Lost in the Wilderness (1986) Movie Script
1
LOST IN THE WILDERNESS
February 1973, Greenland
Planning:
Yuzo Irie, Eizo Kitano
Produced by: Juichi Tanaka
Moriyoshi Saito, Gohei Kogure
Original Novel:
Naomi Uemura
Screenplay:
Yoshiki Iwama
Music Directors:
Kunihiko Murai, Will Ackerman
Cinematography: Hiroyuki Namiki
Lighting: Haruo Kawashima
Art Direction: Hiroshi Tokuda
Editing: Akira Suzuki
Sound: Yasuo Hashimoto
Sound Mixing: Fumio Hashimoto
Co-producer: Kazuhiko Mizutani
Assistant Director: Hiroyuki Momozawa
Mountain Photography:
Etsuo Akutsu
CASToshiyuki Nishida
Chieko Baisho
Masato Furuoya, Go Wakabayashi
Hideji Otaki
Eitaro Ozawa, Kei Yamamoto
Hisashi Igawa, Tonpei Hidari
Yatsuko Tan'ami, Tomoe Hiiro
Kin Sugai
Nobuko Otowa
Hisano Yamaoka
Ryo Ikebe
Directed by:
Jun'ya Sato
Hey, Mitsu!
Hey, Naomi.
Where've you been?
Upernavik.
Upernavik?
Is that a woman?
Thank you!
From Siorapaluk to
Upernavik.
A round trip of 3.000 kilometers.
If you cross the Antarctic continent,
it's also 3.000 kilometers.
It's training for crossing
Antarctica.
Where is Antarctica?
Right on the opposite side
of the Earth.
What is the Earth?
Well...
A place full of beautiful
women.
I see.
I'll go ahead now.
I'll stay here tonight.
All right, we've arrived!
Siorapaluk Village, Greenland
Foster mother.
I brought you a seal.
It's so big!
Thank you.
Hey, Mitsu!
Are you heading to
Antarctica soon?
No. First, I'm going back to
Japan for a while.
I'm sorry!
- Excuse me.
- Yes, are you okay?
Yes.
Oh, excuse me!
- Oh, thank you.
- Sorry about this...
I'm so sorry!
Anyway, I thought I'd
try to escape,
but yarn got tangled everywhere!
So, you cut the yarn
and ran away?
That's hilarious!
Welcome!
Oh, Mr. Uemura!
How have you been?
Hello, it's been a while.
Oh my!
You two...
- Thanks for the other day
- Oh no, uh, thanks.
I'm the one who's thankful!
Oh, so this is the person
that you were...
Auntie, stop!
- I'm leaving.
- I see now!
Can I use the restroom
for a bit?
- Has it been about a year?
- Yes, it's been a long time.
This is so funny.
Auntie, uh,
I'll have the usual, please.
- Have you been mountain climbing again?
- No, this time I went to Greenland.
- Greenland? Where's that?
- Uh, way east of Canada
It's still within the
Arctic Circle.
- So, it's a cold place, huh?
- Yes.
Oh, uh, my name is Naomi Uemura.
Nice to meet you.
- I'm Nozaki, Kimiko Nozaki.
- Ah, nice to meet you.
- Excuse me.
- Thank you, excuse me.
Uh, does she live
around here?
She's the tofu shopkeeper's daughter
about 200 meters down the road.
- Welcome home.
- I'm back.
Welcome.
Welcome!
- Are you tired?
- A little.
The kids wouldn't listen to me...
You've got a slight fever again.
I'll lay out the futon, so you can rest.
It's okay!
I can lay out the futon myself.
If you earn a little from teaching
calligraphy but end up getting sick,
it's better to just stay
home and be healthy.
But a sheltered woman over thirty
doesn't look very impressive.
It can't be helped.
You have a weak constitution.
Yes, yes...
- Mr. Uemura!
- Hi.
- It's been a while.
- How have you been? Come in!
- Hello!
- How do you do?
Ogawa, this time I brought some
stones from Greenland.
Here you have.
Masao, he has given you
another gift
Mr. Uemura's souvenir stones...
You always think of Masao...
- They must have been heavy.
- No, not at all.
Your elbows are dropping.
Yes, that's right.
Maybe it's a little too big?
- Goodbye!
- Yes, goodbye!
- Thank you very much.
- See you next week.
Hey, does that Uemura
come to the store often?
When he's in Tokyo, yes.
Why do you ask?
I mean, it's kind of embarrassing
to see him again.
I guess that's true.
"I'm Uemura Naomi Uemura!"
Stop it, Auntie!
- What does Mr. Uemura do for a living?
- Well, let me see...
- He climbs mountains...
- No, I mean his job.
Mountain climbing is just
a hobby, right?
Right...
I wonder what his actual job is.
Oh!
- This is inconvenient...
- Huh?
- I'll go around that way.
- Why? Hey, wait
- Hello.
- Mr. Uemura, what's going on?
Uh, I thought I'd ask
you for a favor.
- Oh? What is it?
- Well, you see...
I thought you could give this to
Ms. Nozaki if she came by to the store...
What are you talking about?
She's right in front of you!
- You can give it to her yourself.
- Well...
Oh, hello.
Uh, this is a book I wrote.
Please take it.
Yes, but...
If it's boring, feel free to
throw it away. Here you go.
Thank you!
Huh? What he said is true.
His name is actually printed here, look.
Oh, and there's a photo, too.
Look.
To Kimiko Nozaki
No way! I'm leaving now.
Don't forget about this.
He gave it to you.
- Say, brother.
- Yes?
Is there a tofu shop called
Ogawa in Higashijujo?
Ogawa? Yes, there is.
Why do you ask?
No reason.
Ogawa and I joined the Meiji University
Mountaineering Club at the same time.
On the third day, we were taken
to a rookie training camp.
Ogawa had been climbing
since middle school.
By high school, he had climbed almost
all of Japan's famous mountains.
But I was a complete beginner.
I grew up on a farm and had confidence in
my stamina, but the results were terrible.
- Uemura, what's wrong? Are you okay?
- Yes, I'm okay...
If you're okay, stand up!
Stand and walk!
Walk using your hips!
Uemura, what's wrong?!
Huh? What's wrong?
You're rolling around like an acorn!
Oh, he finally made it.
Pull yourself together!
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
- Thank you very much!
I'm sorry!
Pull yourself together, Uemura.
Don't be so sloppy!
Let him sleep in the tent.
- I'm sorry.
- Hey.
That acorn is completely useless.
- Uemura, want some?
- Yeah...
Ah, thank you.
I was so embarrassed and frustrated that
I didn't know where to hide myself.
I seriously thought that if I collapsed,
I might as well die.
I desperately wanted to
become like Ogawa.
And with nothing but the determination
not to lose to Ogawa,
I climbed the steps of the shrine behind
the dorm 200 times every day.
And whenever I saved enough
from my job, I climbed alone.
In the summer of my senior year,
Ogawa went on a trip to Alaska.
This is Mount McKinley.
6.194 meters.
About twice the height of Mount Yari.
The scale is completely different.
This is the Kahiltna Glacier.
You could never see this in Japan.
Mooching off your parents and
going places like this, huh?
- Sister-in-law, add some more sushi.
- Stop it already.
I came to this family as
a wife, you know.
Hey, doesn't Japan's mountains
look puny now?
I became desperate with the
desire to see glaciers,
and climb foreign mountains.
And, to make matters worse,
with my grades, no company would
even let me take a job interview.
Don't be foolish!
Do you know how much your brother
struggled to send you to university?
And now you want to go abroad
without even getting a job?
What kind of idea is that?
I can't even get a job, so how
can I expect to go abroad?
Why is that?
Why can't you find a job?
Naomi, what's going on?
Naomi's not okay.
He hasn't eaten for three days and
has just stayed in bed under the futon.
I won't allow it! I let Osamu struggle
enough when he was a child,
but I can't let Naomi do
whatever he wants!
Dad, you've been worrying
about that?
Naomi! Hey!
Stop being so stubborn. If you want
to go that badly, then go ahead.
But I'm not giving you a single
yen from this house.
Yes, yes! I won't be a burden
on the family, I promise.
Did you read that book?
Yes, half of it.
I really understood Mr. Uemura.
Despite being timid and shy,
he can be surprisingly assertive
and tough when he needs to be.
- He's just hopeless.
- But listen to me.
Since he couldn't get a job, he just
took a one-way ticket and 40.000 yen,
and went to America, even though he
could barely speak English.
- He's completely reckless.
- He really is.
And there, he earned about 1.000 dollars.
That's around 360.000 yen!
- Wow, that much?
- Yes.
But then, he got put in
an American jail.
- Why? Did he do something illegal?
- Yes, something like that.
He didn't have a work permit
to work in the U.S.
- What happened to the money?
- He talked to the American officials.
"I want to climb the Alps."
"I earned this money with blood and
sweat, working hard for it."
- So, they let him keep it.
- I see.
And with that 1.000 dollars,
he went to France.
Mont Blanc, Alps
- What do you think happened afterwards?
- How could I know?
He went to Mont Blanc, the
tallest mountain in Europe.
It's amazing he made it out alive.
But he reflected on it.
- He admitted he'd gotten too full of himself.
- So, what did he do next?
He decided he had to climb Mont Blanc
and started looking for work.
He ended up working at a ski resort in
a place called Morzine nearby,
but he was as bold as ever.
Here he is.
Hello, sir!
But he didn't know how to ski.
Oh, thank you!
Thank you very much!
Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Good morning.
Hi, Naomi.
Place a stake every 200 meters.
Naomi, I heard you're a very
good skier. You will lead.
Thank you, thank you!
Oh, thank you!
Thank you!
Kathmandu Airport, Nepal
- Uemura!
- Ogawa!
Hey, how've you been?
- You haven't changed a bit.
- Your legs are still short as ever!
- What'd you say, you jerk?
- This way!
You're in luck.
Miyako had to return home
on urgent business,
so you've been registered as an
official team member in his place.
But I didn't put in any money,
nor help with the preparations.
I can work as a porter
or a sherpa.
Finally, you've arrived at the
Himalayas you've longed for.
And, on top of that, Gyachung Kang.
A first ascent attempt.
Gyachung Kang (7.646 m)
Summit team, respond!
Second camp (6.200 m)
Summit team, respond!
Leader! Minma is feeling sick,
it's cold, and I'm exhausted.
We just can't climb up
this ice wall!
Over!
Ogawa, let's turn back.
The radio's broken, too.
We can't go any further.
Damn it...
Damn it!
Ogawa, let's go down.
It's going to get dark.
Minma, go back!
Summit camp (7.000 m)
Pemba, here they come!
Ogawa! Hirayama!
Are you injured?
Ogawa! Hirayama!
Are you all right?
Nice work!
You've done good!
Ogawa!
Hirayama! Ogawa!
Can you hear me?!
Leader, can you hear me?
It's Uemura.
All members have been
safely evacuated!
Leader, it's Hirayama.
We spent too much time and energy
just getting to that ice wall.
I'm sorry.
It's disappointing.
I understand. Good work,
everyone. Get some rest.
- Fujino...
- Yes?
How are you feeling?
I'm sorry, it's embarrassing, but my body
just won't move the way I want it to.
I'm really sorry.
Uemura, you and Pemba will make
the second attempt tomorrow!
Over.
But, Leader, uh...
I didn't contribute any money,
and I didn't help with preparations
either Over.
You idiot!
Who cares about that?
Are you climbing or not?
Over!
Why are you hesitating now?
You flew all the way from
France just to climb!
But, if you rest for a day tomorrow,
you could make another attempt...
And what if the weather
changes by then?!
Leader! Uemura can do it!
Please let him go for it! Over!
Acorn, you're up.
Over.
You idiot!
That's the left side!
Don't you even know your
right from your left?
Yes, uh, I got it!
I'm so sorry!
You can't cross that crevasse on the
left! Go around to the right!
To the right!
Yes, uh, I'll give it a try!
That's not it, damn it!
How many times do I have to tell you?!
- You acorn!
- Leader!
Uemura's a timid guy.
If you yell too much,
he just shuts down.
Acorn, listen.
Once you cross that crevasse,
and get over that ice wall,
the summit is practically yours!
Hirayama, it's bad. The fog's rolling in!
We can't see the summit!
No good.
We can't see a thing.
If the weather worsens, it'll be dangerous.
We should have Uemura's team turn back.
It's been ten hours since
they set out...
Should we call it off?
Second Camp?
