British outdoor brand Rab (owned by Equip Outdoor Technologies) has launched ‘In the Footsteps of Banryu’, a new film that follows an international team as they fast-pack/trail run through Japan’s Northern Alps.
The production showcases the team tackling the Kamikochi, Yarigatake, and Hotaka Circuit – the same routes once walked by Banryu, the monk known as the ‘father of Japanese alpinism’. The 60km journey across knife-edge ridgelines and 3,000m peaks culminated in a fastest-known-time (FKT) attempt on Mt Yake-dake, the only active volcano among the Japanese Alps.
UK-based producer and photographer Jake Baggaley, who had visited Japan previously and dreamed of this project for years, assembled the international team. Baggaley said “When I’m shooting in places like this, I always want to work with local teams and be a part of the culture and community.”
The Footsteps of Banryu team included Japanese road running athlete Aoi Chan; trail runner and cameraman Yusuke Tannaka; UK mountain guide Sam Hill; and adventure filmmaker Matt Green.
The expedition traced paths established by Banryu, who completed the first ascent of Mt Yarigatake in 1828 and initiated construction of the iron chains and ladders to assist the climbers who would come after him.
Overall, they covered over 3,800 vertical metres, including the technical Daikiretto Ridge traverse – a dramatic, exposed section connecting Mt Yarigatake and Mt Hotaka-dake via steep, spine-like ridges with sheer 1,000m.
The FKT attempt on Mt Yake-dake proved successful, with Aoi reaching the summit a full 30 minutes faster than her predicted time.
Photographer Jake Baggaley’s main goal was for the trip to be a meaningful exchange of cultures. “I wanted to learn about the Japanese mountain traditions through the athletes we were travelling with and experience the hut culture along the way.”
