Everest Pioneer Tabei Junko Biopic ‘Climbing for Life’ to Open Tokyo Film Festival

The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival has tapped “Climbing for Life,” Sakamoto Junji’s biographical drama about legendary mountaineer Tabei Junko, as its opening night selection.

The film chronicles the true story of Tabei, who made history in 1975 as the first woman to summit Mount Everest. Beloved Japanese actor Yoshinaga Sayuri takes on the lead role, marking her first collaboration with Sakamoto in 13 years since “A Chorus of Angels” (2012).

“Climbing for Life” represents the 31st feature from award-winning helmer Sakamoto, whose filmography includes “KT” (2002), “Zatoichi the Last” (2010), “Another World” (2019), and “Okiku and the World” (2023). The project marks the 50th anniversary of Tabei’s historic Everest ascent, with Sakamoto crafting what festival organizers describe as “a depiction that highlights human resilience and tolerance.”

The ensemble cast also features Sato Koichi, Amami Yuki, and Non. Sakaguchi Riko penned the screenplay, with music by Yasukawa Goro. The film is based on Tabei’s memoir “My Mountain Life – Up and Down.”

Beyond her Everest triumph, the biopic explores how Tabei’s achievement “cast a radiant light but also a deep shadow on her friends and family,” according to festival materials. The narrative follows her later years as she continued mountaineering despite being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

“It is a true honor for our film to be selected as the opening film of the 38th TIFF,” Sakamoto said in a statement. “Although the production process of filmmaking has been dramatically altered in the digital era, the joy of sharing a film with audiences on the big screen and masterful sound design remains timeless. This film also stands as a testament to the enduring talent of Yoshinaga Sayuri, a national treasure who has graced the pinnacle of stardom for generations.”

TIFF programming director Ichiyama Shozo added: “With a remarkable lead performance by Yoshinaga Sayuri and meticulous direction by director Sakamoto Junji, this film earns a place as one of the year’s most touching films. I am confident that its universal themes will deeply move audiences across the globe.”

Kino Films Co., Ltd. will distribute the film in Japan, with a theatrical release set for Oct. 31.

The festival runs Oct. 27-Nov. 5 across Tokyo’s central entertainment district, with the industry market TIFFCOM scheduled for Oct. 29-31.