japan - Niigata Prefecture

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Interview with Lerch-san
Celebrating 100 years of skiing in Japan

The year 2011 marks the 100^th Anniversary of skiing in Japan. In order to find out more about this special Anniversary and how skiing got started in Japan, we spoke with the main ‘image character’ of the campaign, ‘Lerch-san’. He very kindly spent some of his time answering our questions.

Can you tell us where skiing in Japan started?

Niigata!

On 12^th January 1911 at a place called Kanaya-san in Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, Major Theodore Edler von Lerch of the Austrian army taught skiing to Japanese soldiers. This is where skiing in Japan is believed to have been first introduced. So, 12th January of this year is being celebrated as the 100^th year of skiing in Japan!

Late 1940's in Akakura

Can you tell us a bit more about how it got started?

Major Theodore Edler von Lerch was a soldier of the Austro-Hungarian empire and he visited Japan with the aim of studying the Japanese army, which had been victorious in the Russo-Japanese War. Lerch himself remembered that he was not actually sent as a ski instructor, but the army practiced marching in snow at Mount Hakkoda in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Once it became apparent that Lerch was an expert skier, he actively gave them instruction in the sport.

At the training ground of the 58th Infantry Regiment (now the grounds of the Joetsu Josei Junior High School), Lerch gave the command to put on their skis: "Mettre ski!" This was the historic moment that put Joetsu (which was then known as Takada) City on the map as ‘the birthplace of skiing in Japan’. Later, Lerch, who had spent two seasons in the area as an instructor, commented that he ended up not knowing whether he had come to Japan to observe the Japanese army or to be employed as a ski instructor!

What’s the difference between Major Theodore Edler von Lerch and yourself (Lerch-san)?! And can please you tell us a bit more about yourself?

Von Lerch is the actual person who came to Japan and taught people to ski back in 1911. I’m the 'character' introducing people to celebrate that 100 years this year in Japan and especially Niigata Prefecture! It’s a bit embarrassing introducing myself but here goes:

I’m quite shy but I somehow enjoy being the center of attention!
I like beautiful women;
I like children too;
I like teaching;
I am good at skiing, but I sometimes get anxious when teaching to others;
I like good wine and onsen;
I don’t like high places (lifts are a bit scary) and swimming (I can’t swim)!

Can you please tell us when proper ski resorts started appearing in Japan?

Niigata was the first place in Japan to get a ‘ski resort’ and there are a lot of other ‘firsts’ for Niigata when it comes to winter sports. For example, in 1937, Akakura Kanko Resort ski area was the first ‘kokusai’ (international) ski resort. In 1937 the Japanese government was hoping to increase the standards of a ski resort and hotel and designated it as such. Also, the name ‘kokusai’ was given in an attempt to attract foreigners to come as well.

In 1950, the first official ski lifts were introduced in Japan - pair lifts, apparently. The first lifts were introduced at Akakura Onsen and Ikenotaira ski resorts, both in Myoko.

The first Ski World Cup to be held in Japan was also in Niigata Prefecture at the Naeba ski resort in Yuzawa town. That was in 1970 and since then various international ski events have been held in Niigata.

The first lift in Japan that can now be seen at the Myoko Kogen Service Area
on the Joshinetsu Expressway.

How many ski resorts are there in Niigata?

There are about 60 ski and snowboard resorts in Niigata, ranging from small beginner runs to large international scale ski resorts suited to all skill levels of skiers and snowboarders.

How many people come to ski and snowboard in Niigata.

About 5 million people ski and snowboard in Niigata each season. The number from overseas is still relatively small but we are trying to get the word out and introduce Niigata to new people from all over the world.

1992 was the peak in terms of the number of people visiting Niigata for winter sports – in that year over 15,970,000 came! Since then the number has been steadily decreasing and as you can see compared with 20 years ago, the number now is about one third of that peak number.

Niigata is quite close to some Asian countries and easy to get to and so quite a lot of people from Hong Kong and South Korea are now visiting. Recently there is an increasing number of people coming from Australia and Taiwan as well as other countries. I think from now more and more people from overseas will visit.

To celebrate the 100 years of skiing in Japan, how is Niigata celebrating this event?

We are looking to celebrate the 100 years event as well as look forward to try and promote how much fun playing in the snow, skiing and snowboarding is to a new audience. So it’s a case of looking back but also looking forward. It is good to introduce children to skiing and also encourage people who used to ski but quit to take it up again – repeaters are important! We are also trying to make the accompanying services and infrastructure as appealing as possible for the skier and snowboarder.

So this year is all about trying to get the positive message across both here in Japan and overseas about Japan winter sports.

Will there be lots of events?

There are over 50 major events being held this season at resorts in Niigata. One big event was held in Myoko on 15th - 16th January at the Akakura Kanko Resort - the "100 years festival". Another is the Rirehi Festival at Kanayama on 12th - 13th February.

Many of the main resorts will have special ‘Kids Parks’ or days when kids can ski or snowboard for free – it is good for trying to get children into the sport. Also, there are Snowmobile and ski school lessons in English for foreigners at some resorts.

Are you busy then?

Oh yes, so busy my head is spinning!

Is there much in Niigata that there isn’t in other areas of Japan?

Apart from long courses, good snow quality and modern lift and gondola facilities, there are many other reasons for people to choose Niigata.

The first is just how easy Niigata is to get to. There’s one flight from Seoul to Niigata Airport each day. And within Japan, Niigata is very convenient as well. From Tokyo, it is only 2 hours to Niigata and even less to the ski resorts in, say, Yuzawa. By car you can be at ski resorts in Niigata easily within 3 hours of leaving Tokyo. There are very convenient shuttle link-ups as well between resorts making it all very convenient.

The second thing is that Niigata offers a very traditional Japanese cultural experience for the visitor. While you are here to ski or snowboard you can also take the chance to enjoy sake, onsen hot springs, sushi, famous Japanese set meals and make other delights and experience the culture of Japan. There are also many Snow Festivals and Outdoor events in the main ski resort towns.

What is the appeal of Niigata for overseas visitors?

In winter – the fabulous ski resorts! It’s the season I like best too!

In the other seasons, usually known as ‘Green Season’? Well, when there is no snow, there is lots of trekking and mountain climbing opportunities. You can approach the famous Oze region of Gunma Prefecture via the Uonuma region of Niigata as well.

Then we can’t forget Sado Island! It takes about 2 hours to get to Sado from Niigata City by ferry and it’s where the famous KODO taiko drum group is based. There are a lot of natural resources and cultural activities always going on in Sado too and it is a very popular place.

Also, Niigata is home to the third most onsen hot springs in Japan and offers wonderful fresh Japan Sea seafood.

It’s close to Tokyo, so very easy to come out to and enjoy at any time even if it is just for a day trip!

There’s just too much for me to explain well here. So please take a look at the website for more in depth information. You can find it here, enjoyniigata.com

Thanks for interviewing me. I hope you enjoy the winter!

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