This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Abroad from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

It’s not surprising, when you think about it, for a nation that reveres a mountain to spawn a world-famous mountain climber. The nation is Japan, the revered mountain, Fuji and the mountain climber, Junko Tabei. On May 16, 1975, Tabei became the first woman ever to summit Mt. Everest. At a time when women stayed home, Tabei’s decision to leave her 3-year-old with her husband and climb to the top of the world set tongues wagging. But she and her Ladies Climbing Club– motto “Let’s go on an overseas expedition by ourselves!” – did it and her feat became a symbol for Japanese women in their quest for equality. Not only is Tabei a world-class climber who has summited the highest peaks on all seven continents as well as re-summiting Everest at the age of 73, she is also a world-class advocate for protecting mountain environments. Ike, ike Junko-san!, which is, roughly, “you go, girl” in Japanese!

From the KU Center for East Asian Studies, I’m Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.