Second Camp? Over.
- This is Second Camp, over!
- Ah, Leader, it's Uemura.
The ice is too hard,
my tools can't bite in.
Uh, we just can't climb the
last twenty meters.
I'm sorry! Over.
Acorn, you made it that far,
and now you're whining?!
Back on Manaslu, we climbed
for twenty two straight hours,
and took the summit!
Once you get past that ice wall,
traverse left, reach the couloir,
and, in one more hour,
you'll be at the top! Keep going!
Mr. Uemura!
Mr. Uemura!
If I give up here, I'll regret
it for the rest of my life.
It's been two hours since
we lost contact.
Summit team, respond.
Respond!
Fujino, watch things here.
I'm going to help them.
Wait, Leader!
You can't leave your post!
- I'll go!
- But your body...
I can make it as far as
the summit camp.
I'll contact Ogawa and
Hirayama to go with me.
- But...
- Hey!
Uh, we're late.
I'm so sorry!
We did it!
Uemura! You did it?
You climbed it?
We climbed it!
Uh, right now...
We're at the summit!
Uemura, congratulations!
Uemura, thank you!
Uh, I thought I should've
reported on the way,
but even taking the radio out
of my pack was too much.
Sorry to have worried you!
Idiot!
Who'd ever worry about you?!
I'll put Pemba on.
Say something.
Yes.
Can you hear me?
How are you doing?
We managed to climb it.
We did it.
- We did it!
- We did it!
If it's in Kanda, then the
university must be Meiji
Hey! The mail runner's here!
We've got mail!
Main camp (5.000 m)
Hey, look at this!
"Unclimbed peak Gyachung
Kang conquered!"
- We did it!
- Great job, what a success!
It's Uemura from the Meiji
University team!
Acorn, when you get back to
Japan, you'll be a star!
Right!
Hey, who's this supposed to be?
- That's you.
- This? That's me?
Then, this one's you, Leader?
I'm sorry! Forgive me!
I didn't put in any money.
Didn't help with preparations.
I didn't do anything.
And yet...
I still ended up climbing.
I'm really sorry.
You idiot!
Without you, we would've failed!
No, even without me, someone
else would've made it.
But still, I climbed...
I'm truly, truly sorry!
Uemura, we climbed that mountain
together. All of us, as one team.
But it was just my name and
photo that were published...
Uh, I can't go back to Japan.
I'll return to France.
Accorn, when we get back to Japan,
the reporters will be waiting for us.
How can we hold a press conference
without the summit climber?
Right!
You'll make us look bad, man.
No, that's not what I meant!
Not at all!
I just... Please, don't make me go
back to Japan. I'm begging you.
Is India in that direction?
- Yes, it is.
- Thank you!
I had no money left,
so I walked from Kathmandu
to Delhi in India,
then took a train to Bombay.
- And finally got on this ship.
- How far did you walk?
Let me see.
About 900 kilometers, I'd say.
Naomi! Naomi, what happened?
Naomi!
Help me!
Don't you have any money?
I promise I'll pay when
I'm healed.
Give me three months.
If you don't pay, I'll have to contact
the Japanese embassy.
Guess I'll be deported...
Naomi!
I'm glad you recovered!
Thank you... Thank you...
Thank you so much for paying
my hospital bill.
I'll definitely work and pay you
back. Really, thank you.
What's wrong, Kimiko?
Crying over a book?
That's right, she keeps crying
and laughing,
saying "what a strange man!", while
reading it. I wonder what book it is.
The following summer, 1966,
he made a solo ascent
of Mont Blanc (4.807 m),
the highest peak in Europe
That autumn, another solo ascent
of Kilimanjaro (5.895 m),
the highest peak in Africa
Thank you truly for taking care of
me these past three years.
Hey, crybaby, let's say
goodbye with a smile.
In January 1968,
he made a solo ascent
of Aconcagua (6.960 m),
the highest peak in South America
In September that same year,
he set out
to climb Mount McKinley,
the highest peak in North America
but his dream was denied
due to regulations
prohibiting solo climbs
In October, after four and a half
years abroad, he returned to Japan
If he'd died in the mountains, that'd
be one thing, but a traffic accident?
Why did he have to die?
I... I came back just to hear
your mountain stories...
That was the only thing I
was looking forward to.
When I wrote that letter about
floating down the Amazon on a raft,
you sent a telegram saying,
"Don't do something that stupid!"
I was scared of the Amazon!
I was really terrified.
It's just ridiculous.
Here I am, doing all these
stupid things and surviving,
and you, who stayed in Japan,
end up dead!
It's ridiculous!
Isn't that a stupid thing to happen?
It's not right!
So, what happened, then?
Well, the Aconcagua climbing
office looked at my gear.
They said a solo climb was too
dangerous and denied permission.
If you think your gloves are too thin,
you can use your socks like this.
They'll work as gloves!
When it's cold,
I wear a sweater like this.
The key to success in a solo climb is to
carry as little as possible like this.
Oh, thank you!
Wanted to prove the jokers wrong,
so I climbed Aconcagua
in 15 hours.
15 hours?!
Really?
- Everyone said that. No one believed me.
- You're lucky, huh?
You can climb any mountain
whenever you want.
What's wrong?
Well, living like a drifter,
I can't keep doing it forever.
I think I should get a proper
job like you guys.
And climb mountains in between.
That's how normal people live.
What is it?
- What's so funny?
- Well, you know,
you think you can live a normal life?
Hey, am I really that abnormal?
- Is it done, Mr. Uemura?
- Almost there.
Oh no!
This will mess up our schedule.
- Fine! I'll do it.
- Ah, no, let me do it!
- No.
- Ah, sorry.
Hey, Uemura!
- What's wrong? Stop the line!
- I'm sorry!
In the end, the only job
that suited me was this.
Uemura-san! A telegram!
Telegram.
Oh, I'm sorry...
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- A telegram for you.
Thank you very much.
"Come as soon as you can."
Signed, Nagatsuka.
- Huh? Everest?!
- Yeah.
Finally, Japan can go, too.
So, we decided to send
a reconnaissance team.
Oh, right.
It takes half a year for the
reconnaissance and another half to climb.
Not many people can take
that much time off.
Oh, I'm free.
I can go anytime.
I heard you got a
proper job now.
- Guess that wasn't true?
- Right, that was just a joke.
Khumbu village, at the
base of Mount Everest
Hey, Pemba!
Hey!
I'm back!
In 1970, the Japan Mountaineering
Association
attempted to climb Everest
for the first time
Mount Everest (8.848 m)
Base Camp (5.350m)
- Rescue team, let's go!
- Go back!
Hey! Once you're ready,
follow me! Hurry!
- Quick!
- Quick!
If the avalanche had come twenty minutes
earlier, I'd have been the one caught.
Uemura, look out!
Are you all right?
Are you all right?
Slowly, slowly...
- Hey, is he okay?
- He's breathing. Where's the doctor?
Uh, in the command tent.
What happened?
Something wrong?
Narumi...
He's dead.
Accidents keep happening, and
altitude sickness has hit hard.
Should we keep climbing,
or call it off?
I want to hear everyone's thoughts.
The one who'd want to go on most is
probably Narumi, the one who died.
Uemura, what do you think?
I agree with Hirayama.
- I agree! Let's do it!
- Let's climb!
Let's go! Let's climb!
On May 11, 1970,
Naomi Uemura and Teruo Matsuura
were chosen
for the Southeast Ridge
summit team
We did it! We did it!
The two men became the
first Japanese
to conquer the world's
highest peak
- Hurrah!
- Hurrah!
This is the summit team.
We did it, we've reached the summit!
Matsuura! Uemura!
You made it.
Thank you.
- Well done!
- All right!
They did it!
We've conquered it!
Furthermore, Katsutoshi Hirabayashi
and the Sherpa Chotaley
succeeded in the second
summit attack
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
Leader!
Out of 41 members,
only three reached the summit.
Only three!
Why let Chotaley go up
and not one of us?
The Sherpas suffered
with us, too.
It's only natural to have
them represented.
But still, you didn't have
to pick that lazy Chotaley.
For him, we took on debt,
risked our jobs,
I didn't come to Everest for that!
Cut it out!
Our Leader thought long and hard
before choosing the summit team.
What good does that do?
Was Uemura picked because
he's your junior?!
- That's favoritism, Leader!
- Stop it!
Stop it! Stop it!
Kataoka!
- Can't you listen to me? You fool!
- Just hit me!
- If you're going to fight...
- Everyone, stop!
The Sherpa are looking at us
like we're fools!
Stop it now!
Three months later,
Naomi Uemura showed up
at the Mount McKinley
climbing office
In August 1970, he solo-climbed
Mount McKinley (6.194 m),
finally conquering the highest peaks
on all five continents
The following April, 1971,
he was one of only two Japanese
climbers selected
to join an international
Everest expedition
made up of the world's
top mountaineers
Sudo!
Yes?
Are you all right?
I am all right!
South Face Team,
Camp 5 (8.100 m)
South Face Team,
Camp 4 (7.700 m)
Sudo, I'll go down there and
check on the supplies.
It's too dangerous to move any
further without oxygen.
I know, but if we just wait here,
we don't know when they'll arrive.
I'm going.
Trust me, if you try to help him,
you'll die, too.
Look at my hands.
They're frostbitten.
My feet, too.
Magino!
Magino!
Are you all right, Magino?
Magino!
Naomi...
Why?
Why do you go so far for such
a selfish British team?
When I was chosen for the
international expedition,
I thought I'd just be a
cog in the machine.
- Here's some coffee.
- Ah, thank you.
Ah, so delicious.
Mr. Uemura, what will you
do from now on?
I think I've lost interest
in mountain climbing.
Why is that?
After climbing Everest, other mountains
seem less appealing, don't they?
I suppose that's true...
Still, you can't climb Everest
alone, can you?
I guess I'm just not cut out for
climbing with big groups.
And then, Naomi Uemura
shifted his goal
from mountain climbing to
polar exploration
Sorry that it took so long.
So, here's the photos and
diary I promised.
Oh, thank you.
Well, uh, I actually have a request.
- The advance payment is ready.
- No, that's not it.
Actually, I feel I'm still not fully trained
for the dog-sled Antarctic crossing.
So, this time,
I was thinking...
Jakobshavn in Greenland,
through Canada, and all the way to
this place in Alaska, Kobuk
I want to try crossing
it by dog sled.
- How far is that?
- Uh, about 12.000 kilometers.
- 12.000 kilometers?
- Yes.
Well, I think it would
take two winters.
So, Mr. Wakita, I was wondering
if your company
might be able to support me?
- How much do you think it would cost?
- Uh, around six million yen.
Six million, huh?
Hello!
Ah, Miss Kimiko.
Hello!
- What were you thinking about?
- Oh, nothing.
You looked like a lost child.
Uh, sorry about that.
There's no need to apologize.
- I read your book.
- Oh, all of it?
Yes, all of it.
- It was interesting, thank you.
- No, it's not a very good book.
- But thanks for reading it.
- It's fine.
Are piranhas tasty?
Yes, actually, they are.
The locals won't eat them since
they eat people,
but I ran out of food,
so I decided to grill one and try it.
And, surprisingly, for a river
fish, the meat was firm,
and quite delicious.
But the best thing I've ever
eaten is raw seal meat.
Ew! You eat it raw?
Uh, well,in the Arctic
it's very cold.
You can't grow any
vegetables or anything.
So, unless you eat raw meat,
you will get scurvy.
Oh, I see.
Out of necessity, then.
Exactly, that's right.
- Here, if you'd like, have this.
-Thank you.
The Eskimo people have lived in
the Arctic for thousands of years,
so they have a great amount of knowledge
and experience about survival there.
In winter, the sun never rises,
and from April on, it never sets,
so there's no real distinction
between day and night.
So, they live completely free
from clocks or time.
You eat when you're hungry,
and sleep when you feel like it.
I see.
They live just as nature intends.
Exactly, that's right.
Would you like to go see
a movie sometime?
- Really?
- Yes.
- I love movies.
- Oh, you do?
Yes.
What? You're getting married?!
Don't yell it out.
But if you get married,
how'll you support her?
Well, whatever job I do,
I can at least support one woman.
Then, you're quitting climbing
and polar expeditions, right?
- What? Why would I?
- You still don't get it, do you?
Listen, if you're barely making
enough to feed your wife,
how will you even afford time
or money to roam the Arctic?
You're still lost in your
mountain dreams,
but life in Japan isn't that easy.
