Snowballs fly through the air, while highly focused players from two teams run and crawl between them. Here, it's not just a matter of making sure you don't get hit by an opponent's ball—you also have to protect your own flag from the enemy.
This traditional Japanese snowball competition requires not only speed but also skill and tactics. And good physical condition! Because even though the playing time of three minutes sounds short, even trained professionals get out of breath here. The sport was invented in the late 1980s on the island of Hokkaido. It quickly spread throughout Japan and found its way to Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, Australia, and even Austria (Filzmoos).
What happens at Yukigassen?
Two teams of ten players each compete against each other. There are seven active players on each half of the field, with the other three sitting on the bench. Each team has a maximum of 90 snowballs and three minutes per set. A Yukigasse game consists of three sets. During this time, the participants try to hit all members of the opposing team with snowballs. Another way to win is to capture the opposing team's flag. However, this is located on the other side of the field, deep in enemy territory. Even though there are three protective walls on each half of the field, capturing (pulling out) the opposing team's flag is a very difficult task.
The game is a mixture of "dodge ball" and "capture the flag." However, there are some rules that are strictly enforced by the referees. For example, the snowballs are standardized and must be made with a special snowball machine before the game begins. All players must wear helmets, and if they cross the outer boundary line, the referees signal a merciless "out." That player is then not allowed to play in the current set. The same applies to players who are hit by an opponent's ball within the 10 x 36 meter playing field.
The official rules also specify exactly how the winners and losers are to be determined. Of course, the team that wins is the one that either hits all of its opponents with snowballs or captures the opposing team's flag (both of which are worth 10 points). If both flags are untouched and there are still players on both sides when a set is over, one point is awarded per remaining player. The total number of points at the end of the nine-minute playing time then determines the winning team.
The sport is becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
Since the first Yukigassen tournament outside Japan was held in Sweden in 1992, the popularity of this sport has grown rapidly. There are now several thousand teams, an International Federation of Yukigassen, and plans to make the Japanese snowball fight an Olympic discipline.
Incidentally, playing Yukigassen does not necessarily require snow. In Japan, it is also played with other smaller balls in parks, on beaches, or in sports halls. The audience is just as enthusiastic as in a snowy landscape. It is particularly popular when a game is close or a "Gekokujo"occurs. This is the term used when a new team knocks an experienced one out of the race for the cup.
Learn more about traditions and customs from other parts of the world with my digital PDF photo book. Simply download it here:
By clicking on the button, you declare that you have read and accepted the terms and conditions.
Time and again, "Japanese wisdom" buzzes around the internet. In this article, you will find the most important ones. Spoiler alert: there are more than seven!
References:
http://www.yukigassen-intl.com/howtoplay.html
https://www.filzmoos.at/media/2025-001-Yukigassen-Regelheft-A5-web-neu.pdf
https://jyf.or.jp/english/first/
Photos:
Cover photo: Ingrid Müller, photos in the article: Filzmoos Tourist Board
Add a Comment