With Every Climb, My Desire to Visit More Mountains Grows

—What inspired you to start trekking?
It was about four years ago when a friend invited me to climb Mount Yatsugatake. Trekking was just starting to become popular then. I did a two-day, one-night traverse of Yatsugatake, staying in a mountain hut.

—What was the most memorable part of your first mountain experience?
Everything, including the experiences with my friends and the time spent in the mountain hut, but the scenery was the most breathtaking. Mount Yatsugatake is a series of peaks, and from one called 'Akadake,' the view was truly spectacular. It's not particularly far from Tokyo; we reached the base in a few hours, and then walked up on our own… I remember being surprised that such a magnificent view could be reached this way. The sense of accomplishment from walking there myself was also immense. If I could have reached it easily by elevator or escalator, I don't think it would have left such an impression.

—What do you think made you want to go back?
Hmm, this applies to more than just mountains, but for example, the path that continues beyond, or another mountain visible from there – with every climb, the places I want to visit keep increasing. It's still like that. The more I go to the mountains, the more I want to visit a mountain I've already been to in a different season, or go further beyond. There's no end to it (laughs).

—How often do you go trekking?
This year has been a bit unusual (laughs); I think I've climbed about two or three times a month, both in Japan and abroad. This includes work-related trips for interviews and shoots, but even so, I go for personal reasons about half the time.

Trekking Feature | KIKI Interview

"Trekking is My Reset Button" (2)

Climbing Mountains Helps Me Find Inner Balance

—What are your criteria for choosing a mountain?
Right now, I mostly go to places I haven't been before, so I want to explore various locations.
However, if I had to pick a criterion, it would be 'places where you can enjoy yourself for a long time.' I recently visited California's Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. They have 'primeval forests' with ancient trees thousands of years old, and the power of nature there was truly immense. Although they are tourist destinations, you can walk within them for hours, from one end to the other. I also find myself drawn to trees and forests lately; in that sense, Yakushima is a place I love. The forest is so rich. I feel that Japanese people tend to be very summit-oriented, but I'm more the type who wants to keep walking rather than just reach the peak and feel satisfied.

—Do you have any specific mountain recommendations?

Hmm… Japanese mountains often have the trail leading directly to the summit. If I had to recommend one, it would be Rebun Island in Hokkaido. It doesn't have very high mountains; it's more like walking along the coast of a long, narrow island. It takes about two full days to walk from one end to the other. Personally, the scenery in Hokkaido is completely different from mainland Japan, and walking while looking at the sea offered a unique and enjoyable experience compared to my usual treks.

—Have you noticed any changes in yourself since you started trekking?
I think I've become healthier and have more stamina than before. But sometimes I'm also too tired from going out too much (laughs). Mentally, what I've realized recently is that by increasing my time connected with nature, I can remain myself, balanced and unswayed by trivial matters.

—Balanced yourself?
A feeling of being able to accept everything… For instance, when you're in nature, you can't control the rain or insects, can you? But in daily life, I used to feel I had to find a solution for everything and couldn't give up, pushing myself too hard. Recently, however, I've stopped pushing myself so hard and have become able to accept myself as I am. I also feel I've become better at managing my time. Creating a clear distinction between time for activity and time for rest. Before, I was constantly on the go and disliked having free time, feeling like it was a waste if I wasn't doing something. But in the mountains, if it rains and you can't move, you just have to wait. The mindset of 'don't do it if you can't, sleep if you want to sleep, rest if it's rest time' that I've adopted in the mountains seems to be carrying over into my daily life.

—When do you feel the urge to go mountain climbing, KIKI?
When work piles up, I just feel like 'Ah, I want to go somewhere' (laughs). Climbing a mountain allows me to return to a state of inner balance. This, in turn, makes my time in the city more fulfilling.

Trekking Feature | KIKI Interview

"Trekking is My Reset Button" (3)

I'm Hooked on "Shirt Trekking"

—Do you have any preferences for your trekking wear or accessories?
I agonize over my outfits every time. There's so much amazing high-tech gear available now, but lately, I've also been thinking that perhaps using less convenient items is okay. For example, wearing a sweater instead of a fleece in winter. People used to climb in those, so I think traditional styles suit nature well.

—Could you tell us about your outfit today?
Actually, I've recently gotten into "shirt trekking." Shirts are convenient because even long-sleeved ones are cool and provide sun protection. Thin materials also dry quickly. Just in case, I always bring one piece of high-tech outerwear. People tell me my trekking style is quite understated, but lately, many people are wearing colorful outfits, so this is my small act of rebellion (laughs). Colorful wear is cute in its own way, of course, but I'm aiming for a different direction.

—You've also brought some recommended accessories; could you show us?
First, a tenugui (Japanese hand towel). This is a commemorative tenugui from the Weston Festival, an event held annually in Kamikochi to honor Walter Weston, who introduced the Japanese Alps to the world. I got it recently. And this cup, also acquired in America recently. I tend to buy cups and water bottles impulsively, so I have quite a collection from places I've visited (laughs). And a knife. This is a French knife called 'Opinel,' which is very useful, so I carry it with me. I bought this wallet because it was cute and I fell in love with it at first sight. And my favorite is this camera strap. It's personalized with 'Between Heaven and Earth' written on it. I always bring my camera when I go to the mountains, and I've always struggled with straps. This one functions like a messenger bag strap, so I can tighten it to wear it on my back, and it detaches easily, which is convenient.

—Speaking of which, you also enjoy photography, don't you?
I always liked taking photos, but I've had more opportunities since I started going to the mountains. When I have a particularly memorable trek, I create a photo book using my own pictures. It's not about a single photo, but rather the desire to capture the entire experience in one volume.

—Finally, what does trekking mean to you, KIKI?
A 'reset button' that allows me to return to my balanced self.

—Thank you very much.

KIKI
Model and actress. Began her modeling career while studying Architecture at Musashino Art University. She is active in various fields, including advertising for magazines and TV commercials, writing columns, hosting a radio show, and serving as a judge for art events. Her book is "LOVE ARCHITECTURE" (TOTO Publishing).