Japanese woman who scaled the world's 14 top peaks says she wants to share joy
Naoko Watanabe, the first Japanese woman to summit all 14 of the world's highest peaks, emphasizes the joy of climbing over record-setting. She plans to return to Nanga Parbat in June with a group of amateur trekkers, encouraging them to enjoy the experience rather than focus solely on reaching the summit. Watanabe, who has a background in nursing, sees her climbing adventures as a way to escape the pressures of life in Japan.
- ▪Naoko Watanabe has scaled all 14 of the world's mountains that exceed 8,000 meters.
- ▪She plans to take a group of amateur trekkers to Nanga Parbat, her favorite mountain, in June.
- ▪Watanabe encourages participants to enjoy the journey and not just focus on summiting.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onJapanese woman who scaled the world's 14 top peaks says she wants to share joyNaoko Watanabe, the first woman to summit K2 three times, has also climbed the world's 14 highest peaksByMARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press and MAYUKO ONO Associated PressMay 22, 2026, 10:00 PM1:12Naoko Watanabe, who has become the first Japanese woman to scale all 14 of the world's mountains that reach 8,000m above sea level, poses for a photo with her climbing clothes and gear after an interview with The Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
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