The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), to be held from October 27 to November 5, 2025, is excited to announce that this year’s Opening Film will be Climbing for Life, directed by Sakamoto Junji and starring acclaimed Japanese actress Yoshinaga Sayuri.
 
Climbing for Life is a grand-scale, visionary drama based on the true-life story of Tabei Junko, the legendary Japanese mountaineer who made history in 1975 as the first woman to conquer Mount Everest. The film chronicles her arduous journey to that historical achievement and the subsequent challenges she embraced throughout her life.
 
The film marks the 31st feature of award-winning director Sakamoto Junji, known for a diverse filmography including KT (2002), Zatoichi the Last (2010), Another World (2019), and Okiku and the World (2023). To mark the 50th anniversary of Tabei’s ascent of Mt. Everest, Sakamoto has crafted a depiction that highlights human resilience and tolerance. Collaborating with him for the first time in 13 years since A Chorus of Angles (2012) is Yoshinaga Sayuri, one of Japan’s most beloved actresses. She portrays Tabei with remarkable presence and authenticity. We anticipate that this masterwork will provide a spectacular opening to the festival.
 
Climbing for Life is set to be screened on October 27 (Mon) at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival.
 

 
Director: Sakamoto Junji
Screenplay: Sakaguchi Riko
Music: Yasukawa Goro
Original story: Tabei Junko, “My Mountain Life―Up and Down”
Cast: Yoshinaga Sayuri, Sato Koichi, Amami Yuki, Non
Release Date (Japan): October 31, 2025
Distribution (Japan): Kino Films Co., Ltd.
→ Official Site (Japanese)
 
In 1975, a woman made her way to the summit of Mount Everest. Her name was Junko. She became the first woman in history to conquer the world’s highest summit. Her glorious achievement captivated the world, casting a radiant light but also a deep shadow on her friends and family. In her later years, even though she was diagnosed with a terminal illness, Junko continued to challenge the mountains throughout her life. What did Junko last see beyond the top?
 
Comment from Director Sakamoto Junji
It is a true honor for our film to be selected as the Opening film of the 38th TIFF. Although the production process of filmmaking has been dramatically altered in the digital era, the joy of sharing a film with audiences on the big screen and masterful sound design remains timeless. This film also stands as a testament to the enduring talent of Yoshinaga Sayuri, a national treasure who has graced the pinnacle of stardom for generations. I very much look forward to seeing you enjoy the film in the theater!
 
Comment from Ichiyama Shozo, 38th TIFF Programming Director
Climbing for Life chronicles the inspiring story of a real-life female mountaineer and her devoted family. With a remarkable lead performance by Yoshinaga Sayuri and meticulous direction by director Sakamoto Junji, this film earns a place as one of the year’s most touching films. I am confident that its universal themes will deeply move audiences across the globe. It is a privilege for us to open the Tokyo International Film Festival with this wonderful work.