50th Anniversary Conference Celebrating the First Ascent of Dhaulagiri V Peak at Okayama University

Celebrating a Milestone: 50 Years Since the First Ascent of Dhaulagiri V Peak

On May 25, 2025, Okayama University held a remarkable conference at the Okayama University Tsushima Campus to mark the 50th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Dhaulagiri V Peak by their Himalayan expedition team. This event, hosted in the institution's commemorative building, highlighted the achievements of the university's mountaineering club and provided an opportunity to reflect on their historic journey.

In 1975, the Okayama University Nepal Himalayan Expedition team triumphantly reached the summit of Dhaulagiri V, standing at an impressive elevation of 7,618 meters. At this commemorative lecture, former team members shared valuable insights and experiences from their expedition, passing down their spirit and message to the next generation.

The event began with opening remarks by Takahiro Katayama, the secretary of the mountaineering club, who welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day. Following this, university president Yasuyuki Nasu delivered a congratulatory address, highlighting the significance of the expedition and the ongoing legacy it represents.

Hiroaki Kagawa, president of the mountaineering club, presented a retrospective on the club's history and its foundational values, titled “A Reflection on the 50th Anniversary of Dhaulagiri’s First Ascent.” He emphasized the profound impact of these achievements on university culture and student development.

The conference proceeded with a series of lectures focusing on various historical expeditions and academic climbs undertaken over the years. Takumi Ishihara spoke about reconnaissance activities that laid the groundwork for Himalayan expeditions starting from 1967. Moreover, Shiro Sadakane, the expedition leader of the 1975 journey, narrated the enthralling story of their ascent in a talk titled “From Daisen to the Himalayas.” He shared logistical challenges and emotional hurdles faced during the climb.

Masayuki Morioka, one of the original climbers, conveyed his reflections in his address “Selected as a Climber,” where he recounted his feelings of honor and anxiety about the mission ahead. Further contributions from Taihiro Yumoto discussed health management for team members and Sherpas during the expedition, indicating a holistic approach beyond mere climbing.

In addition to their 1975 achievements, alumni shared their personal accounts from subsequent expeditions to peaks such as Ganesh Himal II in 1979, Tripura Hiunchuli in 1986, and Gasherbrum I in 1990. These recollections served not only to commemorate those specific climbs but to illuminate the enduring spirit of exploration that characterizes Okayama University's mountaineering initiatives.

Ishihara also highlighted how climbing has fostered international connections and academic collaborations, illustrating the profound relationship between athletics and academic pursuits. As part of the closing session, Hiroaki Yamazaki expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on the university's journey, connecting past actions with continued efforts today and the importance of supporting places like the Okayama University Alumni Association’s