Maybe so, but I want to marry
her and go to the poles.
- Why can't I do both?
- Does she know what she's getting into?
Well, not yet.
I haven't proposed to her.
Last night, Mr. Uemura...
- What about him?
- He came by around six,
and asked, "Is Kimiko coming?".
I said, "She'll come eventually."
"She's not here yet!", he kept saying,
and waited over there past nine.
He waited three hours?
What's wrong?
What do you mean?
Usually you'd say your trademark,
"Oh, stop it, Auntie!", but not today.
Well...
Mr. Uemura seems lonely,
doesn't he?
Whenever I look at him, I just feel
like I want to take care of him.
- You, too, Auntie?
- You bet!
He brings out my motherly
instincts.
Thank you so much
for all your help.
The company backed it because a 12.000 km
Arctic dogsled trip's a great project.
Yes, thanks to that I've got a new goal
to aim for. Thank you very much.
Uh, my name's Uemura.
Is Kimiko there?
When I'm climbing mountains or
running the dogsled,
I really feel alive.
But, when I come back to Japan,
I feel like I don't belong anywhere.
I even forget how to
talk to people.
So, what I mean is...
When I'm in Japan, I wish you
could be by my side, Kimiko.
No, actually, not just in Japan.
Even when I'm abroad,
I'm often terrified.
At those times, if I could
just think of you...
I feel like I could be braver.
- Do you want to elope with me?
- Huh?
- "Zero in favor, everyone opposed."
- Huh, what do you mean?
Your proposal.
I've always been sickly,
sheltered all my life.
I don't know anything about the world.
I'm half-baked, you see.
No, Kimiko, I'm the same way.
I can't seem to live a
normal life either.
See?
A marriage between two half-baked people...
Of course everyone will be against it.
Thank you very much.
- Say, Mom.
- Huh?
If there's a person who truly wants
me, maybe I should do it.
Getting married, I mean.
Is there someone like that?
If I take care of my health, I might be
able to manage as a wife, right?
That mountain-climbing fellow?
Yes.
Can he make a living? He doesn't
even have a steady job, does he?
He writes books.
He lives off that?
I always thought I'd just
stay here forever,
a burden to you and my brother.
Who said you were a burden?
You're my daughter,
aren't you?
Even I have the right to
be a bride, don't I?
Of course you do.
But I'm still worried, you know.
Book royalties aren't
reliable income.
And a man who's always risking
his life like that,
I can already see how
much you'll suffer.
It was the first time someone ever
said "I really want you" to me.
I was so happy. I never dreamed
something like that would happen.
That someone in this world
would say they want me,
that they want me
by their side...
I'm sorry, Mom.
Sorry for worrying you.
There's nothing to apologize for.
It's something to celebrate.
I'm happy for you!
Even if I die,
my name will live on!
The proud name of Meiji
University will live on!
And while we're at it,
Kimiko's name, too!
- Mrs. Kimiko!
- Yes?
Uemura's planning a 12.000 kilometer
dogsled trip from Greenland to Canada,
and Alaska this winter, right?
Hey, idiot, cut it out.
Not here...
I haven't heard the details yet,
but I'm sure he'll tell me eventually...
That's not all. Once he gets an
idea in his head, he goes for it.
No one ever knows where he
is or what he's doing.
On top of that, he has no job or money.
But if he wants to do something, he just does it.
- Mrs. Kimiko!
- Yes?
You'll have a hard life.
He won't be able to feed you.
Are you okay with that?
Yes! I'm ready for it.
I'll follow him anywhere!
He left so easily, didn't he?
It is like he had no
regrets about leaving.
To him, maybe doing this
feels like going home.
December 20, 1974
Departure from Jakobshavn,
Greenland
Have you heard from Uemura?
Yes, quite much.
The wedding could've waited
until he got back.
For me,
it came just when the "wife duties" were
getting tough, so it was a good break.
He saved a little, right?
- Saved what?
- Living expenses, of course.
That's irrelevant...
I can earn my own living, you know?
Really?
He should come back home.
I've never seen such a stubborn man.
Really? I thought all men
were like that.
You're really stubborn, too!
Disperse!
Disperse! Go away!
Go away!
Go away!
Look at this!
You've tangled it up so badly!
Hey, where are you going?!
Where are you going, damn it?!
Where are you going?
What do I do now?
Kimiko!
I'm gonna die!
- Oh, Mr. Wakita.
- Long time no see. How have you been?
I'm doing well.
Please, come in.
- Oh, is that from Naomi?
- Yes.
- It's strange.
- What is?
He looks so much better than
when he was in Tokyo.
Looks like he's gotten
himself back on track.
Go for it, go for it.
Go for it.
Go for it, go for it!
All right!
All right, all right!
All right!
Hey, hey!
Let's go!
Come on, let's go!
Go for it!
Come on, little one, go!
Little one?
Little one...
Little one, come on!
Little one!
Little one!
Little one...
Little one!
Forgive me...
You've been pulling the sled
until you're like this...
Forgive me.
I don't even have the strength
to dig your grave.
Forgive me, please...
- Have a good trip.
- It'll be fine, don't worry about us.
- Take care, okay? Don't push yourself.
- I won't. I'll be off now.
Bye now.
Kobuk, Alaska
It'll be tomorrow, Naomi...
Yes?
Kimiko, come see the aurora!
Look.
It's amazing.
So amazing!
Naomi, it's so beautiful!
Kimiko, it's cold.
You should go inside.
No, I'll wait here.
Come over here, please.
- Give us a victory pose!
- All right.
Excuse me, give me a moment.
- Mr. Wakita!
- Congratulations!
-Thank you very much.
- You did it!
- Let's get a shot of you shaking hands.
- Please, not that.
- Come on, just one.
- No, no, please, spare me.
Please!
Should we kiss, then?
Don't be silly!
May 8, 1976
He successfully completed a 12.000 km
solo dogsled journey across the Arctic
Kimiko.
Kimiko, breakfast's ready.
Aren't you getting up?
Okay, all done!
- Hey, did you make this, too?
- Yes, I did.
- Tastes good?
- Yes, it's delicious.
- I'm good at both cooking and eating.
- Really? I didn't know that.
Careful, it's hot.
Damn it! I didn't risk my life just
to suffer over a manuscript!
Then, why not quit?
Don't say stupid things!
You always get angry...
Shut up!
- Don't be such a baby!
- Ouch!
You made your own bed, now lie
in it! Stop whining about it!
What's with you now?
Why are you mad?
Kimiko!
You don't have to get
so worked up!
Stop.
Stop!
- Heave-ho!
- Stop!
Okay, I'm sorry.
But stop it!
Stop...
Kimiko, how are you?
- I'm fine.
- Good.
Ah, this is good.
Really good.
- Hey, what are you plotting?
- Huh? What do you mean?
Flattery won't get you anywhere.
Come on, say it straight.
Uh, well, you see...
I was thinking...
From December, I might go
to the Arctic again.
What? You're going again?
Well, you say "again",
but that dog sled trip wasn't the end,
you know. How should I put it?
Uh, it's kind of like a continuation.
You see, for me,
every ending is just the
start of the next journey.
Don't try to sound cool.
I'll be back soon.
I promise I will this time.
Kimiko, are you mad?
Nope! If I got mad at
you every time,
I'd run out of patience
in no time!
So far, three North Pole expeditions have taken
place. Some people made it by dog sled,
each backed by their government,
and aided by Eskimos.
But I plan to steer my own
sled, with my own hands,
and make the journey
completely alone.
Now, from Cape Columbia to the
Pole is about 800 kilometers.
After traveling 12.000 kilometers
by dog sled two years ago,
that distance felt a
little short to me.
So, I thought, why not cross Greenland
from north to south by dog sled instead?
That's a distance of 3.000 km, about the
same as crossing the Antarctic continent.
What's more, the inland ice sheet
of Greenland is completely unexplored.
No one has ever set foot there.
So, if I were to make the crossing by dog sled,
it would be the first time in history.
How much would something
like that cost?
According to my estimate,
about 100 million yen.
Up near the North Pole,
there's absolutely no living creatures.
I'd have to have food supplies for myself
and the dogs air-dropped by plane.
And the cost of chartering those planes
alone comes to around 30 million yen.
Does this project have any
sort of social purpose?
Like contributing to Science
or something?
Well, you see...
Uh...
It doesn't.
Honestly, it's just because
I want to do it myself.
Welcome home!
What about dinner?
I don't like this Naomi Uemura.
Hey, why do you go to
the North Pole?
Because I want to.
You go because you want to, and
you climb because you want to.
Up until now, you've done what you
wanted with your own money, right?
But, this time, it's different.
You're relying on other people's
money to do what you want.
What can I do?
It costs money!
Then, why not do something that
doesn't cost money, like before?
I can't do the same thing
I've done before!
Listen, what I do is always
something new for me.
But that doesn't mean people will
just support whatever you want to do.
If you're just going to criticize it when it
fails, then why bother doing it at all?
Don't be cheeky!
The reason you decided to do what you
want is because you wanted to prove that,
even if society sees
you as a failure,
you're not a failure as
a human being.
You have no choice but
to go all the way.
The chance of success
is fifty-fifty.
But it's amusing, isn't it?
In this concrete jungle,
in an age where everyone is just
struggling to survive,
there's a man who thinks he can go
to the North Pole alone by dog sled.
And he does it, fully aware that
it has no practical value.
Whether this project gets funded
depends on whether ordinary people see
Uemura's way of life as foolish and dismiss it,
or recognize him as a hero who makes
their impossible dreams come true.
That's the crux of it.
How about a 1.000 yen donation?
Good luck, Naomi Uemura!
Give your support today!
Just 1.000 yen per donation!
Mr. Naomi Uemura is aiming
for the North Pole.
We're accepting 1.000 yen
donations.
Those who cooperate will receive
this commemorative sticker.
In a straight line, it's about around
800 kilometers to the Pole.
It must be cold there.
What kind of temperatures do you get?
Well, usually around
minus 30 degrees.
The sun at the Pole, it is said to shine
with a beauty so fierce, so overwhelming.
Will he be able to see it,
all alone?
Why are you doing this?
You're a climber recognized as
one of the best in the world.
That's why you were chosen for the
international Everest expedition.
And yet,
you're trying to raise funds from ordinary
people who have nothing to do with you.
In short, if someone said you're
turning your adventure
into a spectacle,
you couldn't deny it.
Are you trying to imitate
a circus clown?
Welcome home.
It's not a spectacle!
It's about seeing how far a human being
can go in the struggle against nature!
It's about pushing survival to its limits,
using all your wits and strength!
If it's wrong to rely on money
or modern gear,
then mountaineering's
no different!
With modern gear and teamwork,
there's no mountain left unconquerable!
But that kind of climbing turns
people into cogs in a machine!
What I want to feel is this single body
this single mind, nothing more!
Myself, as the smallest
unit of life!
That's fine...
That's perfectly fine.
Uemura, I have great news.
Truly great news.
Yes, sir?
The American space center has agreed
to track your expedition by satellite.
Is that true?
It's all thanks to your support!
Thank you very much.
I heard Nagatsuka gave you a lecture,
calling you a circus clown...
Yes, sir.
Well, that same Nagatsuka is the
organizer of today's 20.000 yen party.
Are you serious?
So, the whole Japan Alpine Club
crowd will be gathered there.
Uh, I'm a thief.
A swindler.
Because I'm using the money everyone
contributed for my own amusement.
That's why, no matter what,
I have to reach the North Pole,
and cross Greenland.
Up until now, I've done everything
entirely on my own.
But, as my dreams have grown,
I've come to need the
help of others.
Uh...
Mr. Uemura, registered cash
mail for you.
Thank you!
- Hey.
- Yes?
- They've delivered this again...
- I see.
Thank you very much.
What's wrong, Kimiko?
"To Uncle Uemura."
"Uncle Uemura,
please do your best."
"My teacher told us about you."
"I'm sending 500 yen
from my savings."
"I think it's amazing you're trying something
nobody else in the world would."
"Please take care of yourself,
and come back alive."
"If you turn back halfway, I..."
"I'll make you go back to the Pole,
even if I have to kick you."
March 5, 1978,
Departure for the North Pole
from Cape Columbia, Canada
Temperature: minus 52C
Watch your step.
Let's go!
Be careful!
All right!
Okay, okay!
Oh, damn it!
Alert Base: Aurora Base
From Aurora Base to Aurora.
From Aurora Base to Aurora.
How's the reception?
