Nobukazu Kuriki, who became the first Japanese person to successfully make a solo non-oxygen ascent to the summit of the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), returned to Japan early on the 26th, October. At New Chitose Airport, the media, as well as many friends and supporters awaited him to praise his work.
The instant they saw Kuriki, the crowd let out a cheer. The first to run to his side were the children, and Kuriki carefully accepted their hand-made gifts, one by one.
In front of many supporters taking a sigh of relief, he said "I'm so glad I made it back. First, I want to call my parents," as he somehow tried to contain the joy of accomplishing yet another great feat.
Later, he shook hands with every supporter and fan, giving each of them a post card with a majestic photo of Manaslu. "It's not much, but I wanted everyone to feel Manaslu." His appreciation for his supporters did not go unnoted.
"The weather was bad, and I was about to give up, but in an instant, the wind stopped and the sun came out. I was able to climb the summit thanks to that change. It was amazing good fortune," says Kuriki. This was the toughest ascent he has ever embarked upon, but he says it also "made my desire to climb Mt. Everest even stronger."
A proof of summit issued by the government of Nepal
With his supporters and his own passion, he will attempt to summit the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848 meters) next spring.
ICC Creators Interview "Tao Inc. Nobukazu Kuriki"
http://www.icc-jp.com/features_en/2008/11/000134.php
Nobukazu Kuriki official web site
http://kurikiyama.jp/
Article: ICC Assistant Coordinator Kohei Kuramoto
Translation: David Neptune
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