Background

By the time the mid-sixties started, Junko had climbed all of Japan’s highest peaks, including the infamous Mount Fuji. Before she could begin her climb, she needed the funds to pursue her plan.

 Reporter: “How challenging was it to fund an all-women expedition at that time?”

Junko Tabei: “It was very hard. There was a serious economic crisis, called the oil shock, in 1972 and ‘73. The economy had cooled down, and wherever we visited with our expedition plan, we were told that no money was available, and it would be impossible to go to Everest with a women’s-only group. Luckily, a major newspaper, Yomiuru, and a TV station, NTV, agreed to be our sponsors. Even still, each member paid 1.5 million yen (approximately $5,000)”.

Tabei managed her expedition groups with both great skill and position. She would stay grounded while still staying playful with her sense of humor. Regardless of her celebrity status, she stayed a normal family person who was, ​​​​​​​“cherishing daily life, moment by moment”. ​​​​​​​

She later led the climb to Mount Everest where she was injured the day before she reached the summit. May 16, 1975 Tabei and her team suffered injuries in an avalanche, but persevered and continued on. Finally, May 17, 1975 she finally achieved her goal of being the first woman to climb Mount Everest. 

credit: Outside Online

Junko Tabei 2015 NBC Interview: “I didn’t shout anything, but I thought: “Oh, I don’t have to climb anymore.” We were busy taking photos and 8mm movies and making radio calls to the Base Camp. At that time, the summit was still a very narrow and sharp ridge. The two very contrasting views of the flat and brown Tibetan highs and rock glacier view of Nepal was impressive. I had no idea that a Chinese expedition including women was climbing on the other side. They reached the summit 11 days later”.