A dream holiday has turned into a nightmare as a second Australian tourist dies in Japan’s frozen north within a week.

Tragedy has struck the Australian expatriate community in Japan again. Just days after the horrific death of 22-year-old Brooke Day, a 27-year-old Melbourne man has died at a ski resort in Niseko, Hokkaido. The man, who was working at a local hotel for the season, collapsed while skiing with friends in what is suspected to be a sudden medical episode, though initial fears of an avalanche caused confusion.

A Deadly Season

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in the backcountry between Niseko Moiwa and Niseko Annupuri. The man was skiing at the back of a group of seven when he suddenly fell. Friends and bystanders desperately performed CPR in the snow, but he could not be revived. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

This death compounds the grief from Friday’s accident in Nagano, where Brooke Day’s backpack became entangled in a chairlift, leading to her death. The two incidents have cast a pall over the popular winter destination, which hosts thousands of Australians every year. "He was a talented, kind, gentle man," a spokesperson for his lodge told reporters, requesting anonymity.

• The Context: Japan is experiencing record snowfall, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world. However, the extreme conditions bring heightened risks, both from the terrain and the physical exertion required.
• The Response: The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has deployed consular teams to assist both families. They are navigating the complex Japanese legal and medical systems to repatriate the bodies.
• The Warning: Ski resorts across Japan are reviewing their safety protocols. The lift operator in Brooke Day’s case has already pledged "concrete measures" to prevent recurrence, but for two families, it is too little, too late.

The Silent Danger

While the allure of "Japow" (Japan powder snow) is legendary, these tragedies serve as a grim reminder of the unforgiving nature of alpine sports. Whether it is a freak mechanical accident or a sudden medical emergency, the mountains demand respect. As flags fly at half-mast in the hearts of the Australian ski community, the season continues, but the laughter on the slopes is a little quieter today.