What happens when you bring the most important contest in snowboarding to a zone that is overflowing with talent?
You get top riders going home with top prize money, for one.
The Uninvited brought its platform to Nekoma Mountain for the first-ever Uninvited Japan. Founder Jess Kimura said it was a longtime dream that had come to life.
“It has been my dream to bring this event to Japan,” said Kimura in a press release. “I expected progressive riding, but the level of talent was beyond world-class. These girls are the future, and seeing them step into the spotlight was an emotional moment for all of us.”
More than ¥1.5 million (about $9,600 USD) was given away to riders. Hinano Sakamoto took first place and a check for ￥600,000. Himari Takamori came in second and brought home ￥375,000, and Shizuku Hanada finished in third place and took home ￥225,000.
Yurika Takizawa, 35, won The North Face Best Trick award with a switch frontside bluntslide 270 out on an ever-intimidating waterfall rail. Fifteen-year-old Midori Oshima won the Yeti Rookie award.
Next up, The Uninvited Invitational will return to Woodward Park City, Utah, from April 9-12, 2026. The fourth and final stop will be in New Zealand. The Uninvited New Zealand Open will take place at Cardrona Resort in September 2026.
Related: Jess Kimura and Her Crew Will Take the Uninvited Invitational Global