I truly believe in listening to the customer. It’s so important that we understand their expectations. Our customers shape our business in terms of what products and service we offer, then we trust in our amazing staff to follow up with knowledgeable, helpful service.
Matt Hampton, Company Director
Rhythm has been in operation in Japan since 2005. Back then, Niseko was only just starting to make itself known as one of the world’s premier powder destinations. The then owners of Rhythm, Matthew Hampton and Mick Klima, saw two opportunities in Niseko. The first was to give visitors access to the type of equipment required to ride the area’s unique conditions. The second was to set up a business that would give them an excuse to ride the best powder in the world, all season long.
Rhythm Japan’s sister store is Rhythm Snowsports in Cooma, Australia, which has been in operation since 1985. Rhythm Cooma started from a true love of the cold mountain air and the feeling of freedom of being on the snow. Rhythm Cooma has grown to become the largest snow sports store in Australia carrying over 200 brands and is constantly searching the globe for the best of the best.
2005
2011
2017
In 2013 Rhythm expanded beyond offering services in just Niseko. Customer demand took us to Hakuba where we now operate a one-stop ski and snowboard rental and retail store. In Niseko, Rhythm’s group of stores has grown to include Rhythm Summit, a backcountry specialty rental and retail shop, along with Zaka where we’ve curated all the finest snow-related brands from all over the world including Moncler, Fera, Kjus, Spyder and Bogner. Our workshop, Rhythm Tunes, offers full range of tuning, mountain and repair services. The Rhythm family also includes Boot Solutions in Niseko and Hakuba, a custom boot-fitting service operated by podiatrist Dr. Ned Buckley.
In summer, our attention switches away from snow. We offer both mountain and road bike rental along with custom tours so visitors can experience the beauty of Niseko in summer. We also offer stand up paddle board (or SUP) rental to explore the beautiful local rivers, lakes and nearby coastline.
Rhythm is dedicated to actively supporting the local community including the Rankoshi Orphanage, offering ski and snowboard gear that will keep the children warm and get them out on the mountain. Rhythm also supports the Hokkaido International School, the Smile Niseko language program and the local Captain Courageous Gala Ball. On snow, Rhythm hosts a public Rail Jam event that allows locals to hone their skills and enjoy a competitive atmosphere. In summer, we actively fundraise to assist in building local mountain bike trails, along with donating a pump track for the community to use during the warmer months. It’s important that we support a community that has given us so much!
We opened our doors in Hakuba because our customers told us how good the powder is there. We opened Rhythm Summit in Niseko because our customers want to explore beyond the lifts. Zaka exists because a lot of our customers appreciate the finer things in life! It appears that our customers really do know best, so our aim is to continue listening to them and delivering the goods.
In peak winter, Rhythm’s staff roster consists of around 140 people, all of whom ski or snowboard and love living in the mountains. This common interest translates into a happy bunch of humans who work as a team and can provide an expert level of service.
It’s not just the skiing and snowboarding that makes Niseko or Hakuba unique and exciting places to live. There’s loads for our staff to do off the mountain, too…“A visit to the local onsen (hot spring) is great after work. After that, you can enjoy some of the amazing food the area has to offer, especially the ramen! Then, I always like a cold Sapporo at one of the local bars in Hirafu like Barunba or Amaru…” says Matt.
“It’s really fun and enjoyable working for Rhythm. It’s great working alongside your mates every day. My coworkers are friendly, reliable and experts in their field. Rhythm really looks after their staff.”
Matt McCauley, Ski Shop Manager
Rhythm’s staff are all housed in and around the Hirafu Village in Niseko or Happo One in Hakuba. This means they're close to work, local bars, restaurants and (most importantly) the ski lifts…“The best thing about living and working in Japan is the snow, the food and the overall vibe of the place. At the end of the day, though, everyone is here to get that deep deep snow…”
Throughout the season Rhythm hosts staff dinners and parties along with an end of season retreat to say thank you for a job well done. Our staff work hard, but they get to play hard too! For more information about working at Rhythm please email jobs@rhythmjapan.com
Rhythm Japan is a outdoor adventure company that provides the best rental and retail equipments, apparel and accessories. We take pride in offering customers excellent service along with the latest in quality products. We offer quick and comprehensive prices so our customers can get the best deal.
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