Aurora Base, over.
This is Aurora.
Reception is good.
Uh, it's been four days since departure,
but the ice is extremely rough.
I've only managed to cover
three kilometers so far.
At this rate,
it'll be faster on foot.
- What's this?
- A radio?
- I thought I'd try talking to him.
- Did it work?
Not yet, I'm still not
skilled enough.
- Are you pregnant?
- Yes.
Really?
Does Naomi know?
I thought I'd surprise him
when he returned...
A polar bear...
Kimiko, I'm gonna die!
Damn it!
You guys are so heartless!
Do you want me to get eaten by a bear?!
Say something!
I was terrified!
You sure are insensitive!
Why didn't you tell me?!
Do you even know how
scared I was?!
A polar bear came charging at me!
Stay strong, Mom.
Hang in there!
Did you know?
He was attacked by a polar bear.
He's always getting into fights with
bears in the most ridiculous places.
- Hey, Mom!
- Kimiko...
He always leaves me behind...
Don't leave me behind, too, Mom...
If there's no one to listen to my
complaints about him, I'll be lost!
Mom!
Talk to me, Mom!
White!
You really did it!
This is amazing.
Out here of all places...
You didn't pull the sled much,
though. All right, all right.
Kimiko, what's wrong?
Kimiko!
- Are you feeling sick?
- Are you pregnant?
- Yes...
- Call an ambulance, quick!
Are you all right?
- How is she?
- A miscarriage...
I was four month pregnant...
- Take care of yourself.
- Yes.
Be careful, okay?
Thank you very much.
- Have a good night.
- Good night.
Good night.
Naomi...
Naomi...
How long are you going to
keep living like this?
Hey, move a little.
Step aside.
Come on, move.
Huh?
Oh no!
Oh no...
Why didn't you tell me there was
water coming? You idiots!
You idiots!
Move!
Move!
Hurry up!
Hey, the sled's going
to drift away!
Where are you going, leaving
me behind? You idiots!
Wait, wait.
Hold on!
Be patient!
Here we go, yeah!
Keep going!
Uemura, NASA has confirmed
it by satellite.
No doubt about it, you're at the
North Pole! Congratulations!
Congratulations!
April 29, 1978,
North Pole was reached
People of Japan,
I've reached the Pole!
Thank you very much!
Kimiko, thank you.
Thank you.
Standing alone at the North Pole,
Uemura, the world's first achiever
A 1.000 km epic struggle across
the ice fields, lasting 57 days
JM1SGM, this is JG1QFW.
JG1QFW.
Do you copy? Over.
JG1QFW, JG1QFW.
This is JM1SGM, JM1SGM.
Signal report 56. Over.
Hello, Kimiko, it's me.
Kimiko, can you hear me?
Over.
Yes. How are you?
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Uh, I heard about your mother...
My condolences.
Over.
Congratulations on reaching
the North Pole!
Over!
Thank you. I'm heading straight to
cross Greenland now. Over.
Right now?
I want to go while Greenland's
ice is still hard,
so I rushed back by plane
from the Pole.
Uh, I think it will take about
two months. Over.
Please, be careful.
Promise me that!
Kimiko, roger that.
Roger that.
Over and out.
You self-indulgent husband
Don't underestimate me.
I'll teach you a lesson when
you get back to Japan.
Greenland Academy Glacier
Careful!
Are you okay?
Don't move!
Stay still, you hear me?
Are you okay?
Don't move.
Don't move.
Hold on!
Hold on!
Flower, are you okay?!
Flower!
You hear me?
No-name, don't move!
Don't move!
Don't move!
No-name!
Why did you move?!
No-name...
I was just about to
give you a name...
No-name!
He told a reporter,
"I love my dogs more than my wife."
Can you believe that?
- Sounds just like Uemura.
- And then, he added,
"An adventurer has to be ready to leave
behind his wife and kids at any time."
How cute.
Acting all tough like that.
Maybe he actually meant it.
You fool! After falling so hard for you,
do you really think he meant that?
I can't see anything.
I can't hear anything.
It's like the whole
world has died.
A bird, huh?
So, there are other living things
out here besides me?
But it has lost its way
I'm scared, Kimiko!
Hello, Mrs. Uemura speaking.
Oh, Mr. Wakita.
What?! Tomorrow or the day after?
He's arriving safely?!
Hey, good work!
Well done, everyone
You all did great.
Good work!
Tomorrow, you guys are finally
going to be stars.
Huh? Stars, you hear?
Right? Yeah...
Hey, how about coming back
to Japan with me?
Well, I can't take all of you...
Let's see, maybe five of you?
Too late to start sucking up now, huh?
You're really hopeless.
Hey, after we return to Japan,
we'll go to the South Pole!
What do you think? You want to
go to the South Pole? Huh?
I'll introduce you to a nice lady
when we get to Japan.
She's a little scary,
but, deep down, she's kind.
A really good woman.
What? That's ridiculous!
Why can't I bring the dogs
into Narsarsuaq?
According to Danish
quarantine law,
Canadian dogs aren't allowed to
enter Danish territory.
But that's not fair!
You see, those dogs...
they ran even with when their
legs were bleeding!
They pulled the sled for four days
without a bite to eat!
No! If they can't come, then I'm
not going to Narsarsuaq either.
I'll turn back to the North Pole!
Those dogs carried me
for 4.000 kilometers!
Please! I'm begging you!
What should I do now?
Should I just go back to Canada?
That's impossible, too.
Aurora Base calling Aurora!
Aurora Base calling Aurora!
Uh, this is Aurora.
Uemura, it's been approved!
Permission granted for the dogs!
Really?
You serious?
Thank you so much!
Thank you!
I'm sorry for the trouble.
Thank you very much!
August 20, 1978
Completion of the 3.000 km
traverse across Greenland
Duration: 102 days
This 3.000 km of uncharted land
had long been a dream
of the world's polar explorers
In 1979,
Naomi Uemura was awarded
the UK's Award for Valour in Sport
and the American Academy of
Achievement Award
honored as one of the bravest
men in the world
I am no hero.
I've merely done whatever
I pleased.
To me, the true heroes and adventurers
are the vast majority of people
who struggle against countless
hardships and dangers,
just to build and protect their
lives in society.
I, too, have a wife.
Throughout all my adventures,
she has held down the home front.
I believe she is an adventurer
even more than I am, enduring far
greater hardships and suffering.
Kimiko.
My final dream is to cross
Antarctica by dog sled.
- Your final dream?
- Yeah.
Once that's done,
I'm thinking of building a school
somewhere around here in Hokkaido.
- What kind of school?
- Well...
Something like the Outward Bound schools
they have in America, an outdoor school.
A place to train survival
skills in nature,
and teach mountain climbing
and river expeditions.
But the real goal would be to build
strength of body and mind
to help people who've fallen through the
cracks of society regain confidence,
and to let autistic children play
in nature as a form of therapy.
Hey, look at me properly.
Yes?
Promise me. Once Antarctica's over,
you'll start that school in Japan.
- Okay?
- Yes.
Pinky swear, whoever lies will be made
to swallow a thousand needles!
In 1982, Naomi Uemura
set out to achieve his long-cherished
dream of crossing Antarctica
However, before departure...
Just before departure,
the Falklands conflict broke out
between Britain and Argentina,
and Uemura's dream was
abruptly shattered
Kimiko?
Uh, I'm home, Kimiko!
What?
Hey!
- Welcome home!
- I'm back.
- Give me a kiss.
- You fool, stop it!
- All right then, I'm not letting you in.
- What's going on?
Hey, cut it out!
Stop messing around!
Your husband came home
tired, right?
Oh, is he my husband?
I think I forgot about it!
Stop that...
Come on, open it.
He's back after a year, you know.
He should greet her with a bright,
confident, and manly "Hey!"
He's supposed to be reunited
with his beloved wife!
Sorry, Antarctica's not happening...
- Hey!
- Hey!
- Welcome back!
- Hey!
Oh, what's gotten into you?
You're so cheerful!
I know!
Uemura came back, right?
Too bad. The husband's spending
New Year's in Minnesota.
- Then, what is it?
- Any hints?
He went to Minnesota to learn
how to run an outdoor school.
What's that?
When he returns, he will start
an outdoor school in Hokkaido.
He'll not be going abroad
anymore, got it?
- Really?
- Yes, it's true!
Mount McKinley foothills,
Talkeetna
Uh, I just felt like doing a bit of mountain
climbing like I used to when I was younger.
I plan to reach the summit
around my birthday.
Then,
I'll head back to Minnesota,
and I'm thinking of coming
back to you around spring.
I see. Be careful on the mountain.
Yeah, see you, then.
Near the base camp of
Mount McKinley (2.200m)
The bamboo pole at his waist serves as a safety
measure against falling into snow crevasses
This is Uemura.
Current altitude, 5.200 meters.
Planning to make the summit
attempt tomorrow.
Yesterday, at 6:50 PM,
I reached the top of South Peak.
Congratulations!
Where are you now?
Uh, I'm at...
I can't hear you clearly.
Please, repeat.
Please, repeat.
20.000...
Uh, 20.000 feet
20.000 feet, right?
Uemura! Uemura!
Please, respond!
Uemura! Uemura!
Please, respond!
Uemura! Uemura!
Please, respond!
Uemura! Uemura!
Please, respond!
February 13, 1984
Hello, Mrs. Uemura speaking.
What?!
But couldn't that be some
kind of mistake?
It must be a false report.
It's his second attempt on Denali, and
he said there's nothing to worry about...
Besides, he always said he would
never die on a mountain!
I'm sorry, Mr. Nagatsuka...
I spoke without thinking.
Yes... I see...
February 14, first report of
Naomi Uemura missing
I apologize for causing
such a commotion.
His friends from Meiji University
and friends in the U.S.
did everything they could to
help with the search
Snow cave found at 4.200m
Uemura is found safe at 4.900 m
Uemura is found safe at 4.900 m
Waving to the search plane!
At Denali, in a 4.900 m snow cave!
This pilot called and confirmed
it beyond any doubt.
- He's always causing a fuss, huh?
- Anyway, I'm just glad he's safe.
Thank you for everything.
Good night.
Mrs. Uemura, have you heard the
news about your husband?
I've heard nothing.
They've been searching Denali daily
by plane, but haven't found him.
- But wasn't he discovered at 4.900 meters?
- Oh, that seems to have been false information.
- There's no trace of him.
- How do you feel about it?
Isn't it reckless to talk as
if he's completely missing?
The local newspaper clearly
announced he's missing!
Don't talk nonsense!
- Ma'am! Wait!
- Excuse me, ma'am!
A snow cave is discovered
at 5.200 meters
Without this equipment,
Naomi Uemura'a survival would
have been impossible
The Meiji University search team
discovered the Japanese
and American flags
that Naomi Uemura had
left at the summit
You liar...
Coward...
You said you'd be back soon...
Are you really going to leave
me behind like this?
Come back...
Please, come back!
Come back
Come back
Come back!
Come back!
I still believe that
Uemura is alive.
I will continue to believe this.
I always will.
If he were alive, what would
you want to say to him?
He always said, "An adventure is
about coming back alive,"
so I'd probably add,
"Aren't you being a bit careless?"
Didn't you ever oppose
his adventures?
I opposed every trip.
But he would say, "This is all
I have", and go, anyway.
Even if people tried to stop
him, he'd still leave.
Still, I was happy to
live with Uemura.
I feel truly grateful that
our paths crossed.
1965 (Age 24): First ascent
of Gyachung Kang.
1966 (Age 25): Solo ascent of Mont
Blanc, the highest peak in Europe.
Solo ascent of Kilimanjaro,
the highest peak in Africa.
1968 (Age 27): Solo ascent of Aconcagua,
the highest peak in South America.
Solo descent of the 6.000
km Amazon River.
1970 (Age 29): First Japanese
to climb Mount Everest.
Solo ascent of Denali,
the highest peak in North America.
(First to scale the highest peaks
on five continents)
1971 (Age 30): Joined the International
Everest Expedition.
1974 (Age 33):
Married Kimiko Nozaki.
Solo dogsled journey of 12.000 km
across the Arctic Circle.
1978 (Age 37): Reached the North
Pole solo by dogsled.
Solo traverse of Greenland
by dogsled.
1982 (Age 41): Abandoned planned
Antarctic crossing.
1984 (Age 43): First solo winter
ascent of Denali.
His whereabouts remain
unknown.
