Watch this space: Japanese ski resort aiming to become global epicentre of regenerative medicine

Kamui Ski Links has long drawn powder hounds for its feather-light snow and relatively empty slopes. But in the coming years, the resort may attract a very different type of visitor: those seeking not just skiing adventure, but long-term health and longevity.

The spark behind this vision is Akasha Sanctuary, a planned regenerative medicine and wellness hub set to be part of Kamui’s major resort-town development. While the Sanctuary itself is still under construction, its principles are already visible in Gota Miura’s anti-ageing ski program, offered through Miura Snowsports. Miura, the Olympian skier who famously helped his 80-year-old father, Yuichiro Miura, summit Everest, on-slope skiing with lectures and practical guidance on longevity, health, and strategies for slowing biological ageing.

For now, the program offers a glimpse of the future. The larger ambition, according to Grantley Abbott, a partner in the Akasha project, is far more transformative.

“Wellness retreats make you feel good, but this fixes biological issues”, says Abbott. For example, Shirazawa has protocols for gluten intolerance, COVID vaccine side effects, testosterone and hormone regeneration, and even early autism interventions.”

On how he sees this fitting into a skiing environment, Abbot adds:

“It’s perfect. Many skiers blow out their knees or have cartilage issues – this therapy addresses those problems. We’ll have 7, 14 and 21 day programs. People can ski and do activities while getting the medical side done efficiently. It’s advanced science meets skiing.”

Master plan, Kamui Resort

At the heart of the Sanctuary is Dr Takuji Shirasawa, one of Japan’s foremost anti-ageing specialists. Holding a PhD in Immunology, Shirasawa has spent over 30 years researching the molecular genetics of ageing, Alzheimer’s disease, and stem-cell therapies. He directs the Shirasawa Anti-Ageing Medical Research Institute and the Ochanomizu Longevity Clinic in Tokyo, and is Japan’s most prolific anti-ageing author, with more than 300 books and frequent appearances in mainstream media.

Abbott describes how Shirasawa’s model works:

“Dr Shirosawa is bringing his unique testing and 3D body functional forensic review to Akasha covering brain, organs and bloodwork. Something out of sci-fi and a must for everyone to see the state of their current body and brain health.”

“The theory here isn’t just slowing ageing, it’s reversing it, potentially 10 to 15 years or more. This approach helps skiers and all sports enthusiasts get back to their prime and executives as well as business owners suffering degeneration of the hypothalamus from stress to reclaim executive functions. It’s remarkable.”

Hokkaido offers the perfect backdrop for this vision. Its clean air, access to forests and mountains, and proximity to natural hot springs create an ideal environment for health and wellness. Combined with Japan’s global reputation for longevity, the region provides a living laboratory where the Sanctuary’s therapies can be tested and refined.

“The theory here isn’t just slowing ageing, it’s reversing it, potentially 10 to 15 years or more.”

The Sanctuary itself is still in development, but Abbott says the potential impact is enormous. Once built, it will offer highly individualised regenerative programs incorporating stem-cell therapies, cellular rejuvenation, and advanced diagnostics – all tailored to each person. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a lifestyle of wellness and longevity, surrounded by Japan’s iconic winter landscapes.

For now, Miura’s anti-ageing ski program is the first step, giving guests a sense of the philosophy and approach that will define Kamui in the years ahead. But with Dr Shirasawa’s decades of research and Abbott’s drive to bring it to Hokkaido, the resort could soon redefine what a ski destination offers – a place where adventure meets longevity.

Japan has long been celebrated for its powder, hospitality, and long-lived population. If Akasha succeeds, Kamui may offer something even rarer: a chance to ski amidst nature while actively investing in the future of your health.

Watch this space.