The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival has tapped “ Climbing for Life ,” Sakamoto Junji’s biographical drama about legendary mountaineer Tabei Junko , as its opening night selection.

The film chronicles the true story of Tabei, who made history in 1975 as the first woman to summit Mount Everest. Beloved Japanese actor Yoshinaga Sayuri takes on the lead role, marking her first collaboration with Sakamoto in 13 years since “A Chorus of Angels” (2012).

“Climbing for Life” represents the 31st feature from award-winning helmer Sakamoto, whose filmography includes “KT” (2002), “Zatoichi the Last” (2010), “Another World” (2019), and “Okiku and the World” (2023). The project marks the 50th anniversary of Tabei’s historic Everest ascent, with Sakamoto crafting what festival organizers d

See Full Page