Directed by:
Jun'ya Sato
THE END
kagetsuhisoka
LOST IN THE WILDERNESS
February 1973, Greenland
Planning:
Yuzo Irie, Eizo Kitano
Produced by: Juichi Tanaka
Moriyoshi Saito, Gohei Kogure
Original Novel:
Naomi Uemura
Screenplay:
Yoshiki Iwama
Music Directors:
Kunihiko Murai, Will Ackerman
Cinematography: Hiroyuki Namiki
Lighting: Haruo Kawashima
Art Direction: Hiroshi Tokuda
Editing: Akira Suzuki
Sound: Yasuo Hashimoto
Sound Mixing: Fumio Hashimoto
Co-producer: Kazuhiko Mizutani
Assistant Director: Hiroyuki Momozawa
Mountain Photography:
Etsuo Akutsu
CASToshiyuki Nishida
Chieko Baisho
Masato Furuoya, Go Wakabayashi
Hideji Otaki
Eitaro Ozawa, Kei Yamamoto
Hisashi Igawa, Tonpei Hidari
Yatsuko Tan'ami, Tomoe Hiiro
Kin Sugai
Nobuko Otowa
Hisano Yamaoka
Ryo Ikebe
Directed by:
Jun'ya Sato
Hey, Mitsu!
Hey, Naomi.
Where've you been?
Upernavik.
Upernavik?
Is that a woman?
Thank you!
From Siorapaluk to
Upernavik.
A round trip of 3.000 kilometers.
If you cross the Antarctic continent,
it's also 3.000 kilometers.
It's training for crossing
Antarctica.
Where is Antarctica?
Right on the opposite side
of the Earth.
What is the Earth?
Well...
A place full of beautiful
women.
I see.
I'll go ahead now.
I'll stay here tonight.
All right, we've arrived!
Siorapaluk Village, Greenland
Foster mother.
I brought you a seal.
It's so big!
Thank you.
Hey, Mitsu!
Are you heading to
Antarctica soon?
No. First, I'm going back to
Japan for a while.
I'm sorry!
- Excuse me.
- Yes, are you okay?
Yes.
Oh, excuse me!
- Oh, thank you.
- Sorry about this...
I'm so sorry!
Anyway, I thought I'd
try to escape,
but yarn got tangled everywhere!
So, you cut the yarn
and ran away?
That's hilarious!
Welcome!
Oh, Mr. Uemura!
How have you been?
Hello, it's been a while.
Oh my!
You two...
- Thanks for the other day
- Oh no, uh, thanks.
I'm the one who's thankful!
Oh, so this is the person
that you were...
Auntie, stop!
- I'm leaving.
- I see now!
Can I use the restroom
for a bit?
- Has it been about a year?
- Yes, it's been a long time.
This is so funny.
Auntie, uh,
I'll have the usual, please.
- Have you been mountain climbing again?
- No, this time I went to Greenland.
- Greenland? Where's that?
- Uh, way east of Canada
It's still within the
Arctic Circle.
- So, it's a cold place, huh?
- Yes.
Oh, uh, my name is Naomi Uemura.
Nice to meet you.
- I'm Nozaki, Kimiko Nozaki.
- Ah, nice to meet you.
- Excuse me.
- Thank you, excuse me.
Uh, does she live
around here?
She's the tofu shopkeeper's daughter
about 200 meters down the road.
- Welcome home.
- I'm back.
Welcome.
Welcome!
- Are you tired?
- A little.
The kids wouldn't listen to me...
You've got a slight fever again.
I'll lay out the futon, so you can rest.
It's okay!
I can lay out the futon myself.
If you earn a little from teaching
calligraphy but end up getting sick,
it's better to just stay
home and be healthy.
But a sheltered woman over thirty
doesn't look very impressive.
It can't be helped.
You have a weak constitution.
Yes, yes...
- Mr. Uemura!
- Hi.
- It's been a while.
- How have you been? Come in!
- Hello!
- How do you do?
Ogawa, this time I brought some
stones from Greenland.
Here you have.
Masao, he has given you
another gift
Mr. Uemura's souvenir stones...
You always think of Masao...
- They must have been heavy.
- No, not at all.
Your elbows are dropping.
Yes, that's right.
Maybe it's a little too big?
- Goodbye!
- Yes, goodbye!
- Thank you very much.
- See you next week.
Hey, does that Uemura
come to the store often?
When he's in Tokyo, yes.
Why do you ask?
I mean, it's kind of embarrassing
to see him again.
I guess that's true.
"I'm Uemura Naomi Uemura!"
Stop it, Auntie!
- What does Mr. Uemura do for a living?
- Well, let me see...
- He climbs mountains...
- No, I mean his job.
Mountain climbing is just
a hobby, right?
Right...
I wonder what his actual job is.
Oh!
- This is inconvenient...
- Huh?
- I'll go around that way.
- Why? Hey, wait
- Hello.
- Mr. Uemura, what's going on?
Uh, I thought I'd ask
you for a favor.
- Oh? What is it?
- Well, you see...
I thought you could give this to
Ms. Nozaki if she came by to the store...
What are you talking about?
She's right in front of you!
- You can give it to her yourself.
- Well...
Oh, hello.
Uh, this is a book I wrote.
Please take it.
Yes, but...
If it's boring, feel free to
throw it away. Here you go.
Thank you!
Huh? What he said is true.
His name is actually printed here, look.
Oh, and there's a photo, too.
Look.
To Kimiko Nozaki
No way! I'm leaving now.
Don't forget about this.
He gave it to you.
- Say, brother.
- Yes?
Is there a tofu shop called
Ogawa in Higashijujo?
Ogawa? Yes, there is.
Why do you ask?
No reason.
Ogawa and I joined the Meiji University
Mountaineering Club at the same time.
On the third day, we were taken
to a rookie training camp.
Ogawa had been climbing
since middle school.
By high school, he had climbed almost
all of Japan's famous mountains.
But I was a complete beginner.
I grew up on a farm and had confidence in
my stamina, but the results were terrible.
- Uemura, what's wrong? Are you okay?
- Yes, I'm okay...
If you're okay, stand up!
Stand and walk!
Walk using your hips!
Uemura, what's wrong?!
Huh? What's wrong?
You're rolling around like an acorn!
Oh, he finally made it.
Pull yourself together!
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
- Thank you very much!
I'm sorry!
Pull yourself together, Uemura.
Don't be so sloppy!
Let him sleep in the tent.
- I'm sorry.
- Hey.
That acorn is completely useless.
- Uemura, want some?
- Yeah...
Ah, thank you.
I was so embarrassed and frustrated that
I didn't know where to hide myself.
I seriously thought that if I collapsed,
I might as well die.
I desperately wanted to
become like Ogawa.
And with nothing but the determination
not to lose to Ogawa,
I climbed the steps of the shrine behind
the dorm 200 times every day.
And whenever I saved enough
from my job, I climbed alone.
In the summer of my senior year,
Ogawa went on a trip to Alaska.
This is Mount McKinley.
6.194 meters.
About twice the height of Mount Yari.
The scale is completely different.
This is the Kahiltna Glacier.
You could never see this in Japan.
Mooching off your parents and
going places like this, huh?
- Sister-in-law, add some more sushi.
- Stop it already.
I came to this family as
a wife, you know.
Hey, doesn't Japan's mountains
look puny now?
I became desperate with the
desire to see glaciers,
and climb foreign mountains.
And, to make matters worse,
with my grades, no company would
even let me take a job interview.
Don't be foolish!
Do you know how much your brother
struggled to send you to university?
And now you want to go abroad
without even getting a job?
What kind of idea is that?
I can't even get a job, so how
can I expect to go abroad?
Why is that?
Why can't you find a job?
Naomi, what's going on?
Naomi's not okay.
He hasn't eaten for three days and
has just stayed in bed under the futon.
I won't allow it! I let Osamu struggle
enough when he was a child,
but I can't let Naomi do
whatever he wants!
Dad, you've been worrying
about that?
Naomi! Hey!
Stop being so stubborn. If you want
to go that badly, then go ahead.
But I'm not giving you a single
yen from this house.
Yes, yes! I won't be a burden
on the family, I promise.
Did you read that book?
Yes, half of it.
I really understood Mr. Uemura.
Despite being timid and shy,
he can be surprisingly assertive
and tough when he needs to be.
- He's just hopeless.
- But listen to me.
Since he couldn't get a job, he just
took a one-way ticket and 40.000 yen,
and went to America, even though he
could barely speak English.
- He's completely reckless.
- He really is.
And there, he earned about 1.000 dollars.
That's around 360.000 yen!
- Wow, that much?
- Yes.
But then, he got put in
an American jail.
- Why? Did he do something illegal?
- Yes, something like that.
He didn't have a work permit
to work in the U.S.
- What happened to the money?
- He talked to the American officials.
"I want to climb the Alps."
"I earned this money with blood and
sweat, working hard for it."
- So, they let him keep it.
- I see.
And with that 1.000 dollars,
he went to France.
Mont Blanc, Alps
- What do you think happened afterwards?
- How could I know?
He went to Mont Blanc, the
tallest mountain in Europe.
It's amazing he made it out alive.
But he reflected on it.
- He admitted he'd gotten too full of himself.
- So, what did he do next?
He decided he had to climb Mont Blanc
and started looking for work.
He ended up working at a ski resort in
a place called Morzine nearby,
but he was as bold as ever.
Here he is.
Hello, sir!
But he didn't know how to ski.
Oh, thank you!
Thank you very much!
Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Good morning.
Hi, Naomi.
Place a stake every 200 meters.
Naomi, I heard you're a very
good skier. You will lead.
Thank you, thank you!
Oh, thank you!
Thank you!
Kathmandu Airport, Nepal
- Uemura!
- Ogawa!
Hey, how've you been?
- You haven't changed a bit.
- Your legs are still short as ever!
- What'd you say, you jerk?
- This way!
You're in luck.
Miyako had to return home
on urgent business,
so you've been registered as an
official team member in his place.
But I didn't put in any money,
nor help with the preparations.
I can work as a porter
or a sherpa.
Finally, you've arrived at the
Himalayas you've longed for.
And, on top of that, Gyachung Kang.
A first ascent attempt.
Gyachung Kang (7.646 m)
Summit team, respond!
Second camp (6.200 m)
Summit team, respond!
Leader! Minma is feeling sick,
it's cold, and I'm exhausted.
We just can't climb up
this ice wall!
Over!
Ogawa, let's turn back.
The radio's broken, too.
We can't go any further.
Damn it...
Damn it!
Ogawa, let's go down.
It's going to get dark.
Minma, go back!
Summit camp (7.000 m)
Pemba, here they come!
Ogawa! Hirayama!
Are you injured?
Ogawa! Hirayama!
Are you all right?
Nice work!
You've done good!
Ogawa!
Hirayama! Ogawa!
Can you hear me?!
Leader, can you hear me?
It's Uemura.
All members have been
safely evacuated!
Leader, it's Hirayama.
We spent too much time and energy
just getting to that ice wall.
I'm sorry.
It's disappointing.
I understand. Good work,
everyone. Get some rest.
- Fujino...
- Yes?
How are you feeling?
I'm sorry, it's embarrassing, but my body
just won't move the way I want it to.
I'm really sorry.
Uemura, you and Pemba will make
the second attempt tomorrow!
Over.
But, Leader, uh...
I didn't contribute any money,
and I didn't help with preparations
either Over.
You idiot!
Who cares about that?
Are you climbing or not?
Over!
Why are you hesitating now?
You flew all the way from
France just to climb!
But, if you rest for a day tomorrow,
you could make another attempt...
And what if the weather
changes by then?!
Leader! Uemura can do it!
Please let him go for it! Over!
Acorn, you're up.
Over.
You idiot!
That's the left side!
Don't you even know your
right from your left?
Yes, uh, I got it!
I'm so sorry!
You can't cross that crevasse on the
left! Go around to the right!
To the right!
Yes, uh, I'll give it a try!
That's not it, damn it!
How many times do I have to tell you?!
- You acorn!
- Leader!
Uemura's a timid guy.
If you yell too much,
he just shuts down.
Acorn, listen.
Once you cross that crevasse,
and get over that ice wall,
the summit is practically yours!
Hirayama, it's bad. The fog's rolling in!
We can't see the summit!
No good.
We can't see a thing.
If the weather worsens, it'll be dangerous.
We should have Uemura's team turn back.
It's been ten hours since
they set out...
Should we call it off?
Second Camp?
Second Camp? Over.
