Daisuke Jugon posing with his manga “Starting Mountain Climbing Today” at Kinomata Hut in the Omote Tanzawa mountains

Daisuke Jugon, a rookie manga artist living in Atsugi City, is creating works to convey the appeal of mountain climbing to beginners and those who want to start. His manga “Starting Mountain Climbing Today” (published by KADOKAWA) depicts his seven-year journey from a complete novice to an avid climber, told from an “otaku perspective.” August 11 is “Mountain Day.” He openly shares his many failures and mishaps, hoping it will help others enjoy safe and fun climbing experiences.

“Starting Mountain Climbing Today,” published last year, is a one-year autobiographical story of Jugon, an “indoor otaku” inspired by camping anime to take up climbing. The manga humorously portrays his progression from being captivated by Mount Takao in Tokyo to tackling ridge traverses, mountain hut stays, and tent camping in locations like Omote Tanzawa (Hadano City) and the Northern Alps.

Daisuke Jugon posing with his manga “Starting Mountain Climbing Today” at Kinomata Hut in the Omote Tanzawa mountains

The manga highlights his personal misadventures, such as suffering from sweat-chill due to wearing cotton shirts and dealing with limited restroom access in the mountains. “Many climbing challenges are hard to understand without firsthand experience. Through the protagonist, readers can vicariously experience them—something only manga can achieve,” says Jugon.

It also emphasizes life-saving decisions, like his detailed account of retreating from Mount Tonodake in Omote Tanzawa due to bad weather. The book includes practical information like course maps, gear and clothing checklists, and “golden rules for safe climbing.”

“When I hit a wall as a manga artist, mountain climbing saved me.” While many climbing-themed manga focus on intense, life-or-death situations, Jugon decided to create works that share the joy of climbing with a wider audience.

Kinomata Hut

Kinomata Hut is a historic mountain lodge located in the Northern Japanese Alps, near Mount Hotaka. Originally built in the early 20th century, it served as a refuge for climbers and hikers exploring the rugged alpine terrain. Today, it remains a popular resting spot, offering traditional hospitality and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Omote Tanzawa mountains

The Omote Tanzawa Mountains, part of the Tanzawa mountain range in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, are known for their scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Historically, the area was used for forestry and as a training ground for ascetic monks. Today, it is a popular destination for hiking, with trails leading to peaks like Mount Hiru and Mount Tanzawa, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Mount Takao

Mount Takao is a popular natural and cultural site located in Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan, known for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance. It is home to the ancient Takaosan Yakuōin Yūkiji Temple, founded in 744, which blends Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The mountain offers hiking trails, lush forests, and stunning views of Mount Fuji, attracting both pilgrims and nature enthusiasts.

Northern Alps

The Northern Alps, part of the Japanese Alps in central Honshu, are a stunning mountain range known for their rugged peaks, scenic hiking trails, and winter sports. The region gained prominence in the late 19th century when British explorer William Gowland coined the term “Japanese Alps,” drawing comparisons to the European Alps. Today, destinations like Kamikōchi and Hakuba attract outdoor enthusiasts with their natural beauty and cultural significance.

Mount Tonodake

Mount Tonodake (トノ岳) is a mountain located in the Okuchichibu Mountains of Japan, part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Standing at 1,497 meters, it is known for its scenic hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Historically, the area has been a significant site for Shugendō (a Japanese mountain ascetic tradition) and is dotted with small shrines and remnants of spiritual practices.

Atsugi City

Atsugi City, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a vibrant urban area known for its mix of modern industry and historical charm. It grew significantly after World War II due to its proximity to U.S. military bases and became a key commercial and residential hub. The city also boasts cultural sites like the Nanasawa Forest Park and retains ties to its samurai past through local festivals and landmarks.

Hadano City

Hadano City, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a suburban area known for its scenic landscapes and historical ties to agriculture, particularly tobacco farming. Once a post town during the Edo period (1603–1868), it grew into a modern city while retaining its natural charm, including views of Mount Fuji. Today, Hadano is recognized for its hiking trails, hot springs, and cultural festivals, blending tradition with contemporary life.

KADOKAWA

KADOKAWA (officially KADOKAWA Corporation) is a major Japanese media conglomerate founded in 1954, originally as a publisher of educational books. It expanded into manga, light novels, anime, and video games, becoming a key player in Japan’s pop culture industry. Known for franchises like *Sword Art Online* and *Re:Zero*, KADOKAWA also operates the *KADOKAWA Culture Museum* in Tokorozawa, a hub celebrating its diverse media contributions and otaku culture.