#323: Takao Arayama

Carstensz · Completed 2010-02-18

Japan · Male

Born 4 Oct 1935

Takao Arayama is a Japanese mountaineer born on 4 October 1935.

Everest and the 7 summits

Arayama said reaching Mount Everest had once seemed remote to him. He recalled that in his 20s the science of high-altitude climbing was undeveloped and expeditions were not open to the public.

He reached the summit of Mount Everest from the Tibetan side on 17 May 2006. The expedition was organized by the Tokyo-based company Adventure Guides, headed by Toshinori Koya. At the time, his ascent was reported as making him the oldest person to reach the summit, surpassing a record set three years earlier by fellow Japanese climber Yuichiro Miura. For current figures, see our leaderboards.

Before his Everest climb, Arayama had climbed Denali (1999), Vinson (2000) and Aconcagua (2002). He added Elbrus in 2007 and Carstensz Pyramid in 2009, and in 2010 completed the round with Kilimanjaro; he was reported at the time as the oldest person to complete it.

Return to Japan

Arayama returned to Narita International Airport on 28 May 2006 after his Everest climb. Speaking to reporters, he said: "It was one of the greatest joys of my life."