smiler

I own a catering company and we actually supply and provide services to some resorts as part of our business. What have resorts done? That of course depends on each resort, but in general as you probably know the places in Gifu are doing relatively much better than places in Niigata these last few years. I personally feel that many places in Niigata got real complacent during the boom and thought it would last forever - and of course it didn't. Now the ones that aren't just sitting around waiting for "the economy to get better" are basically playing catch up. Any big changes to

Probably no better than the snow in Niigata Or maybe... better than the snow in Niigata. The snow in Niigata gets a bad wrap I feel - if you go up to Kagura after a snowfall, the snow up there is often excellent.

Get better! Just wanted to say I like your videos there!

Bad boy?? I have a permenant visa and have had for a long time (been here a long time!) - I had no problems getting it when I applied....at that time I'd been here about 12 years and my wife was (and still is!) Japanese. Good luck.

I thought it was a really good movie, really enjoyed it. One for the DVD collection when they release it - I think I read that it was due out around May/June this year.

I got chocolate from 15 people last year I tell them not to buy every time, but....

One thing I won't give up is my popcorn at the flicks, part of the experience! How often do people go? I'm usually at the movie theater once or twice a month, depending on what's on of course.

I used to be based near Nagoya, but now am in Tokyo.

I very much dislike them all, whatever they are called.

Thats cheap - sounds like a good idea that. Thanks

Crowds aren't that much of a problem these days....

I read all of this with interest. Although I enjoy the slopes being empty myself, from another point of view I do find it all quite sad. I've lived in Japan for over 30 years and seen both the boom and the current decline. I do have some friends from my schooldays who are closely involved in the ski industry here - some of them in management at a couple of resorts in Niigata and Gifu. I am also indirectly involved in the industry and so do attend quite a few conferences and seminars covering the business and speak to resort types from time to time. As you might know, the 2 reg

Theres some nice places in Fukushima. I've been in the area a few times and always enjoyed it. Where abouts do you live in Fukushima, fukdane?

I've got 17 years skiing and 6 years boarding behind me, mostly in France, Austria and Italy as well as Japan.