08 Mar New 9a for Hirayama

Yuji Hirayama has made the first ascent of Peaceful Mountain, 9a.

Japanese legend Yuji Hirayama unsheathed the katana by inflicting the master stroke. A year after he bolted the route, Hirayama made the free ascent, posting images of great happiness on social media, where he writes:

“I send my project almost 1 year after bolting. The route around 30m long and it start from Korossaru 8a and arrive at crux V12 boulder problem. Then after that it will be around 7b+ to arrive at anchor. I would like to propose the grade 9a on this route because this route is easier than Flat Mountain 9a/a+ and harder than Hanabi 8c+ and Time Machine 8c+. Off course I want to listen the climber who repeat this route after me. And Name is… Peaceful Mountain. Mt Futago is the peaceful mountain. You can meet endless smiles, friends relationships,creativity,routes,community,freedom, and challenges. And also My name suggest 平”Hira” (peace) 山”Yama”(mountain)as well. Now I realized that the peace is really preciousness.“

At the age of 52 Yuji continues to be a source of inspiration for many people even outside the climb. Being able to climb a 9a so advanced in his career is undoubtedly something noteworthy, but the contribution that Hirayama has given to climbing goes far beyond: in Japan, for example, he is a real national hero, as well as in the USA. Entrepreneur, opinion leader and active member of the Japanese federation, Yuji has transformed his career into a real business, transmitting passion and solid values ​​through each of his activities.

From Yuji Hirayama’s IG page

Alessandro Palma