When I was a high school student in Aomori, Japan, there was a unique math teacher who was also an avid mountain climber. During his classes, he often shared stories about his climbing experiences and spoke about his dream of one day climbing Mount Everest.
From time to time, I asked him to take me hiking and climbing. On those trips, he not only taught me practical skills for the mountains but also shared valuable lessons about life and mindset.
About a decade later, he made his dream come true by joining a Himalayan expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal. However, just six months later, tragic news reached us—he had suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away at base camp, in the middle of living out his dream. I was 28 years old at the time.
He has always been my role model, and even though he is no longer here, he still lives on in my heart. Inspired by him, I became a high school science teacher and, like him, occasionally took my students into the mountains.
In 2000, I took a leap of faith and moved to the United States, where I worked as a science teacher at a private school for eight years. Later, I started my own business in Atlanta, Georgia.
While living in the U.S., I joined a three-day mountaineering program—Mount Rainier Mountaineering School run by RMI Expeditions in Washington State—and successfully climbed Mount Rainier.
In 2022, I made another big decision: I chose to retire from my business and return to Japan in March. Leaving the U.S. was a significant turning point in my life, bringing a mix of emotions—both anxiety and excitement about what lay ahead.
Now, I am enjoying the great outdoors again—camping, hiking, and exploring the Japanese Alps. All of this traces back to my high school teacher.
I am who I am today because of him. Mountain climbing continues to inspire and guide my life after returning to Japan.
Through this blog, I hope to share my experiences in the Japanese Alps, along with tips on hiking, camping, and discovering unique cultural destinations across Japan.
Feel free to share your thoughts—let’s keep the good vibes going!
Volunteer:
For all nature enthusiasts outside of Japan looking to explore hiking, hot spring spas, and local culture, I’d be thrilled to assist you as a volunteer on your trip, especially if you’re considering a visit to the majestic Japan Alps in Nagano.
For additional information, please don’t hesitate to email us or reach out through communication tools like Skype or Zoom.