Gallery: Josh Vagne and Jye Kearney in Japan for Burton

A visual diary of the quiet chaos of winter in Hokkaido

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you drop two of Australia’s best snowboarders into the deep, dreamscape that is Japan’s northern most island. On a recent shoot for Burton, Josh Vagne and Jye Kearney took full advantage of Hokkaido’s iconic snowfall, chasing tree lines, hits and pillows in the kind of terrain that makes every turn feel like a full-blown feature.

For Josh, this trip marked his first foray into Japan’s world-renowned backcountry — a rite of passage for any snowboarder as they evolve from slopestyle courses into the vast expanse of natural-terrain snowboarding. Jye, on his 12th visit, played the role of mentor and with years of experience navigating Japan’s lesser known zones, kombini secrets and ramen joints, he helped fast-track Josh into the Hokkaido way of life.

Whether it was rediscovering forgotten spots from yesteryear, figuring out landings, or rescuing lost punters from spending a night stuck in the backcountry, Jye’s presence was more than just helpful — it was foundational. Watching the two link up, you could see the passing of knowledge in real time: a blend of respect, progression and friendship – all showered in a healthy dose of sarcasm and piss yourself laughing one-liners.

This gallery captures the essence of the trip — a visual diary of long days in the backcountry, deep landings, and the quiet chaos of winter in Hokkaido. Here’s a look at Josh and Jye doing what they do best, through the lens of powder, stoke and two of the best styles in snowboarding.

Photos: Jesse Lynn Dawson and Kentaro Kenny Matsuda

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