(Photo by Yoshihito Morita/Stripes Japan)

It’s winter in Misawa, so it’s time to hit the ice!

Through Feb. 17, Japan’s National Athletic Meet is hosting its winter games in Aomori Prefecture.

Nearly 1,400 athletes from 42 prefectures are competing in championships for ice hockey, skating and skiing games.

According to a Hachinohe Japan Games Executive Committee spokesman, the must-see 18-day event features national-class athletes seeking ranks for the Emperor’s Cup (men’s top award by prefecture) and Empress’ Cup (women). Best of all, entry is free for spectators wanting to catch a glimpse of these top-level athletes!

From Jan. 31-Feb. 8, ice hockey, skiing, figure skating, speed skating and short track speed skating competitions are being held at the Misawa Ice Arena in Misawa City and in Hachinohe City at the YS Arena Hachinohe, Technol Ice Park Hachinohe and Flat Hachinohe. From Feb. 14-17, giant slalom, ski jumping, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing and mogul skiing competitions will run at Owani Onsen Ski Resort, Aomori Ajara Free Cross-country Course in Owani Town and Hanawa Ski Resort in Kazuno City.

(Photo by Yoshihito Morita/Stripes Japan)

The winter games are the counterpart of the summer games the National Athletic Meet held to determine athlete ranks since 1946.

Yoshihito Morita, a Misawa Commissary employee, recently visited Misawa Ice Arena to check out an Ice hockey game between representatives from Kyoto Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture.

“It was my first time watching an ice hockey match and I was surprised by how loud the sound of the sticks hitting the puck was, which echoed throughout the arena,” Morita said. “And the players moved so fast, and it was hard to follow them with my camera.”

Make the most of the chilly season by checking out the competition on ice and snow in Misawa!

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