Kuriki Departs for Mt.Everest!
ICC resident and solo-alpinist Nobukazu Kuriki departed Japan on his journey to climb Mt.Everest alone with no oxygen.
He is set for a September 5th climb, and will reach the summit on September 29th, returning to Japan on October 10th.
If he succeeds in his endeavors, he will be the first Japanese person to climb all of the seven highest peaks of every continent on earth solo, with no oxygen.
Mt.Everest's elevation is 8,848 meters. Normally, it is thought that people cannot survive at an elevation of 7,500 meters or higher.
Kuriki, during a press conference a few days prior to departure, showed his cheerful smile and said, "I'm going to try to do karaoke and eat somen noodles while on the climb!" Only Kuriki would have such entertaining ideas for a dangerous climb.
Not only that, he will be broadcasting his journey live through a Yahoo! Internet connection for everyone to see his challenge.
Kuriki is attempting a difficult task, yet he is adding the extra weight of the heavy equipment for the live broadcast for the benefit of others.
"My challenge isn't only to climb the mountain, but to share that experience with others."
As he answered questions flung at him by reporters, his smile would sometimes fade and the seriousness of the climb showed on his stern face."
Kuriki explains his route of attack using a board.
Kuriki looked nervous at the airport on August 16th.
As he normally looks very relaxed, this change was testament to the graveness of his final challenge.
Kuriki answers questions at the Shin-Chitose Airport.
ICC Chief Coordinator says, "Two months, a long time." And Kuriki answers, "I'll be back in time for the Sapporo International Short Film Festival in October!"
Almost time for departure.
ICC supports Kuriki's final challenge!
A new page will be designed for Kuriki's adventure, so please stay tuned!!
