Naoko Watanabe, a Japanese nurse and mountaineer, Born in Onojo City, Fukuoka Prefecture in 1981 Prefecture, Japan.
She was already climbing mountains at just three years old. As a kid, she went on all sorts of cool adventures, like camping on a deserted island in China and exploring Mongolia’s grasslands with other kids from Asia.
Watanabe has an impressive climbing career with many records. She has climbed 13 of the world’s 14 highest peaks, with only Shishapangma left.
She is the first Japanese woman to climb Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga, and the first Japanese to climb six 8,000-meter peaks in one year.
She is also the first Japanese woman to summit both Kanchenjunga and Annapurna I, and the first Asian woman and Japanese woman to reach Makalu’s summit twice.
Watanabe most recent achivement came on July 28, 2024, when she reached the summit of K2 at 9 am local time, setting a new record for the most summits of this formidable peak by a woman.
This marked her third successful ascent of K2, further solidifying her status as one of the world’s most accomplished female mountaineers. Beyond her personal achievements, Watanabe advocates for the mental health benefits of mountaineering.
“I found the Himalayas to be a source of mental support, and I think that climbing in the Himalayas plays a major role in mental care,” she stated.
Her expertise and passion for the sport led to a meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Kikuta, in September 2023, where they discussed mountains and mountain climbing in both countries.
Watanabe aspires to create an organization that parents can trust for their children’s adventure experiences. Her vision extends beyond Japan, aiming to provide opportunities for children worldwide to engage in outdoor activities. “I want people to know that Everest is not just about climbing, but there are many other fun things to do,”.
