A message from the president
Shiori Hashimoto
President
The Japanese Alpine Club: A Public-Interest Incorporated Association
I am Shiori Hashimoto, and it is my great honor to have been appointed as the 27th president of the Japanese Alpine Club or JAC, an esteemed and historically distinguished mountaineering society renowned for its legacy of excellence and innovation. I am filled with a profound sense of responsibility that accompanies this role.
My journey with the women’s mountain expedition team and the JAC
First, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself formally.
My relationship with the JAC dates to my time as a student of the Mountaineering Club at Tokyo Women’s Medical University.
During that period, Mr. Noboru Takenaka from the Waseda University Mountaineering Club, who served as the head of the student division of the JAC, requested that I establish a women’s division within the organization. I also had the opportunity to contribute to the administrative work of the Nanda Devi climbing team (1976 [General Manager Watanabe, Commander Katsuhiko Kano]), where I gained valuable insights into the team’s fundamentals.
Subsequently, I undertook overseas expeditions, such as Gasherbrum II 1988 as the leader of the Japanese Women’s Climbing Team, Cho Oyu 2002 as the leader of the Japan-China Friendship Cho Oyu Women’s Joint Climbing Team, and Qomolangma 2005 as the leader of the Japan-China Friendship Qomolangma Women’s Joint Medical Climbing Team. During these expeditions, I conducted medical research on peripheral circulation and high-altitude headaches using pulse wave measurements.
About the JAC
The JAC, established as Japan’s inaugural mountaineering society, has since evolved into a public-interest incorporated association in 2012. As we approach 2025, we are proud to celebrate the distinguished milestone of our 120th anniversary.
Globally recognized as the JAC, the organization currently boasts approximately 4,300 active members at its headquarters, along with 33 branches nationwide.
In its long history, there were a myriad of first summits, traverses, and completions by members, including the first summit of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) in the Nepal Himalayas in 1956.
The activities of the JAC are wide-ranging and include publishing projects, promotion of mountaineering and alpinism under 24 committees, inheritance of mountain culture, mountain research, conservation of the natural environment, and international exchange.
A hallmark of the JAC’s esteemed culture is its unwavering foundation in the spirit of volunteerism, a principle that has guided it since its inception. Members engaged in diverse mountain-related fields enjoy mountain climbing within a relaxed atmosphere, fostering interactions with one another while participating in mountaineering activities, preserving the mountain culture, and engaging in nature conservation activities.
Aspects of Mountaineering: Benefits and Challenges
In recent years, a notable resurgence in the popularity of mountain climbing has been observed following the establishment of the national holiday “Mountain Day” in 2016.
Mountain climbing is not only a moderate aerobic exercise but also serves as strength training, as it involves climbing and descending mountain trails with a load on the back.
Moreover, the endeavor to conquer the 100 famous mountains not only sustains motivation but also offers profound tranquility through forest bathing, alongside enjoying the abundant flora and majestic mountain landscapes. This comprehensive approach makes it an exceptionally effective exercise that contributes greatly to national health and wellbeing.
However, caution should be exercised regarding mountaineering-related accidents, including the risk of getting lost. Furthermore, with the advent of an aging society in Japan, addressing safety concerns for elderly climbers has become increasingly imperative.
Adapting to a New Era While Learning from Our History of Development
As we look to the future, the mountaineering culture that the JAC has cultivated over more than 100 years stands as an immense and invaluable legacy. Drawing inspiration from our founding spirit and the rich history of our development, we remain committed to gradually adapting and evolving in alignment with modern mountaineering landscapes. It is with humble resolution that we fully dedicate ourselves to the creation of a vibrant mountaineering culture for a new era, as well as enhancing a fulfilling club life environment for our members.
Furthermore, I consider it imperative to support our female members, enhance the mountaineering awareness of the young generation through IT-driven communication, and address the urgent environmental challenges exemplified by the SDGs.
Conclusion
I am committed to working closely with you as we steer the JAC toward its 120th anniversary in 2025.
We respectfully request ongoing guidance and support from all our valued members.