Ki Niseko Gallery presents “YUKIYAMA Journey,” a spring exhibition by Niseko-based artist Yoriko Okumura, whose works explore Japan’s snowy mountains through a deeply personal and intuitive lens. In this interview, we step inside the artist’s world to discover the inspiration and stories behind her journey.
The exhibition features 11 works, each piece captures the unique colours, light, and atmosphere of different regions, inviting viewers to experience a journey through Japan’s mountain landscapes.
For Okumura, snowboarding and painting are the two central pillars of her life. Her free and expressive artistic style reflects this way of living; open, adventurous, and deeply connected to the mountains.
“Through snowboarding, my travels to snowy mountains across different regions have deepened over time. These journeys allow me to connect with local people and discover the cultures and beliefs rooted in the mountains.
That sense of depth has also given me the chance to reflect more deeply on myself and my art. It made me realise the importance of painting what only I can create, and of expressing what I truly want to depict.
For me, travelling through snowy mountains is not just a physical journey—it often feels like a journey of the soul.”
“The subtle, unique scent of the land, the atmosphere in the air, the aura of the people, the presence of nature—it's in these unseen sensations and the things my body perceives that I find richness in colour.”
"It’s the scenery and moments I encountered at that exact time. Looking back now, those past moments feel almost like scenes from a dream—fleeting and distant—yet they remain very real to me. Perhaps when I paint, I move my brush with an emotion that exists somewhere between reality and a dream."
“Snowboarding develops both physical strength and the senses that come from immersing yourself in nature. When I paint by hand, that physicality naturally appears in my touch and brushwork.
At the same time, the awareness I gain from encountering nature every day becomes a source of inspiration, bringing images and ideas for new paintings.
In that sense, I feel that snowboarding helps nurture my individuality and uniqueness as an artist.”
“Standing on top of a pristine, snow-covered mountain feels like resetting my mind — clearing away the clutter that quietly builds up from smartphones and the busyness of daily life. When I empty my thoughts and step onto my snowboard, I feel able to return to my centre. From there, I can stand before the canvas with a calm and open heart.”
"May your YUKIYAMA Journey and the daily journey called life be richly coloured."
Exhibition Period: 1 March – 7 April 2026
Admission to the exhibition is free, and we warmly invite both Ki Niseko guests and visitors to stop by and enjoy the artworks. We look forward to sharing the creative spirit of Hokkaido with you. Please feel free to drop in during your visit.
