Conquering Everest: The Story of Junko Tabei

0:00Welcome to Bedtime History. Hello, this is Brec. If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe to be notified about new episodes and to get our entire catalog of episodes ad-free, you can subscribe via Apple Podcasts. Also, be sure to check out our 400-plus educational videos on our YouTube channel. We also have a new show called Bedtime Safari, so look for the link in the show notes of our most recent episodes. Close your eyes and imagine you're standing at the base of a giant mountain. The air is cold and fresh and snow sparkles under the morning sun. Above you rises a white peak that seems to touch the sky. Each step you take crunches softly in the snow. Your breath forms little clouds as you look upward, wondering if anyone could really climb something so tall.

1:00Now imagine taking that first step anyway, not because it's easy, but because you believe you can keep going. This is how Junko Tabe felt when she looked at the world's highest mountains, seeing not obstacles but possibilities. Junko Tabe was born on September 22nd, 1939, in Miharu, a small town in Fukushima, Japan. She was the fifth of seven children in her family. As a child, she was small and often described as quiet and gentle. She didn't think of herself as especially strong or athletic. In fact, she once said she felt physically weak compared to other children, but she loved nature and enjoyed being outdoors, especially when she could explore hills and forests near her home. Her love of climbing began during a school trip when she was 10 years old. Her class visited Mount Nasu, and although the climb was challenging, she felt something special when she reached the top. She later remembered how peaceful it felt to stand above the world

2:04and look out across the landscape. That moment stayed with her. She didn't know it yet, but it would shape her future. After finishing school, Junko moved to Tokyo to attend university where she studied English literature. While there, she joined a mountain climbing club. At the time, climbing was mostly done by men, and many people believed women were not suited for difficult expeditions. Equipment was often designed for larger climbers, and women were sometimes discouraged from participating. Junko noticed these challenges, but refused to let them stop her. She once said, I didn't intend to be the first woman on Everest, I simply wanted to climb. That simple desire guided her choices. She practiced carefully, learned climbing techniques, and built confidence step by step. Because it was difficult for women to find climbing opportunities, Junko helped start the Ladies Climbing Club in Japan in 1969. Their motto was powerful

3:08and clear. Let's go on an overseas expedition by ourselves. In 1975, Junko joined an all-women expedition aiming to climb Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth. At the time, fewer than 40 people had ever reached its summit. The journey was long and dangerous, filled with icy winds, deep snow, and thin air. The team trained carefully and worked together, supporting one another through every challenge. During the climb, something frightening happened, while resting in their camp an avalanche struck. Snow rushed down the mountain, bearing tents and equipment. Junko herself was trapped under snow for several minutes before being rescued. She was injured and shaken, and many people would have chosen to turn back. But after recovering for a few days, she decided to continue climbing. Her determination came not from pride, but from perseverance. On May 16th, 1975, Junko Tabe reached the summit of Mount Everest. Standing at 29,032

4:14feet above sea level, she became the first woman in history to reach the top of the world. The moment was quiet and emotional. She later said she felt deep gratitude rather than excitement. She spent only a short time at the summit, taking photographs and looking across the endless mountains before beginning the careful descent. When she returned home, Junko became famous around the world. Reporters wanted to hear her story, but she remained humble. She often said she was surprised by the attention and preferred talking about mountains rather than fame. She believed climbing was not about being first, but about personal growth and respect for nature. Junko continued climbing long after Everest. She set a new goal for herself, climbing the highest mountain on every continent known as the Seven Summits. Over the years, she climbed peaks in Africa, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia, and North America. Each mountain brought new challenges from freezing

5:19winds to rocky terrain, but she approached them with patience and preparation. One of the things that made Junko special was her attitude towards success. She believed mountains were not enemies to conquer. Instead, she saw them as partners in learning. She once said, mountains teach us patience and humility. She encouraged climbers to respect nature and to take care of the environment. As she traveled, Junko noticed that popular climbing areas were becoming polluted with trash left behind by expeditions. This troubled her deeply. She began organizing cleanup climbs, encouraging climbers to carry waste down the mountains. She believed protecting nature was just as important as reaching the top. Junko also inspired many young people, especially girls, to try activities they might have thought were impossible. She gave toxic schools and shared stories about teamwork, courage, and persistence. She reminded audiences that you don't need to be

6:21the strongest person to achieve something meaningful. You only need determination and curiosity. Even while raising a family and working as a writer and speaker, Junko continued exploring mountains. She balanced adventure with everyday life, showing that passion and responsibility could exist together. Friends described her as cheerful, thoughtful, and quietly brave. Later in life, even when facing illness, Junko continued to stay connected to the outdoors. She believed nature gave people strength and perspective. Her love for mountains never faded. She passed away in 2016, but her legacy continues to inspire climbers and dreamers around the world. Junko Tobay's story is powerful because it shows that greatness doesn't always look loud or bold. Sometimes it looks patient, steady, and determined. She didn't climb to prove others wrong. She climbed because she loved the journey. By doing so, she opened doors for others and

7:25changed what people believed was possible. Imagine again standing at the base of that mountain, looking up at the snowy peak. The climb may seem long and the path may feel uncertain. Junko Tobay showed that big goals are reached one careful step at a time. Her life reminds us that courage can be quiet. Perseverance can change history, and even the smallest person can reach the highest places when they keep moving forward.