![Vol.36 “My Philosophy”Yuichiro Miura](https://myphilosophy.global/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DSC4214-scaled.jpg)
Mr. Yuichiro Miura, who achieved the summit of Everest, the highest peak in the world, at the age of 80 years and 224 days, becoming the oldest person in the world to do so. We inquired about the future challenge goals and other objectives he aims for, even as he remains aggressive at the age of 82.
Profile
Vol.36 Yuichiro Miura
Professional Skier | Principal of Clark Memorial International High School
Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1932, he graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Hokkaido University. In 1964, he became the first Japanese to participate in the Italian Kilomètre Lancé, establishing a then world record speed of 172.084 km/h. In 1966, he accomplished a direct descent of Mount Fuji. In 1970, he achieved a ski descent from the South Col of Everest at 8,000 meters, the highest point in the world, recognized by Guinness World Records. The documentary film of this feat, "The Man Who Skied Down Everest," won an Academy Award. In 1985, he completed ski descents from the highest peaks on all seven continents. He successfully summited Everest for the second time at the age of 75 in 2008, and for the third time at the age of 80 in 2013, updating the record for the world's oldest summit. Not only is he a professional skier and adventurer, but he also serves as the principal of Clark Memorial International High School, a nationwide correspondence high school with over 10,000 students enrolled.
He is the author of several books, including "Arukeba Arukuhodo Hito wa Wakagaeru (The more you walk, the younger you become)" (Shogakukan Inc.), "75sai no Everest (Everest at 75)" (Nikkei Publishing Inc.), and "Jinsei wa itsumo ‘ima’ kara (Life Always Starts From ‘Now’)" (KK Long-Sellers Publishing).
*Titles and other information are as of May 2015, when the interview was conducted.
Let Your Imagination Work on What You Love
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Incorporating the Latest Medical Science into Training
In my 30s, I had creativity and drive, which often put me at odds with the sports world in Japan. I even got fired for it. The 30s are the most passionate years. What you do in your 30s carries over into your 40s, and what you do in your 40s affects your 50s, and so on. As you age, you gradually start to feel more energetic towards everything. However, by the time you reach your 70s and 80s, your energy inevitably begins to wane.![](/wp-content/themes/MyPhilosophy/img/philosophy/new_philosophy/miura_y/_DSC4211.jpg)
Everest as My Grave
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I always do things with the thought that I could die happy if I achieve them, risking my life. Not just climbing Everest, but speed racing, skiing in the Antarctic and Arctic—all knowing that a single mistake could be fatal. If you don’t like that, there’s no need to do it. But if you aim to be the best in the world, you can’t be afraid to risk your life. If I die on Everest, that will be my grave. I believe there’s no better grave in the world.
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Professional Skier, Principal of Clark Memorial International High School, Yuichiro Miura
Yuichiro Miura and I share the same birthday, and I felt a sense of closeness to him even before we met. Seeing him in person, I was struck by how much more impressive his physique was compared to photos. During a photo session, I jokingly asked if he could give me a piggyback ride, to which he casually agreed, saying, “Let’s see? (laugh) Why not try,” and effortlessly did so. His muscles were soft, his core was strong, and his posture was excellent, like that of a well-trained person in their 50s. I really admire Mr. Miura’s aggressive approach to life. The way we carry ourselves in life truly comes back to us. Setting goals and acting towards them. I was reminded once again of the importance of having the courage to act.
May 2015, at Miura Dolphins Co., Ltd. Tokyo Office. Edited by Naomi Kusuda. Photography by Daiki Ayuzawa.