Part of the 3rd Grade East She Persisted Series

Introduction

Junko Tabei was made fun of by climbing because she was a girl. But she kept on climbing even though her family did not have enough money for such an expensive hobby. She was one of seven kids. She was considered a weak frail child.

Early Years

Junko Tabei was born in 1939 in Japan.

She started climbing at age ten. She climbed some of the tallest peaks and was a role model. All the men refused to climb with her, but she did not care. She just kept on climbing.

Life as an Adult

She set her sights on Mt. Everest .

On May 16th, 1975 Junko Tabei became the 1st woman to summit Mt. Everest. She was diagnosed with cancer and died in 2016.

Accomplishments

Junko Tabei checked off seventy six countries and more than one hundred fifty mountains off her list. She was the 1st woman to conquer the “Seven Summits,” the highest mountains on all seven continents.

Conclusion 

Junko is celebrated for breaking stereotypes about women, both in Japanese culture and internationally for climbing.

“Technique and ability do not get you to the top; it is the willpower that is the most important. This willpower you cannot buy with money or be given by others… It rises from your heart.”

-Junko Tabei