A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson at a bus stop near Rusutsu Resort; a 32-year-old Chinese national is in custody as police investigate possible links to a series of suspicious fires.

Kutchan is a town in Hokkaido, Japan, best known as the gateway to the Niseko ski resort area, famous for its exceptional powder snow. Historically, the area developed as a farming community before the post-war era, but its economy shifted dramatically toward tourism in the late 20th century with the rise of international skiing and snowboarding. Today, Kutchan serves as the municipal center for the region, blending rural charm with a vibrant, cosmopolitan ski culture.

Kutchan is a town in Hokkaido, Japan, best known as the central hub for the world-famous Niseko ski resort area. Historically, it developed as a farming community before the late 20th century, when its heavy snowfall and volcanic terrain transformed it into a premier international destination for winter sports and tourism.

The Niseko ski resort area, located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, is renowned for its light, powdery snow and world-class winter sports. Originally developed as a small ski destination in the 1960s, it gained international fame in the late 20th century after Australian investors and visitors discovered its exceptional conditions. Today, Niseko comprises several interconnected resorts, offering a vibrant mix of Japanese culture, luxury amenities, and outdoor activities year-round.