{
  "id": 642831,
  "title": "Yoroku: English missionary Walter Weston helped open Japan's mountains to the world",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/yoroku-english-missionary-walter-weston-helped-open-japans-mountains",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-12T07:21:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260812/p2a/00m/0op/012000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "British missionary Walter Weston (1861-1940) played a pivotal role in introducing Japan's mountains, specifically the Japanese Alps, to the Western world and fostering the growth of modern mountaineering in Japan, an interest that endures to this day. Standing atop the highest point in the Japanese mountain range, aside from Mount Fuji, Weston conquered the 3,180-meter-high Mount Yari, also known as Yarigatake, during the middle of the Meiji era (1868-1912). His account of the expedition and observations on mountaineering were compiled in his book \"Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japanese Alps,\" which was published in London four years after his climb. This book marked the first time the beauty of the Japanese Alps, comparable to those found in Europe, was shared with the Western world.\n\nThe impact of Weston's work extended beyond literary circles, inspiring a new generation of Japanese climbers. Decades later, Usui Kojima, a young Japanese mountaineer who scaled Mount Yari a decade after Weston's climb, stumbled upon Weston's book and was astonished to learn that a foreigner had reached the summit before him. Kojima subsequently became involved with Weston and contributed to the establishment of the Japanese Alpine Club, serving as its inaugural president. In the Kamikochi region, a highland valley in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, which serves as the gateway to Japan's Northern Alps, stands a monument erected by the club before World War II to commemorate Weston's contributions to the sport. Due to the wartime conflict between Japan and the United Kingdom, Weston's homeland, the monument was removed. It was reinstated following the war's conclusion.\n\nToday, the Kamikochi area has transformed into a premier mountain resort, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors. Japan boasts an estimated 5 million mountaineers, with the actual number potentially being higher when hikers and recreational climbers are taken into account. An increasing number of enthusiasts are drawn to the sport, with many older individuals participating. Easygoing mountaineering, characterized by a relaxed approach to the activity, has also gained popularity. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and adapt to the rapidly changing weather conditions prevalent in the mountains, as this can pose significant risks. In the Azumino prefectural city, which overlooks the Northern Japanese Alps, a recent landslide temporarily stranded climbers and guests at mountain huts. Additionally, typhoon Chan-hom recently swept across Japan, emphasizing the need for constant weather monitoring and the wisdom to retreat if necessary.",
  "summary": "British missionary Walter Weston (1861-1940) helped introduce the Japanese Alps to the West and spur the spread of modern mountaineering in Japan, a m",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}