- This is Second Camp, over!
- Ah, Leader, it's Uemura.
The ice is too hard,
my tools can't bite in.
Uh, we just can't climb the
last twenty meters.
I'm sorry! Over.
Acorn, you made it that far,
and now you're whining?!
Back on Manaslu, we climbed
for twenty two straight hours,
and took the summit!
Once you get past that ice wall,
traverse left, reach the couloir,
and, in one more hour,
you'll be at the top! Keep going!
Mr. Uemura!
Mr. Uemura!
If I give up here, I'll regret
it for the rest of my life.
It's been two hours since
we lost contact.
Summit team, respond.
Respond!
Fujino, watch things here.
I'm going to help them.
Wait, Leader!
You can't leave your post!
- I'll go!
- But your body...
I can make it as far as
the summit camp.
I'll contact Ogawa and
Hirayama to go with me.
- But...
- Hey!
Uh, we're late.
I'm so sorry!
We did it!
Uemura! You did it?
You climbed it?
We climbed it!
Uh, right now...
We're at the summit!
Uemura, congratulations!
Uemura, thank you!
Uh, I thought I should've
reported on the way,
but even taking the radio out
of my pack was too much.
Sorry to have worried you!
Idiot!
Who'd ever worry about you?!
I'll put Pemba on.
Say something.
Yes.
Can you hear me?
How are you doing?
We managed to climb it.
We did it.
- We did it!
- We did it!
If it's in Kanda, then the
university must be Meiji
Hey! The mail runner's here!
We've got mail!
Main camp (5.000 m)
Hey, look at this!
"Unclimbed peak Gyachung
Kang conquered!"
- We did it!
- Great job, what a success!
It's Uemura from the Meiji
University team!
Acorn, when you get back to
Japan, you'll be a star!
Right!
Hey, who's this supposed to be?
- That's you.
- This? That's me?
Then, this one's you, Leader?
I'm sorry! Forgive me!
I didn't put in any money.
Didn't help with preparations.
I didn't do anything.
And yet...
I still ended up climbing.
I'm really sorry.
You idiot!
Without you, we would've failed!
No, even without me, someone
else would've made it.
But still, I climbed...
I'm truly, truly sorry!
Uemura, we climbed that mountain
together. All of us, as one team.
But it was just my name and
photo that were published...
Uh, I can't go back to Japan.
I'll return to France.
Accorn, when we get back to Japan,
the reporters will be waiting for us.
How can we hold a press conference
without the summit climber?
Right!
You'll make us look bad, man.
No, that's not what I meant!
Not at all!
I just... Please, don't make me go
back to Japan. I'm begging you.
Is India in that direction?
- Yes, it is.
- Thank you!
I had no money left,
so I walked from Kathmandu
to Delhi in India,
then took a train to Bombay.
- And finally got on this ship.
- How far did you walk?
Let me see.
About 900 kilometers, I'd say.
Naomi! Naomi, what happened?
Naomi!
Help me!
Don't you have any money?
I promise I'll pay when
I'm healed.
Give me three months.
If you don't pay, I'll have to contact
the Japanese embassy.
Guess I'll be deported...
Naomi!
I'm glad you recovered!
Thank you... Thank you...
Thank you so much for paying
my hospital bill.
I'll definitely work and pay you
back. Really, thank you.
What's wrong, Kimiko?
Crying over a book?
That's right, she keeps crying
and laughing,
saying "what a strange man!", while
reading it. I wonder what book it is.
The following summer, 1966,
he made a solo ascent
of Mont Blanc (4.807 m),
the highest peak in Europe
That autumn, another solo ascent
of Kilimanjaro (5.895 m),
the highest peak in Africa
Thank you truly for taking care of
me these past three years.
Hey, crybaby, let's say
goodbye with a smile.
In January 1968,
he made a solo ascent
of Aconcagua (6.960 m),
the highest peak in South America
In September that same year,
he set out
to climb Mount McKinley,
the highest peak in North America
but his dream was denied
due to regulations
prohibiting solo climbs
In October, after four and a half
years abroad, he returned to Japan
If he'd died in the mountains, that'd
be one thing, but a traffic accident?
Why did he have to die?
I... I came back just to hear
your mountain stories...
That was the only thing I
was looking forward to.
When I wrote that letter about
floating down the Amazon on a raft,
you sent a telegram saying,
"Don't do something that stupid!"
I was scared of the Amazon!
I was really terrified.
It's just ridiculous.
Here I am, doing all these
stupid things and surviving,
and you, who stayed in Japan,
end up dead!
It's ridiculous!
Isn't that a stupid thing to happen?
It's not right!
So, what happened, then?
Well, the Aconcagua climbing
office looked at my gear.
They said a solo climb was too
dangerous and denied permission.
If you think your gloves are too thin,
you can use your socks like this.
They'll work as gloves!
When it's cold,
I wear a sweater like this.
The key to success in a solo climb is to
carry as little as possible like this.
Oh, thank you!
Wanted to prove the jokers wrong,
so I climbed Aconcagua
in 15 hours.
15 hours?!
Really?
- Everyone said that. No one believed me.
- You're lucky, huh?
You can climb any mountain
whenever you want.
What's wrong?
Well, living like a drifter,
I can't keep doing it forever.
I think I should get a proper
job like you guys.
And climb mountains in between.
That's how normal people live.
What is it?
- What's so funny?
- Well, you know,
you think you can live a normal life?
Hey, am I really that abnormal?
- Is it done, Mr. Uemura?
- Almost there.
Oh no!
This will mess up our schedule.
- Fine! I'll do it.
- Ah, no, let me do it!
- No.
- Ah, sorry.
Hey, Uemura!
- What's wrong? Stop the line!
- I'm sorry!
In the end, the only job
that suited me was this.
Uemura-san! A telegram!
Telegram.
Oh, I'm sorry...
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- A telegram for you.
Thank you very much.
"Come as soon as you can."
Signed, Nagatsuka.
- Huh? Everest?!
- Yeah.
Finally, Japan can go, too.
So, we decided to send
a reconnaissance team.
Oh, right.
It takes half a year for the
reconnaissance and another half to climb.
Not many people can take
that much time off.
Oh, I'm free.
I can go anytime.
I heard you got a
proper job now.
- Guess that wasn't true?
- Right, that was just a joke.
Khumbu village, at the
base of Mount Everest
Hey, Pemba!
Hey!
I'm back!
In 1970, the Japan Mountaineering
Association
attempted to climb Everest
for the first time
Mount Everest (8.848 m)
Base Camp (5.350m)
- Rescue team, let's go!
- Go back!
Hey! Once you're ready,
follow me! Hurry!
- Quick!
- Quick!
If the avalanche had come twenty minutes
earlier, I'd have been the one caught.
Uemura, look out!
Are you all right?
Are you all right?
Slowly, slowly...
- Hey, is he okay?
- He's breathing. Where's the doctor?
Uh, in the command tent.
What happened?
Something wrong?
Narumi...
He's dead.
Accidents keep happening, and
altitude sickness has hit hard.
Should we keep climbing,
or call it off?
I want to hear everyone's thoughts.
The one who'd want to go on most is
probably Narumi, the one who died.
Uemura, what do you think?
I agree with Hirayama.
- I agree! Let's do it!
- Let's climb!
Let's go! Let's climb!
On May 11, 1970,
Naomi Uemura and Teruo Matsuura
were chosen
for the Southeast Ridge
summit team
We did it! We did it!
The two men became the
first Japanese
to conquer the world's
highest peak
- Hurrah!
- Hurrah!
This is the summit team.
We did it, we've reached the summit!
Matsuura! Uemura!
You made it.
Thank you.
- Well done!
- All right!
They did it!
We've conquered it!
Furthermore, Katsutoshi Hirabayashi
and the Sherpa Chotaley
succeeded in the second
summit attack
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
Leader!
Out of 41 members,
only three reached the summit.
Only three!
Why let Chotaley go up
and not one of us?
The Sherpas suffered
with us, too.
It's only natural to have
them represented.
But still, you didn't have
to pick that lazy Chotaley.
For him, we took on debt,
risked our jobs,
I didn't come to Everest for that!
Cut it out!
Our Leader thought long and hard
before choosing the summit team.
What good does that do?
Was Uemura picked because
he's your junior?!
- That's favoritism, Leader!
- Stop it!
Stop it! Stop it!
Kataoka!
- Can't you listen to me? You fool!
- Just hit me!
- If you're going to fight...
- Everyone, stop!
The Sherpa are looking at us
like we're fools!
Stop it now!
Three months later,
Naomi Uemura showed up
at the Mount McKinley
climbing office
In August 1970, he solo-climbed
Mount McKinley (6.194 m),
finally conquering the highest peaks
on all five continents
The following April, 1971,
he was one of only two Japanese
climbers selected
to join an international
Everest expedition
made up of the world's
top mountaineers
Sudo!
Yes?
Are you all right?
I am all right!
South Face Team,
Camp 5 (8.100 m)
South Face Team,
Camp 4 (7.700 m)
Sudo, I'll go down there and
check on the supplies.
It's too dangerous to move any
further without oxygen.
I know, but if we just wait here,
we don't know when they'll arrive.
I'm going.
Trust me, if you try to help him,
you'll die, too.
Look at my hands.
They're frostbitten.
My feet, too.
Magino!
Magino!
Are you all right, Magino?
Magino!
Naomi...
Why?
Why do you go so far for such
a selfish British team?
When I was chosen for the
international expedition,
I thought I'd just be a
cog in the machine.
- Here's some coffee.
- Ah, thank you.
Ah, so delicious.
Mr. Uemura, what will you
do from now on?
I think I've lost interest
in mountain climbing.
Why is that?
After climbing Everest, other mountains
seem less appealing, don't they?
I suppose that's true...
Still, you can't climb Everest
alone, can you?
I guess I'm just not cut out for
climbing with big groups.
And then, Naomi Uemura
shifted his goal
from mountain climbing to
polar exploration
Sorry that it took so long.
So, here's the photos and
diary I promised.
Oh, thank you.
Well, uh, I actually have a request.
- The advance payment is ready.
- No, that's not it.
Actually, I feel I'm still not fully trained
for the dog-sled Antarctic crossing.
So, this time,
I was thinking...
Jakobshavn in Greenland,
through Canada, and all the way to
this place in Alaska, Kobuk
I want to try crossing
it by dog sled.
- How far is that?
- Uh, about 12.000 kilometers.
- 12.000 kilometers?
- Yes.
Well, I think it would
take two winters.
So, Mr. Wakita, I was wondering
if your company
might be able to support me?
- How much do you think it would cost?
- Uh, around six million yen.
Six million, huh?
Hello!
Ah, Miss Kimiko.
Hello!
- What were you thinking about?
- Oh, nothing.
You looked like a lost child.
Uh, sorry about that.
There's no need to apologize.
- I read your book.
- Oh, all of it?
Yes, all of it.
- It was interesting, thank you.
- No, it's not a very good book.
- But thanks for reading it.
- It's fine.
Are piranhas tasty?
Yes, actually, they are.
The locals won't eat them since
they eat people,
but I ran out of food,
so I decided to grill one and try it.
And, surprisingly, for a river
fish, the meat was firm,
and quite delicious.
But the best thing I've ever
eaten is raw seal meat.
Ew! You eat it raw?
Uh, well,in the Arctic
it's very cold.
You can't grow any
vegetables or anything.
So, unless you eat raw meat,
you will get scurvy.
Oh, I see.
Out of necessity, then.
Exactly, that's right.
- Here, if you'd like, have this.
-Thank you.
The Eskimo people have lived in
the Arctic for thousands of years,
so they have a great amount of knowledge
and experience about survival there.
In winter, the sun never rises,
and from April on, it never sets,
so there's no real distinction
between day and night.
So, they live completely free
from clocks or time.
You eat when you're hungry,
and sleep when you feel like it.
I see.
They live just as nature intends.
Exactly, that's right.
Would you like to go see
a movie sometime?
- Really?
- Yes.
- I love movies.
- Oh, you do?
Yes.
What? You're getting married?!
Don't yell it out.
But if you get married,
how'll you support her?
Well, whatever job I do,
I can at least support one woman.
Then, you're quitting climbing
and polar expeditions, right?
- What? Why would I?
- You still don't get it, do you?
Listen, if you're barely making
enough to feed your wife,
how will you even afford time
or money to roam the Arctic?
You're still lost in your
mountain dreams,
but life in Japan isn't that easy.
