JAPAN REPORT Just as we published last week's report, winter returned with a little more force than expected with lots of fresh snow, including 45cm (18") of waiting for lucky skiers arriving at Nozawa Onsen (85/280cm / 34/112") which is celebrating its centenary this winter. Up in Hokkaido, snow depths are also up a little, with Niseko (100/320cm / 40/128") reporting nearly 90% of its slopes still open, and Rusutsu (110/160cm / 44/64") is at 98%.