In Episode 31 of the podcast we head to Akakura Onsen in Myoko Kogen to speak with designer maker Liam Mugavin. Originally for Australia, Liam is the co-founder of A.I.R. Myoko – a ski in, ski out chalet which combines design, gastronomy and other artisanal influences to offer a different type of experience when it comes to ski accommodation in Japan.

The Artist is in Residence: Design, Gastronomy & New Tradition of an Artisanal Ski Chalet with Liam Mugavin / A.I.R. Myoko

Liam’s background and continued work as a designer maker underpin the concept of chalet he operates, along with his business partner and other members of the team at AIR. Extending the ‘artist in residence’ concept he undertook with Australia House – part of the Echigo Tsumari Art Field festival held in Niigata – and similar programs around the world, Liam and the team at AIR invite artists and upcoming chefs to reside at the chalet each winter. In doing so, they are delivering one of the best experience available in the snow country each winter.

We discuss of that in the first half of the interview before moving onto Liam’s current project, the relocation and restoration of a 170-year old ‘kominka’ (traditional farmhouse) in the second half of our chat. Originally located in Itoigawa, Liam undertook the task of purchasing and relocating the house to be reconstructed adjacent to AIR Myoko. With restoration ongoing but nearing completion, the building will act as Liam’s design workshop and an extension of the artist residence concept once completed later this year.

Part of Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Mount Myoko stands 2454 metres / 8051 feet and is famous throughout Japan for its heavy snowfall. The resorts making up the collectively-named ‘Myoko Kogen’ offer visitors some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Japan. Episode 17 of the podcast also took us to Myoko Kogen to speak with snowboarder Billy Halloran. Billy’s operates The Greenhouse Myoko in Suginohara and in that episode, Billy and I went into detail about all of the ski resorts of Myoko. Much more so than Liam and I do in this episode. Make sure to also check out that episode if you’re after more information the ski resorts including a rundown of what’s available at The Greenhouse Myoko.

You can follow Liam via his Instagram or official website, and AIR Myoko via their Instagram or official website – including bookings. A very big thank you to Liam – and the team at AIR – for agreeing to the interview and welcoming me in. Also a big thank you for the images provided in support of the episode. All images on this page are the property of AIR Myoko and cannot be used without their permission.