Maybe so, but I want to marry
her and go to the poles.
- Why can't I do both?
- Does she know what she's getting into?
Well, not yet.
I haven't proposed to her.
Last night, Mr. Uemura...
- What about him?
- He came by around six,
and asked, "Is Kimiko coming?".
I said, "She'll come eventually."
"She's not here yet!", he kept saying,
and waited over there past nine.
He waited three hours?
What's wrong?
What do you mean?
Usually you'd say your trademark,
"Oh, stop it, Auntie!", but not today.
Well...
Mr. Uemura seems lonely,
doesn't he?
Whenever I look at him, I just feel
like I want to take care of him.
- You, too, Auntie?
- You bet!
He brings out my motherly
instincts.
Thank you so much
for all your help.
The company backed it because a 12.000 km
Arctic dogsled trip's a great project.
Yes, thanks to that I've got a new goal
to aim for. Thank you very much.
Uh, my name's Uemura.
Is Kimiko there?
When I'm climbing mountains or
running the dogsled,
I really feel alive.
But, when I come back to Japan,
I feel like I don't belong anywhere.
I even forget how to
talk to people.
So, what I mean is...
When I'm in Japan, I wish you
could be by my side, Kimiko.
No, actually, not just in Japan.
Even when I'm abroad,
I'm often terrified.
At those times, if I could
just think of you...
I feel like I could be braver.
- Do you want to elope with me?
- Huh?
- "Zero in favor, everyone opposed."
- Huh, what do you mean?
Your proposal.
I've always been sickly,
sheltered all my life.
I don't know anything about the world.
I'm half-baked, you see.
No, Kimiko, I'm the same way.
I can't seem to live a
normal life either.
See?
A marriage between two half-baked people...
Of course everyone will be against it.
Thank you very much.
- Say, Mom.
- Huh?
If there's a person who truly wants
me, maybe I should do it.
Getting married, I mean.
Is there someone like that?
If I take care of my health, I might be
able to manage as a wife, right?
That mountain-climbing fellow?
Yes.
Can he make a living? He doesn't
even have a steady job, does he?
He writes books.
He lives off that?
I always thought I'd just
stay here forever,
a burden to you and my brother.
Who said you were a burden?
You're my daughter,
aren't you?
Even I have the right to
be a bride, don't I?
Of course you do.
But I'm still worried, you know.
Book royalties aren't
reliable income.
And a man who's always risking
his life like that,
I can already see how
much you'll suffer.
It was the first time someone ever
said "I really want you" to me.
I was so happy. I never dreamed
something like that would happen.
That someone in this world
would say they want me,
that they want me
by their side...
I'm sorry, Mom.
Sorry for worrying you.
There's nothing to apologize for.
It's something to celebrate.
I'm happy for you!
Even if I die,
my name will live on!
The proud name of Meiji
University will live on!
And while we're at it,
Kimiko's name, too!
- Mrs. Kimiko!
- Yes?
Uemura's planning a 12.000 kilometer
dogsled trip from Greenland to Canada,
and Alaska this winter, right?
Hey, idiot, cut it out.
Not here...
I haven't heard the details yet,
but I'm sure he'll tell me eventually...
That's not all. Once he gets an
idea in his head, he goes for it.
No one ever knows where he
is or what he's doing.
On top of that, he has no job or money.
But if he wants to do something, he just does it.
- Mrs. Kimiko!
- Yes?
You'll have a hard life.
He won't be able to feed you.
Are you okay with that?
Yes! I'm ready for it.
I'll follow him anywhere!
He left so easily, didn't he?
It is like he had no
regrets about leaving.
To him, maybe doing this
feels like going home.
December 20, 1974
Departure from Jakobshavn,
Greenland
Have you heard from Uemura?
Yes, quite much.
The wedding could've waited
until he got back.
For me,
it came just when the "wife duties" were
getting tough, so it was a good break.
He saved a little, right?
- Saved what?
- Living expenses, of course.
That's irrelevant...
I can earn my own living, you know?
Really?
He should come back home.
I've never seen such a stubborn man.
Really? I thought all men
were like that.
You're really stubborn, too!
Disperse!
Disperse! Go away!
Go away!
Go away!
Look at this!
You've tangled it up so badly!
Hey, where are you going?!
Where are you going, damn it?!
Where are you going?
What do I do now?
Kimiko!
I'm gonna die!
- Oh, Mr. Wakita.
- Long time no see. How have you been?
I'm doing well.
Please, come in.
- Oh, is that from Naomi?
- Yes.
- It's strange.
- What is?
He looks so much better than
when he was in Tokyo.
Looks like he's gotten
himself back on track.
Go for it, go for it.
Go for it.
Go for it, go for it!
All right!
All right, all right!
All right!
Hey, hey!
Let's go!
Come on, let's go!
Go for it!
Come on, little one, go!
Little one?
Little one...
Little one, come on!
Little one!
Little one!
Little one...
Little one!
Forgive me...
You've been pulling the sled
until you're like this...
Forgive me.
I don't even have the strength
to dig your grave.
Forgive me, please...
- Have a good trip.
- It'll be fine, don't worry about us.
- Take care, okay? Don't push yourself.
- I won't. I'll be off now.
Bye now.
Kobuk, Alaska
It'll be tomorrow, Naomi...
Yes?
Kimiko, come see the aurora!
Look.
It's amazing.
So amazing!
Naomi, it's so beautiful!
Kimiko, it's cold.
You should go inside.
No, I'll wait here.
Come over here, please.
- Give us a victory pose!
- All right.
Excuse me, give me a moment.
- Mr. Wakita!
- Congratulations!
-Thank you very much.
- You did it!
- Let's get a shot of you shaking hands.
- Please, not that.
- Come on, just one.
- No, no, please, spare me.
Please!
Should we kiss, then?
Don't be silly!
May 8, 1976
He successfully completed a 12.000 km
solo dogsled journey across the Arctic
Kimiko.
Kimiko, breakfast's ready.
Aren't you getting up?
Okay, all done!
- Hey, did you make this, too?
- Yes, I did.
- Tastes good?
- Yes, it's delicious.
- I'm good at both cooking and eating.
- Really? I didn't know that.
Careful, it's hot.
Damn it! I didn't risk my life just
to suffer over a manuscript!
Then, why not quit?
Don't say stupid things!
You always get angry...
Shut up!
- Don't be such a baby!
- Ouch!
You made your own bed, now lie
in it! Stop whining about it!
What's with you now?
Why are you mad?
Kimiko!
You don't have to get
so worked up!
Stop.
Stop!
- Heave-ho!
- Stop!
Okay, I'm sorry.
But stop it!
Stop...
Kimiko, how are you?
- I'm fine.
- Good.
Ah, this is good.
Really good.
- Hey, what are you plotting?
- Huh? What do you mean?
Flattery won't get you anywhere.
Come on, say it straight.
Uh, well, you see...
I was thinking...
From December, I might go
to the Arctic again.
What? You're going again?
Well, you say "again",
but that dog sled trip wasn't the end,
you know. How should I put it?
Uh, it's kind of like a continuation.
You see, for me,
every ending is just the
start of the next journey.
Don't try to sound cool.
I'll be back soon.
I promise I will this time.
Kimiko, are you mad?
Nope! If I got mad at
you every time,
I'd run out of patience
in no time!
So far, three North Pole expeditions have taken
place. Some people made it by dog sled,
each backed by their government,
and aided by Eskimos.
But I plan to steer my own
sled, with my own hands,
and make the journey
completely alone.
Now, from Cape Columbia to the
Pole is about 800 kilometers.
After traveling 12.000 kilometers
by dog sled two years ago,
that distance felt a
little short to me.
So, I thought, why not cross Greenland
from north to south by dog sled instead?
That's a distance of 3.000 km, about the
same as crossing the Antarctic continent.
What's more, the inland ice sheet
of Greenland is completely unexplored.
No one has ever set foot there.
So, if I were to make the crossing by dog sled,
it would be the first time in history.
How much would something
like that cost?
According to my estimate,
about 100 million yen.
Up near the North Pole,
there's absolutely no living creatures.
I'd have to have food supplies for myself
and the dogs air-dropped by plane.
And the cost of chartering those planes
alone comes to around 30 million yen.
Does this project have any
sort of social purpose?
Like contributing to Science
or something?
Well, you see...
Uh...
It doesn't.
Honestly, it's just because
I want to do it myself.
Welcome home!
What about dinner?
I don't like this Naomi Uemura.
Hey, why do you go to
the North Pole?
Because I want to.
You go because you want to, and
you climb because you want to.
Up until now, you've done what you
wanted with your own money, right?
But, this time, it's different.
You're relying on other people's
money to do what you want.
What can I do?
It costs money!
Then, why not do something that
doesn't cost money, like before?
I can't do the same thing
I've done before!
Listen, what I do is always
something new for me.
But that doesn't mean people will
just support whatever you want to do.
If you're just going to criticize it when it
fails, then why bother doing it at all?
Don't be cheeky!
The reason you decided to do what you
want is because you wanted to prove that,
even if society sees
you as a failure,
you're not a failure as
a human being.
You have no choice but
to go all the way.
The chance of success
is fifty-fifty.
But it's amusing, isn't it?
In this concrete jungle,
in an age where everyone is just
struggling to survive,
there's a man who thinks he can go
to the North Pole alone by dog sled.
And he does it, fully aware that
it has no practical value.
Whether this project gets funded
depends on whether ordinary people see
Uemura's way of life as foolish and dismiss it,
or recognize him as a hero who makes
their impossible dreams come true.
That's the crux of it.
How about a 1.000 yen donation?
Good luck, Naomi Uemura!
Give your support today!
Just 1.000 yen per donation!
Mr. Naomi Uemura is aiming
for the North Pole.
We're accepting 1.000 yen
donations.
Those who cooperate will receive
this commemorative sticker.
In a straight line, it's about around
800 kilometers to the Pole.
It must be cold there.
What kind of temperatures do you get?
Well, usually around
minus 30 degrees.
The sun at the Pole, it is said to shine
with a beauty so fierce, so overwhelming.
Will he be able to see it,
all alone?
Why are you doing this?
You're a climber recognized as
one of the best in the world.
That's why you were chosen for the
international Everest expedition.
And yet,
you're trying to raise funds from ordinary
people who have nothing to do with you.
In short, if someone said you're
turning your adventure
into a spectacle,
you couldn't deny it.
Are you trying to imitate
a circus clown?
Welcome home.
It's not a spectacle!
It's about seeing how far a human being
can go in the struggle against nature!
It's about pushing survival to its limits,
using all your wits and strength!
If it's wrong to rely on money
or modern gear,
then mountaineering's
no different!
With modern gear and teamwork,
there's no mountain left unconquerable!
But that kind of climbing turns
people into cogs in a machine!
What I want to feel is this single body
this single mind, nothing more!
Myself, as the smallest
unit of life!
That's fine...
That's perfectly fine.
Uemura, I have great news.
Truly great news.
Yes, sir?
The American space center has agreed
to track your expedition by satellite.
Is that true?
It's all thanks to your support!
Thank you very much.
I heard Nagatsuka gave you a lecture,
calling you a circus clown...
Yes, sir.
Well, that same Nagatsuka is the
organizer of today's 20.000 yen party.
Are you serious?
So, the whole Japan Alpine Club
crowd will be gathered there.
Uh, I'm a thief.
A swindler.
Because I'm using the money everyone
contributed for my own amusement.
That's why, no matter what,
I have to reach the North Pole,
and cross Greenland.
Up until now, I've done everything
entirely on my own.
But, as my dreams have grown,
I've come to need the
help of others.
Uh...
Mr. Uemura, registered cash
mail for you.
Thank you!
- Hey.
- Yes?
- They've delivered this again...
- I see.
Thank you very much.
What's wrong, Kimiko?
"To Uncle Uemura."
"Uncle Uemura,
please do your best."
"My teacher told us about you."
"I'm sending 500 yen
from my savings."
"I think it's amazing you're trying something
nobody else in the world would."
"Please take care of yourself,
and come back alive."
"If you turn back halfway, I..."
"I'll make you go back to the Pole,
even if I have to kick you."
March 5, 1978,
Departure for the North Pole
from Cape Columbia, Canada
Temperature: minus 52C
Watch your step.
Let's go!
Be careful!
All right!
Okay, okay!
Oh, damn it!
Alert Base: Aurora Base
From Aurora Base to Aurora.
From Aurora Base to Aurora.
How's the reception?
Aurora Base, over.
