NAEBA – Backcountry Snowboarding in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture. Video

Mountainwatch | Video

The latest film from Finnish snowboarder Antti Autti in his current Arctic Lines series. Antti is a regular visitor to Japan where his focus is the backcountry and high alpine lines.

In this episode Antti links up with an old friend, Japanese mountain guide Takumi Nagai. Takumi lives in Minamiuonuma in the southwest of Niigata prefecture, 200km northwest of Tokyo, an area surrounded by the impressive Echigo Mountains and a number of ski resorts.

Naeba is one of Japan’s best-known and busiest resorts but, as you’ll see, the nearby backcountry is another world.

From the producers

NAEBA tells a story about friendship through snowboarding.

“Over the years, the bond between Antti and Takumi has been forged through their shared passion for snowboarding. They both love mountains and have set a goal to go ride one of the higher peaks during Antti’s visit.

However, Takumi’s bustling life poses a challenge to their mission, raising a question – is Antti’s visit solely about achieving a snowboarding goal, or is it more important to reconnect with his friend?”

Featuring: Antti Autti, Takumi Nagai

Location: Minamiuonuma, Japan

Directed by: Markus Kumpula

Edit: Markus Kumpula & Mikko-Pekka Karlin

Grade: Mikko-Pekka Karlin