Japan鈥檚 standing among Western skiers nears mythical status: It鈥檚 spoken of in wistful whispers, a culturally curious utopia of ramen, onsens, and powder. Oyuki, an up and coming Japanese apparel manufacturer, aims to make durable and practical winter accessories that will withstand the elements and keep riders on the mountain longer. After spending a few weeks testing two of the most popular models this winter, we're convinced that it's succeeded. 聽
, which means “Big Snow”, was founded in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island which is at the heart of the countries storied storms. The company soulfully crafts everything from base layers to , but most noteworthy is its flagship line of gloves. Inspired by Japanese principles of functional simplicity, the gloves feature聽clean lines and are made with premium materials like goatskin leather, Gore-Tex, and PrimaLoft Gold Insulation.聽Although Oyuki鈥檚 been snowballing in Japan for seven years, the 2017/18 season marks a prudent introduction into America.
The goatskin leather聽聽is perhaps the most traditional ski glove in the line. Though slim-fitting and low-profile, the Sencho is surprisingly warm and withstood frigid temperatures on a testing trip to British Columbia鈥檚 Whitewater Resort.
When exploring Whitewater鈥檚 surrounding backcountry, testers also dug the 聽which was designed by one of America鈥檚 most iconic powder skiers, Pep Fujas.
鈥淚 really appreciate a simple aesthetic,鈥 Fujas says, whose years in the industry designing K2 skis have made him invaluable to Oyuki鈥檚 R&D process. The Oregon horizon Fujas grew up admiring adorns the mitt in striking stitching, and his signature graces the comfortable neoprene cuff closure. The thumb and forefinger move freely鈥攈elpful when ripping skins or assembling split boards鈥攚hile the pinky, ring, and middle finger are kept together to maximize heat retention. There's no compromise between warmth and dexterity.聽
Don鈥檛 just take our word for it, though. Much like skiing in Japan, Oyuki鈥檚 gloves are so near perfect that you might not believe they鈥檙e real鈥攁t least not until you slip your fingers inside, cinch the cuff, and ski 鈥榚m for yourself.