This is Aurora.
Reception is good.
Uh, it's been four days since departure,
but the ice is extremely rough.
I've only managed to cover
three kilometers so far.
At this rate,
it'll be faster on foot.
- What's this?
- A radio?
- I thought I'd try talking to him.
- Did it work?
Not yet, I'm still not
skilled enough.
- Are you pregnant?
- Yes.
Really?
Does Naomi know?
I thought I'd surprise him
when he returned...
A polar bear...
Kimiko, I'm gonna die!
Damn it!
You guys are so heartless!
Do you want me to get eaten by a bear?!
Say something!
I was terrified!
You sure are insensitive!
Why didn't you tell me?!
Do you even know how
scared I was?!
A polar bear came charging at me!
Stay strong, Mom.
Hang in there!
Did you know?
He was attacked by a polar bear.
He's always getting into fights with
bears in the most ridiculous places.
- Hey, Mom!
- Kimiko...
He always leaves me behind...
Don't leave me behind, too, Mom...
If there's no one to listen to my
complaints about him, I'll be lost!
Mom!
Talk to me, Mom!
White!
You really did it!
This is amazing.
Out here of all places...
You didn't pull the sled much,
though. All right, all right.
Kimiko, what's wrong?
Kimiko!
- Are you feeling sick?
- Are you pregnant?
- Yes...
- Call an ambulance, quick!
Are you all right?
- How is she?
- A miscarriage...
I was four month pregnant...
- Take care of yourself.
- Yes.
Be careful, okay?
Thank you very much.
- Have a good night.
- Good night.
Good night.
Naomi...
Naomi...
How long are you going to
keep living like this?
Hey, move a little.
Step aside.
Come on, move.
Huh?
Oh no!
Oh no...
Why didn't you tell me there was
water coming? You idiots!
You idiots!
Move!
Move!
Hurry up!
Hey, the sled's going
to drift away!
Where are you going, leaving
me behind? You idiots!
Wait, wait.
Hold on!
Be patient!
Here we go, yeah!
Keep going!
Uemura, NASA has confirmed
it by satellite.
No doubt about it, you're at the
North Pole! Congratulations!
Congratulations!
April 29, 1978,
North Pole was reached
People of Japan,
I've reached the Pole!
Thank you very much!
Kimiko, thank you.
Thank you.
Standing alone at the North Pole,
Uemura, the world's first achiever
A 1.000 km epic struggle across
the ice fields, lasting 57 days
JM1SGM, this is JG1QFW.
JG1QFW.
Do you copy? Over.
JG1QFW, JG1QFW.
This is JM1SGM, JM1SGM.
Signal report 56. Over.
Hello, Kimiko, it's me.
Kimiko, can you hear me?
Over.
Yes. How are you?
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Uh, I heard about your mother...
My condolences.
Over.
Congratulations on reaching
the North Pole!
Over!
Thank you. I'm heading straight to
cross Greenland now. Over.
Right now?
I want to go while Greenland's
ice is still hard,
so I rushed back by plane
from the Pole.
Uh, I think it will take about
two months. Over.
Please, be careful.
Promise me that!
Kimiko, roger that.
Roger that.
Over and out.
You self-indulgent husband
Don't underestimate me.
I'll teach you a lesson when
you get back to Japan.
Greenland Academy Glacier
Careful!
Are you okay?
Don't move!
Stay still, you hear me?
Are you okay?
Don't move.
Don't move.
Hold on!
Hold on!
Flower, are you okay?!
Flower!
You hear me?
No-name, don't move!
Don't move!
Don't move!
No-name!
Why did you move?!
No-name...
I was just about to
give you a name...
No-name!
He told a reporter,
"I love my dogs more than my wife."
Can you believe that?
- Sounds just like Uemura.
- And then, he added,
"An adventurer has to be ready to leave
behind his wife and kids at any time."
How cute.
Acting all tough like that.
Maybe he actually meant it.
You fool! After falling so hard for you,
do you really think he meant that?
I can't see anything.
I can't hear anything.
It's like the whole
world has died.
A bird, huh?
So, there are other living things
out here besides me?
But it has lost its way
I'm scared, Kimiko!
Hello, Mrs. Uemura speaking.
Oh, Mr. Wakita.
What?! Tomorrow or the day after?
He's arriving safely?!
Hey, good work!
Well done, everyone
You all did great.
Good work!
Tomorrow, you guys are finally
going to be stars.
Huh? Stars, you hear?
Right? Yeah...
Hey, how about coming back
to Japan with me?
Well, I can't take all of you...
Let's see, maybe five of you?
Too late to start sucking up now, huh?
You're really hopeless.
Hey, after we return to Japan,
we'll go to the South Pole!
What do you think? You want to
go to the South Pole? Huh?
I'll introduce you to a nice lady
when we get to Japan.
She's a little scary,
but, deep down, she's kind.
A really good woman.
What? That's ridiculous!
Why can't I bring the dogs
into Narsarsuaq?
According to Danish
quarantine law,
Canadian dogs aren't allowed to
enter Danish territory.
But that's not fair!
You see, those dogs...
they ran even with when their
legs were bleeding!
They pulled the sled for four days
without a bite to eat!
No! If they can't come, then I'm
not going to Narsarsuaq either.
I'll turn back to the North Pole!
Those dogs carried me
for 4.000 kilometers!
Please! I'm begging you!
What should I do now?
Should I just go back to Canada?
That's impossible, too.
Aurora Base calling Aurora!
Aurora Base calling Aurora!
Uh, this is Aurora.
Uemura, it's been approved!
Permission granted for the dogs!
Really?
You serious?
Thank you so much!
Thank you!
I'm sorry for the trouble.
Thank you very much!
August 20, 1978
Completion of the 3.000 km
traverse across Greenland
Duration: 102 days
This 3.000 km of uncharted land
had long been a dream
of the world's polar explorers
In 1979,
Naomi Uemura was awarded
the UK's Award for Valour in Sport
and the American Academy of
Achievement Award
honored as one of the bravest
men in the world
I am no hero.
I've merely done whatever
I pleased.
To me, the true heroes and adventurers
are the vast majority of people
who struggle against countless
hardships and dangers,
just to build and protect their
lives in society.
I, too, have a wife.
Throughout all my adventures,
she has held down the home front.
I believe she is an adventurer
even more than I am, enduring far
greater hardships and suffering.
Kimiko.
My final dream is to cross
Antarctica by dog sled.
- Your final dream?
- Yeah.
Once that's done,
I'm thinking of building a school
somewhere around here in Hokkaido.
- What kind of school?
- Well...
Something like the Outward Bound schools
they have in America, an outdoor school.
A place to train survival
skills in nature,
and teach mountain climbing
and river expeditions.
But the real goal would be to build
strength of body and mind
to help people who've fallen through the
cracks of society regain confidence,
and to let autistic children play
in nature as a form of therapy.
Hey, look at me properly.
Yes?
Promise me. Once Antarctica's over,
you'll start that school in Japan.
- Okay?
- Yes.
Pinky swear, whoever lies will be made
to swallow a thousand needles!
In 1982, Naomi Uemura
set out to achieve his long-cherished
dream of crossing Antarctica
However, before departure...
Just before departure,
the Falklands conflict broke out
between Britain and Argentina,
and Uemura's dream was
abruptly shattered
Kimiko?
Uh, I'm home, Kimiko!
What?
Hey!
- Welcome home!
- I'm back.
- Give me a kiss.
- You fool, stop it!
- All right then, I'm not letting you in.
- What's going on?
Hey, cut it out!
Stop messing around!
Your husband came home
tired, right?
Oh, is he my husband?
I think I forgot about it!
Stop that...
Come on, open it.
He's back after a year, you know.
He should greet her with a bright,
confident, and manly "Hey!"
He's supposed to be reunited
with his beloved wife!
Sorry, Antarctica's not happening...
- Hey!
- Hey!
- Welcome back!
- Hey!
Oh, what's gotten into you?
You're so cheerful!
I know!
Uemura came back, right?
Too bad. The husband's spending
New Year's in Minnesota.
- Then, what is it?
- Any hints?
He went to Minnesota to learn
how to run an outdoor school.
What's that?
When he returns, he will start
an outdoor school in Hokkaido.
He'll not be going abroad
anymore, got it?
- Really?
- Yes, it's true!
Mount McKinley foothills,
Talkeetna
Uh, I just felt like doing a bit of mountain
climbing like I used to when I was younger.
I plan to reach the summit
around my birthday.
Then,
I'll head back to Minnesota,
and I'm thinking of coming
back to you around spring.
I see. Be careful on the mountain.
Yeah, see you, then.
Near the base camp of
Mount McKinley (2.200m)
The bamboo pole at his waist serves as a safety
measure against falling into snow crevasses
This is Uemura.
Current altitude, 5.200 meters.
Planning to make the summit
attempt tomorrow.
Yesterday, at 6:50 PM,
I reached the top of South Peak.
Congratulations!
Where are you now?
Uh, I'm at...
I can't hear you clearly.
Please, repeat.
Please, repeat.
20.000...
Uh, 20.000 feet
20.000 feet, right?
Uemura! Uemura!
Please, respond!
Uemura! Uemura!
Please, respond!
Uemura! Uemura!
Please, respond!
Uemura! Uemura!
Please, respond!
February 13, 1984
Hello, Mrs. Uemura speaking.
What?!
But couldn't that be some
kind of mistake?
It must be a false report.
It's his second attempt on Denali, and
he said there's nothing to worry about...
Besides, he always said he would
never die on a mountain!
I'm sorry, Mr. Nagatsuka...
I spoke without thinking.
Yes... I see...
February 14, first report of
Naomi Uemura missing
I apologize for causing
such a commotion.
His friends from Meiji University
and friends in the U.S.
did everything they could to
help with the search
Snow cave found at 4.200m
Uemura is found safe at 4.900 m
Uemura is found safe at 4.900 m
Waving to the search plane!
At Denali, in a 4.900 m snow cave!
This pilot called and confirmed
it beyond any doubt.
- He's always causing a fuss, huh?
- Anyway, I'm just glad he's safe.
Thank you for everything.
Good night.
Mrs. Uemura, have you heard the
news about your husband?
I've heard nothing.
They've been searching Denali daily
by plane, but haven't found him.
- But wasn't he discovered at 4.900 meters?
- Oh, that seems to have been false information.
- There's no trace of him.
- How do you feel about it?
Isn't it reckless to talk as
if he's completely missing?
The local newspaper clearly
announced he's missing!
Don't talk nonsense!
- Ma'am! Wait!
- Excuse me, ma'am!
A snow cave is discovered
at 5.200 meters
Without this equipment,
Naomi Uemura'a survival would
have been impossible
The Meiji University search team
discovered the Japanese
and American flags
that Naomi Uemura had
left at the summit
You liar...
Coward...
You said you'd be back soon...
Are you really going to leave
me behind like this?
Come back...
Please, come back!
Come back
Come back
Come back!
Come back!
I still believe that
Uemura is alive.
I will continue to believe this.
I always will.
If he were alive, what would
you want to say to him?
He always said, "An adventure is
about coming back alive,"
so I'd probably add,
"Aren't you being a bit careless?"
Didn't you ever oppose
his adventures?
I opposed every trip.
But he would say, "This is all
I have", and go, anyway.
Even if people tried to stop
him, he'd still leave.
Still, I was happy to
live with Uemura.
I feel truly grateful that
our paths crossed.
1965 (Age 24): First ascent
of Gyachung Kang.
1966 (Age 25): Solo ascent of Mont
Blanc, the highest peak in Europe.
Solo ascent of Kilimanjaro,
the highest peak in Africa.
1968 (Age 27): Solo ascent of Aconcagua,
the highest peak in South America.
Solo descent of the 6.000
km Amazon River.
1970 (Age 29): First Japanese
to climb Mount Everest.
Solo ascent of Denali,
the highest peak in North America.
(First to scale the highest peaks
on five continents)
1971 (Age 30): Joined the International
Everest Expedition.
1974 (Age 33):
Married Kimiko Nozaki.
Solo dogsled journey of 12.000 km
across the Arctic Circle.
1978 (Age 37): Reached the North
Pole solo by dogsled.
Solo traverse of Greenland
by dogsled.
1982 (Age 41): Abandoned planned
Antarctic crossing.
1984 (Age 43): First solo winter
ascent of Denali.
His whereabouts remain
unknown.
Directed by:
Jun'ya Sato
THE END
kagetsuhisoka