{"id":25533,"date":"2017-03-05T08:00:50","date_gmt":"2017-03-04T23:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=25533"},"modified":"2024-08-22T08:51:02","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T23:51:02","slug":"koide-snowball-fight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/koide-snowball-fight\/","title":{"rendered":"Koide International Snowball Fight: Costumes, Snowball Fights, and Igloo Huts\uff08Niigata\uff09"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Koide is a small town located in the larger city of Uonuma. Well known for its ski resorts and heavy snowfall the area has many winter-related sports during the snowy season. Among them is the Koide International Snowball Fight. Held at the beginning of February, teams sign up early to have a chance to participate in this anticipated event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I had the opportunity to travel to Koide and witness the quirky event for myself, and while it would have been much more fun to participate, I still enjoyed my time taking photos and watching the goofy antics of the team members who participated in Koide\u2019s International Snowball Fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Snowball Fighting in Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Snowball Fighting or Yukigassen <\/em>is a very popular sport in the snowy areas of Japan. I know what you are thinking, snowball fighting is common everywhere<\/em>, but let me be the first to say, that in Japan they take the sport to a whole new level. Picture a paintball battle but instead of the grassy fields where you are likely to see a paintball arena, imagine it in the snow. Now add whacky costumes, bribery (gifts are often presented to the judges), and a giant stage, and you are just about there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uonuma’s snowball festival is even more unique in that they don’t necessarily follow the rules as strictly as other areas of Japan. So while bribery or taunting might not be accepted in other areas, they are happily accepted here at Koide’s International Snowball Fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The snowball fights are done in a tournament style, with teams of five players going head to head against an opposing team. There are four arenas with battles waging simultaneously. Before the event can start, an opening ceremony is held to welcome the players and audience, while people bedecked in costumes and wigs shuffle in anticipation for the upcoming games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Koide hosts one of the largest snowball fights in the country, with over 200 teams battling it out to be the champion. So be sure to sign your team up as soon as possible if you want to participate. You can check out this website for more information – http:\/\/seinenbu.uonumakoide.com\/yuki\/outline\/index.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n