snowywharton 0 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Hi guys, I know that Japan generally has some of the best snow in the world every year. But, obviously there are "good" years and "bad" years. Skiing in Australia, I've often relied on The Frog's long range forecasts to get a handle on what to expect each season. Are there similar long-range forecasters for the Japanese scene that we can check as the new season gets closer? I just booked our holiday to Shiga Kogen for January and as this is our first trip to Japan, I'm so excited I'm looking for any news on the snow front! Cheers - Steve Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Rather early to be thinking of it. A good place to hang around would be, er, here. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Steve you'll certainly not see any of the ridiculous long term forecasts from here that you see in Aus. Even The Frog can't forecast with any sort of accuracy months in advance. Anyway the only site I know that has seasonal forecasts for snowfall in Japan are on the Japan Meteorological Agency site, go to the following link JMA Seasonal Forecasts. They won't have their first winter forecast until around end of September. They then update it each month. Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Originally Posted By: BagOfCrisps Rather early to be thinking of it. A good place to hang around would be, er, here. What cha mean? Early? We have booked accom, flights and some sight-seeing already, for January. Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 ...early... to be thinking of any kind of prediction for Japans winter, seeing as though summer is not yet there Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Agree about the forecasts, was just joking a bit! Link to post Share on other sites
greg 4 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 In a few months people will start talking about early starts or slow starts to the season. It happens every year (and why not?) Everything from grasshoppers, cicadas and the old lady up the road said..... will be discussed in great detail. I kind of like the local reasons/indicators stories. My favourite is that you will delay winter by putting winter tyres on too early. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Well after a couple of well below average seasons in Niseko I've certainly got fingers crossed for a big one! Although I am defintely going to have to get a snowblower for the house as I just barely managed the last couple of seasons with shovelling... Link to post Share on other sites
Mantas 3 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 ]My left testicle is getting itchy, that's always a good sign. Link to post Share on other sites
Hokkaidough 4 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Things to look out for: - jellyfish - kamemushi bugs - dinosaurs Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Originally Posted By: Hokkaidough Things to look out for: - jellyfish - kamemushi bugs - dinosaurs X2 Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Originally Posted By: Mantas ]My left testicle is getting itchy, that's always a good sign. yep, a good sign you've got an STD. Go see a doc before it falls off. Link to post Share on other sites
Mantas 3 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Originally Posted By: thursday. Originally Posted By: Mantas ]My left testicle is getting itchy, that's always a good sign. yep, a good sign you've got an STD. Go see a doc before it falls off. At least I gotta set. Link to post Share on other sites
snowywharton 0 Posted June 18, 2008 Author Share Posted June 18, 2008 Originally Posted By: BagOfCrisps Rather early to be thinking of it. A good place to hang around would be, er, here. Yeah, I know....but I did say I was excited!! Rather than specific long-range forecasts like "I see a weather system moving in somewhere around 15th-17th November.. yadda yadda" I guess I was thinking more around the general outlook for the season in relation to La Nina, global cooling cycles, snow ferret movements, grandpa's bung knee aching, etc. C'mon, I want some straws to clutch at here! Cheers - Steve Link to post Share on other sites
gerard 6 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Ahhh, yes. We do have the 'red snapper' forecast of course. As many of you know, Andrew, the mysterious and enigmatic creator of snow Japan hibernates in the SJ cave deep in the mountains of Niigata for most of the summer. He emerges only once, on the evening of the first full moon in August to throw a 10-pound red snapper (that would be a fish) into the air. The way the fish lands determines the snowfall for next winter. Basically, if the fish is facing north, there will be heavy snow and if its facing south it will probably be a warmer winter. Link to post Share on other sites
SnowJapan Admin SnowJapan 178 Posted June 18, 2008 SnowJapan Admin Share Posted June 18, 2008 The once-a-year proof that SJ#1 does actually exist! Link to post Share on other sites
journey_man 0 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 I met him once, but there was some subtle flickering around his edges that gave away the holographic avatar. Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Cool. Holograms. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Originally Posted By: G In a few months people will start talking about early starts or slow starts to the season. It happens every year (and why not?) Everything from grasshoppers, cicadas and the old lady up the road said..... will be discussed in great detail. I kind of like the local reasons/indicators stories. My favourite is that you will delay winter by putting winter tyres on too early. that is bound to have a solid footing in science!! Actually I have found myself more and more thinking about going boarding, its not even July!! Funny because at the end of the season I was a little jaded (mainly because I was going on my own ) and wasn't that bothered about "not going up this weekend". Starting to get my snow-love back and I imagine by mid-september I will be gagging for a day on the hill!! Link to post Share on other sites
lin 0 Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 What kind of fish is that again ger? Link to post Share on other sites
charlotte 0 Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 a kipper! Link to post Share on other sites
gerard 6 Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 It's called tai in Japanese. Not as tasty or distinctive as tuna, yellowtail ('hamachi' or 'buri') or salmon IMO but it has a kind of ceremonial status in Japan. It's often served at enkais or graduation parties, stuff like that. Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 Are they like kippers? (I like kippers). Link to post Share on other sites
journey_man 0 Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 Can kippers forecast snow too? Link to post Share on other sites
Mantas 3 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Yes, but with nowhere near the accuracy of the Red Snapper. The Snapper knows all. Link to post Share on other sites
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