Who Is Junko Tabei? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Junko Tabei was born on September 22, 1939, in Miharu, Fukushima, Japan. Known as a pioneer in the world of mountaineering, she gained fame after successfully summiting Mount Everest in 1975. Tabei dedicated her life to climbing and advocating for women's roles in sports, particularly in extreme environments. Tragically, Tabei passed away on October 20, 2016, at the age of 77, but her influence continues to inspire climbers and adventurers around the globe.
| Occupation | Mountain Climber |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1939 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Miharu, Fukushima, Japan |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Japan |
| Date of death | 20 October, 2016 |
| Died Place | Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan |
Popularity
Junko Tabei's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Junko Tabei stood at approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall and weighed around 110 pounds (50 kg) during her peak climbing years. Her petite stature proved no obstacle in her extraordinary climbing career as she effortlessly scaled some of the world's highest peaks.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Junko Tabei was married to her husband, Masaru Tabei, with whom she shared a loving relationship. They raised a daughter named Kiyoko, who has also shared in her mother's values and love for nature. Despite being a prominent figure in mountaineering, Tabei kept her family life relatively private, focusing on her climbing pursuits and advocacy for women in sports.
Her father was a printer. She was considered a frail child, but nevertheless she began mountain climbing at the age of ten, going on a class climbing trip to Mount Nasu. She enjoyed the non-competitive nature of the sport and the striking natural landscapes that came into view upon reaching the top of the mountain.
Although she was interested in doing more climbing, her family did not have enough money for such an expensive hobby, and Ishibashi made only a few climbs during her high school years.
Net Worth and Salary
By the time of her passing, Junko Tabei's estimated net worth was around $1 million. While mountaineering may not have offered the financial rewards seen in some sports, Tabei earned a modest income through sponsorships, speaking engagements, and writing her memoirs. Her passion for climbing was driven more by love for the sport than financial gain.
Tabei helped to find sponsors for the expedition, although she was frequently told that the women "should be raising children instead". She was able to obtain last-minute funding from the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper and Nippon Television, but each group member still needed to pay 1.5 million yen (US$5,000).
Tabei taught piano lessons to help raise the necessary funds. To save money, Tabei made much of her own equipment from scratch, creating waterproof gloves out of the cover of her car and sewing trousers from old curtains.
Career, Business, and Investments
Tabei's career was distinguished by numerous records and accolades. She was not only the first woman to summit Everest but also the first woman to climb all seven summits, the highest peaks on each continent. Beyond climbing, she founded the Ladies' Climbing Club in Japan in 1969, which helped pave the way for future generations of female climbers. Tabei was also involved in environmental activism, particularly concerning the impacts of climate change on mountains.
From 1958 to 1962, Ishibashi studied English and American literature at Showa Women's University. She initially planned on a career as a teacher. After graduation, she returned to her earlier passion for climbing by joining a number of men's climbing clubs.
While some men welcomed her as a fellow climber, others questioned her motives for pursuing a typically male-dominated sport. Soon, Ishibashi had climbed all the major mountains in Japan, including Mount Fuji.
Social Network
Although social media was not a platform Tabei utilized during her lifetime, her legacy is celebrated through various climbing communities and environmental organizations. Many climbers today acknowledge her contributions through social media channels, sharing stories and paying homage to her remarkable journey.
Education
Junko Tabei graduated from Showa Women's University in Tokyo, where she studied English literature. Her educational background provided her with skills that not only enriched her climbing career but also enabled her to communicate effectively as she advocated for women in sports around the world.
In conclusion, Junko Tabei's life and career serve as a testament to the human spirit and the pursuit of dreams. As we look back in 2025 on her storied legacy, her impact on both mountaineering and women's rights in sports remains indelible.
Junko Tabei (田部井 淳子) was a Japanese mountaineer, author, and teacher. She was the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest and ascend the Seven Summits, climbing the highest peak on every continent.
