About YAYU Snow

Wu Shiyuan moved to the Tohoku region of Japan more than a decade ago, almost by chance. A committed rider and surfer, he has worked his way through the resorts and surf breaks of the northeast and knows what makes each one distinctive. Outside of winter he is a dedicated surfer, and also teaches SUP and runs in-depth tours in Matsushima, one of Japan’s three great scenic views. YAYU, which he founded in Japan, holds a full commercial registration and valid work visas. Fluent in Japanese, he built the operation so that students get more than a good lesson — they also get real support and protection if something goes wrong.

“Learn the fundamentals and the right approach to safety, then go and enjoy everything nature has to offer” — that’s the teaching philosophy behind YAYU. Years of experience, a structured curriculum, and a genuine grounding in risk assessment and mountain sense are what he considers his responsibility to every student, whether they’re on their first day or have been riding for years.

Hi, I’m Rita — drifting on the water all summer, flying across the snow all winter. Before I became an instructor I worked as a photographer, and I still love the act of looking closely and pressing the shutter on a moment worth keeping. Trust yourself, trust the world, and the experiences you need tend to find you.

I’m heading into my sixth year of teaching outdoors — city pale has long since turned outdoor tan. I got into snowboarding because it looked cool, but what I found was a much longer conversation with myself. Looking good comes second; believing in yourself comes first. I don’t take this journey with people lightly, and I’ll see you on the snow.

I’m someone who lives for sport. In summer you’ll find me on the baseball and softball field, in the gym, or doing sport-specific training. In winter I’m somewhere in Japan, chasing bluebird days and soft snow, enjoying the quiet that comes with a good run. Outside of sport I work in training and development, which means I’m good at explaining things in language students actually understand — so they can feel for themselves what makes riding so good.

Hi, I’m Jerry. I tried snowboarding for the first time on exchange in Europe in 2023 and haven’t looked back since. I love riding, and I love passing that feeling on — creating a safe environment where students can feel the speed and the thrill for themselves. My aim is that people leave a lesson not just more skilled, but more genuinely into the sport.

Born into a skiing family, Yuzuru grew up inside the ski school his father ran, and skiing became simply part of daily life. Years as a junior racer gave him his technical foundation, but as an adult he became clear about what he actually wanted from the sport: the plain pleasure of skiing. That took him away from structured, repetitive training and toward a freer freeride style.

Having trained and lived abroad for several years when he was younger, Yuzuru teaches comfortably in English. Skiers interested in advanced lessons or freeride coaching are very welcome to get in touch.

Takehito also grew up inside the family ski school, and skiing became second nature. With over 25 years of teaching behind him — including roles as head trainer and school director — he combines deep technical knowledge with a refined, methodical approach, and can tailor training precisely to a student’s level.

He has also spent years training and exchanging abroad, and teaches fluently in English, which has made him a trusted instructor for international students. For skiers looking to sharpen their technique or take on advanced lessons, Takehito brings both expertise and patience.

Born in Yamagata Prefecture, Koji competed at the All-Japan Ski Technique Championships and has twice been certified as an SAJ National Demonstrator. Alongside fundamental technique, he’s known for an active, assertive style across every kind of snow condition. Years of teaching have given him a lot to share: core skiing mechanics, terrain reading, and how to adapt as conditions change.

For Koji, skiing isn’t only a sport — it’s an ongoing exchange with the mountain and a lifelong refinement of craft, and that’s what he keeps chasing.