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Tollit referrentur contentiones an sed. Ius tacimates defini tione, quoprimatum dicunt labitur te. Te debet tibique.
Do you think you could climb a mountain that’s 29,031 feet above sea level?
Reading Time: 6 minutes | Age Limit: 6-10 | Country Origin: Japan
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“The Man Who Broke a Mountain”
Meet our hero:
This powerful true story of determination and love shows how a single person, with purpose and perseverance, can move mountains—literally.
When a tragic accident took away his wife, he made a promise—no one in his village would ever have to suffer like she did again. With only a hammer, chisel, and unstoppable willpower, he began to carve a road through a massive mountain. It took him 22 years but he did break a mountain.
Story in motion
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Do you think you could climb a mountain that’s 29,031 feet above sea level?
Once upon a time, in Miharu, Japan, lived cheerful little Jun-chan, who dreamed of climbing tall peaks. Her family saw her as too frail: “You’re weak, Jun-chan. Don’t dream so big,” they’d say. But Jun-chan refused to believe it.
Junko’ first mountain adventure at age ten changed her life forever when her school went on a hiking trip to Mount Nasu. She stood before the tallest mountain she had ever seen, with its peak disappearing into the clouds. At that moment, she knew she wanted to be a mountaineer.
But her family had their doubts. Junko grew up in post-war Japan where girls weren’t encouraged to be adventurers. Mountaineering was an expensive sport, and they didn’t have the money to support her dreams. Besides, during those days climbing was considered a man’s sport. Her community did not offer the encouragement she needed.
During her time at university, Jun-chan joined a mountain climbing club where most members were boys. They were unkind to her and said things like “Women should be wives, not mountaineers.”, and “You’re just here to find a husband.
Disheartened, with the prevailing notion but determined to climb a mountain she founded the women-only Joshi-Tohan Club with the slogan (in Japanese), “Watashitachi dake de kaigai ensei ni ikou” which translates to “Let’s go on an overseas expedition by ourselves!
What drives a person to climb not just mountains, but societal barriers?
Even after forming a women’s climbing team, Jun-chan faced challenges. Their Everest permit took four years, and Jun-chan funded most of the trip. She and her group made their own climbing gear and saved unused jam packets for sustenance.
Last-minute support from the media helped them set off for the expedition after intense training. It was happening. Jun-chan was going to achieve her dream. She and her group set out with determination.
Last-minute support from the media helped them set off for the expedition after intense training. It was happening. Jun-chan was going to achieve her dream. She and her group set out with determination.
But halfway up, an avalanche hit their camp. There were no casualties, but Jun-chan lost consciousness for six minutes until Sherpas rescued her. She recovered in a few days and resumed climbing. The plan was for two women, guided by a Sherpa, to reach the summit together.
But as altitude sickness set in, the Sherpas could no longer carry enough oxygen for both climbers. Jun-chan was chosen to push forward.
But as altitude sickness set in, the Sherpas could no longer carry enough oxygen for both climbers. Jun-chan was chosen to push forward.
With all her strength, Jun-chan finally stepped into the moment she had long dreamed of.
There she stood—Junko Tabei, the first woman to conquer Mount Everest—at 29,031.7 feet above sea level.
There she stood—Junko Tabei, the first woman to conquer Mount Everest—at 29,031.7 feet above sea level.
She proved that “impossible” is just perspective and that women, too, can conquer summits. And this was only the beginning. She funded her climbs through teaching, public talks, and guiding other climbers.
Her journey became a symbol of courage and inspired numerous women to break barriers; they believed that if Junko could do it, they could too.
Junko’s journey didn’t end at Everest. She went on to climb the highest peaks on every continent, write books, mentor climbers, and champion mountain preservation. Junko’s legacy is one of empowerment and paving the way for those who dare to dream. After all, true purpose is not found in personal achievement alone; it is found in inspiring others to rise.
Her journey became a symbol of courage and inspired numerous women to break barriers; they believed that if Junko could do it, they could too.
Junko’s journey didn’t end at Everest. She went on to climb the highest peaks on every continent, write books, mentor climbers, and champion mountain preservation. Junko’s legacy is one of empowerment and paving the way for those who dare to dream. After all, true purpose is not found in personal achievement alone; it is found in inspiring others to rise.
If you were not bound by restrictions, what would you want to achieve?
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“Junko Tabei: A Trailblazer's Legacy”
Before 1975, no woman had ever set foot on the summit of Mount Everest. Then came Junko Tabei—a quiet, determined girl from Japan who changed history.
She became the first woman to conquer Everest, the first to complete the Seven Summits, and climbed over 70 mountains in more than 60 countries. A fearless explorer, environmentalist, and author of seven books, Junko dedicated her life to both adventure and protecting the mountains she loved. Her journey is a powerful reminder that courage, purpose in life, and passion can move not just mountains—but the world.
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